The Sale of Enslaved People on the Square in Franklin

Tonight the "Fuller Story" initiative took a big step forward at a work group meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen here in Franklin, Tennessee.  A group of four community members are working to have four historic markers and a statue installed on the town square to help tell a more inclusive history.  One of those markers relates to the slave sales that once occurred in our town - including many at our town square.  

When you drive into Franklin today and see the cute boutiques and well-manicured park at the center of the square, its hard to imagine the history that is not represented. There are historic markers telling some of the history, but not all.  At one time the center of Franklin's historic square was the site of a horror almost too difficult to understand.  Men, women and children were brought to town in order to sell them - or in some cases rent them.  Town leaders and city officials were intimately involved in this horrific practice.  The Clerk of the County Court took people as collateral on loans and then sold them when the deal went badly.  Sometimes people were sold to satisfy debts owed on an estate when someone died.  

Below is a collection of just some of the ads and notices I have collected demonstrating the ways in which people - men, women and children - were sold, bartered, and traded on our town square. 

On Monday, February 15, 1813, "likely young negroes [people]" were sold "to the highest bidder, at the court house in the town of Franklin." The court house referred to would have been a previous court house building sited at the center of the square where the Confederate monument sits today. The people being sold had been enslaved by Sally L. R. Gray and were "sold for cash in hand."

Nashville Whig Wednesday, January 20, 1813

Another aspect of slavery that occurred at the Court House was registering of deeds.  Much as people today register the title to their cars and homes, deeds of sale for enslaved people were registered in the courthouse at the center of the square.  

On December 8, 1813, a bill of sale was registered between Martin Adams, of Davidson County, Tennessee, who sold to William Hope, of Williamson County, Tennessee, the following people: Rose (about 22 years old), Billy (aged 2 months), Tom (aged 5 years), Nancy (aged 13 years), and Sealey (aged 3 years). Williamson County, Tennessee, Will Book 2, p. 77. [file 136]

Below is an example of a deed of sale for a 13-year-old boy named Lijah in Brentwood in August 1822.

Aug 8,1822, Bill of Sale for Elijah
Hendley Stone to John Holt, Brentwood, Tennessee

Often, enslaved people were distributed during probate proceedings following their enslaver's death. These divisions often resulted in separations of family members. During the April Session of the Williamson County Court in 1821, people enslaved by Thomas Adkins were divided among his family members. Those enslaved were named Darcas, Sam, Jack, Catherine, Bagby, James, John, Wat, Harriet, Booker, and Susannah. Williamson County, Tennessee, Will Book 3, p. 242. [file 158]

On January 28, 1832, "three or four likely and valuable [people]" were sold "at the Court House in Franklin.  The sale was "made expressly for the purpose of raising money to pay the debts" of Thomas Figuers to Thomas Pankey. Again, this sale took place at the courthouse located at the center of the square.

Western Weekly Review
January 13 1832

One year later, on April 2, 1833 Gilbert Marshall "exposed to public sale . . . on the public square in the town of Franklin, a negro slave named Caroline, about 9 years old."  It does not appear that she was sold with her parents or siblings.  This sale likely separated her from her family.

Western Weekly Review
March 8, 1833

One month later, on Saturday, March 23, 1833, Joseph Wallace sold "to the highest bidder . . . at the courthouse in the town of Franklin . . . One negro man named Giles" and some household goods.

Western Weekly Review
March 8, 1833

The very next month, on April 28th, 1833, "by virtue of an order of the worshipful court of Pleas and Quarter sessions for the County of Williamson" Meredith P. Gentry sold  "at the courthouse in the town of Franklin . . . a negro man aged 25 years named Harry." Harry had been enslaved by Thomas Gentry.

Western Weekly Review
April 5, 1833

Sometimes, enslaved people were ordered by the Court in Franklin to be sold in Nashville - likely because the seller (often the Court itself - as in the case below) could fetch a higher monetary price.  In April 1842, the Clerk and Master of the Williamson County Court ordered that "between 20 and 30 Negroes of different ages, etc" were to be sold "at the Market house in Nashville the following September.

Mon__Aug_15, 1842

In another case, on January 2, 1844, "the following [people]: Patsey, Sarah, Mariah, James and Patsey" were ordered to be sold "at the courthouse in Nashville for cash."

The_Tennessean_Fri__Dec_15__1843

The Chancery Court at Franklin at its April Term, 1845 issued two decrees ordering the sale of two groups of people to be "expose[d] to public sale at the Market house in Nashville".  First, on May 26, 1845, three people, "Frank, Bill and Jim" were to be sold. Next, on May 27, 1845, five people "named Celia, Lilly, Andrew, Calvin and Eliza" were to be sold.

The_Tennessean_Fri__May_16__1845

Not all of the sales of enslaved people were advertised in newspapers.  Sometimes they were advertised using handbills posted around town.  Unfortunately, nearly all of the handbills advertising the sale of people in Williamson County - which would be of great help to historians and genealogists - were not retained.  However, sometimes information about the content of those listing can be found in probate records.  The document below is an example.

"On January 2, 1854 the following slaves were sold at public auction on the public square in Franklin, Tennessee

• Tina and her children to Samuel Patton for $1,200
• John to James Fleaster for $1,170
• Patty? to James Fleaster for $940
• David to John C. Bostick for $1,160
• Isabel to John C. Bostick for $935
• Lavinia to John C. Bostick for $1030
• Sam to Y?W.? Redmond for $910
• Camial? to YW Redmond for $770
• Bird to YW Redmond for $560

 January 2, 1854 the following slaves were sold at public auction on the public square in Franklin, Tennessee

Below is the only example of a handbill poster that I have found advertising the sale of enslaved people in Williamson County.  On January 7, 1856, Sam, Felix, Phillis, Mary, Andy, and Martha were sold "at public sale, on the public square in Franklin." This sale was - like all the others - entirely legal and administered by the County Clerk and Master.

Chancery Sale of Slaves in Franklin
January 7, 1856

On Saturday, August 23, 1856, on the public square in Franklin, "a Negro Girl, named Della" was sold in a Constable's Sale to satisfy debts of F. M. Williams and James Cunningham in favor of Lyons & Co., a Nashville store. Della was sold to the highest bidder. [The (Franklin, Tenn.) Western Weekly Review, Aug._, 1856.]

Nashville Union and American
Sunday, Oct 5, 1856, page 4

Registering of deeds and sales of enslaved people happened right up until the eve of the Civil War.  In 1858, almost certainly using the labor of enslaved laborers, a new courthouse was constructed on the edge of the square. 

Slave sales and business related to them continued at this new site. This deed dated August 7, 1858 documents the purchase by Thomas Holt of Jane (23 years old) and her two children Molly (2 years old) and John (one week old). 

Deed of Sale for Jane, Molly and John
August 7, 1858

This is just a small sampling of some of the types of documents I have uncovered that are related to the sale of enslaved human beings in the square in Franklin. They span nearly the full 60+ years of Williamson County and Franklin's formal existence before the Civil War began.  And they demonstrate the variety of ways in which our most prominent public spaces and our most significant public building - the very seat of our city and county government - were the hub of this immoral practice.  The fact that not a single historic marker takes notice of the fact that in just one year 12,000 human beings were held in bondage in this County - that they were bought, sold and even killed on our town square - is shameful and it is long past time for that wrong to be righted. 

Williamson County's African American Soldiers in WW1

When World War I began in Europe, America initially clung to neutrality and did not enter the conflict for the first three years. However, on April 2, 1917, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany.  He argued that "The world must be made safe for democracy." 

Among the first regiments to arrive in France were National Guardsmen who were already organized and trained. Some of those units were African American National Guard units including the 368th Infantry, the famous 369th - also known as the “Harlem Hellfighters," and the 372nd Infantry. All three groups contained among their ranks National Guardsmen from Williamson County.   These regiments were assembled into the 92nd Division.  The next group of African American soldiers to arrive in France were those who had been drafted.  All told, nearly 200 black men from Williamson County served in World War I.

Participation in the war effort was full of contradictions for many African Americans. While America was on a crusade to make the world safe for democracy abroad, the same was not happening at home. The US Supreme Court decision, Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896 had - in a now widely discredited decision - allowed for separate but equal treatment under the law. In 1913 President Wilson had ordered the segregation of federal office workers. Additionally, lynchings of African Americans were continuing across the south - including in Tennessee. In 1917, 10,000 African Americans had participated in a silent parade in New York City to protest the violence. The following year, as the war raged, 2,000 men marched in Nashville to the Tennessee State Capitol to implore Governor Rye to intervene to stop violence against African Americans.

Front page of The Nashville Globe, Fri, Feb. 22, 1918

As the Army began drafting both black and white soldiers, the men were divided into segregated units and the black soldiers initially had to serve under white officers - similar to the way things had been done in the US Colored Troops during the Civil War. As a result of protests, the Army relented and began to train African American officers; however, these soldiers were never allowed to command white troops. 

As a result of the draft and enlistments, 380,000 African American soldiers served in the Army during WWI. Approximately 200,000 were sent to Europe. More than half of those sent abroad were assigned to labor and stevedore battalions, where they performed essential support duties, building roads, bridges, and trenches in support of the front-line battles. Approximately 42,000 African American soldiers were involved in combat.

True Sons of Freedom, Chas. Gustrine, Chicago, 1918. Library of Congress.

Black National Guardsmen from Middle Tennessee Who Served in WWI

At least ten men from Williamson County have been identified as serving in the advance troops who were first sent to France and served with French Infantry Troops. These men were: 

367th Infantry

• Lafayette Rufus Crump, born in Franklin, served in Company I - grandson of Granville and Katherine Crump, who I described in this blog post.

368th Infantry

· Pvt Ollie Epps, born in Williamson County, served in Company K
· Pvt George Kinnard, born in Franklin, served in Company D
· Sgt. Edward Lawrence, lived on Natchez Street, Franklin
· Pvt Joseph Moore, born in Brentwood, served in Company K
· Pvt Robert Williams, from Franklin, machinist, served in Company K

369th Infantry – the Harlem Hellfighters

· Pvt James Thomas Johnson, born in Franklin, served in Co G; he was killed in France and is buried there – his mother died of grief shortly after his death

372nd Infantry

· Pvt Dan Carter, born in Brentwood, served with Company K
· Pvt Richard Fleming, born in Franklin, Company K, 386thInfantry – then Co L, 372nd Infantry
· Pvt James Nesbitt, Company K, lived in Franklin
· Pvt Henry Perkins, lived in Hard Bargain in Franklin – didn’t come home on the Leviathan with everyone else because he had been evacuated to a hospital (his mother was listed as Maggie Kinnard of Nashville)

At the bottom of the post, I will list all the names of the African American men from Williamson County who served in World War I, but first I wanted to explore more deeply the story of one particular group - the men who served in "Unattached Company G."

The Nashville Globe Friday, Aug 2, 1918
An immense crowd gathered at Union Station in August 1918 to send off the black troops from the Nashville area.

372nd Infantry / Unattached Company G

The story of the local African American World War I veterans who served in Company G has been largely untold. At the time that WWI began, Company G was touted as the only black military organization in the south – the other four national guard units were from northern states – and middle-Tennessee’s African American community was justly proud of its well-drilled and organized men. 

As early as 1881, newspapers refer to African American national guard units from Nashville participating in reunions - the forefathers of Company G.

The Nashville Tennessean,
Sunday, November 13, 1881, page 1

 Later, numerous newspaper accounts provide insight into the black community's pride in Company G; they would come out to see them perform at special holidays and events.

The Nashville Globe Fri July 9, 1909 page 1
Company G had performed at a July 4th Celebration

The Nashville Globe Friday, Aug 2, 1918
Photograph of Company G in Camp in Nashville prior to the War.

February 1, 1918 Nashville Globe

In August of 1917, Company G was called into Federal Service and sent to Memphis for 10 weeks guarding bridges. They were under the command of Captain Charles Hadley, a Fisk and Meharry graduate.  While in Memphis, reports were received in Nashville that the soldiers were not receiving adequate food or supplies and not being paid. Women in Nashville organized care packages for them and relief programs for their families back home in Middle Tennessee. By December 1917 Company G was sent to Camp Sevier, Greenville, SC and then to Camp Stewart, Newport News, Virginia. 

The Nashville Globe Friday August 2, 1918

Before their departure, in the Spring of 1918, they were renamed Company K of the 372nd US Infantry and assigned to the 93rd Division. 

Each of the four segregated infantry regiments of the 93rd Division [the 369th, 370th, 371st & 372nd Infantries] were divided among French military divisions. The soldiers were issued French rations (including red wine) and equipment, most memorably, the distinctive French helmet. 

Red Hand Helmet

The 372nd was attached to the well-known French 157th "Red Hand" Infantry Division. During their time in France, the 372nd took part in the Meuse-Argonne, Lorraine and Alsace campaigns. A full discussion of these bloody battles is beyond the scope of this blog post, but I urge readers to educate themselves about the "War to End All Wars" and the trials our local men encountered.

Flag of the French 157th Infantry Division, 
with American flag section commemorating 
the service of the 371st and 372nd 
US infantry regiments 

The New York Age Sat March 8, 1919
Sergeants of the 372nd "somewhere in France" just before their offensive against Germany

During their time fighting in France, members of the 372nd regiment had the distinguished record of never surrendering or retreating and their participation in the Meuse-Argonne advance was decisive in ending the war after they took nearly 600 prisoners, and secured large quantities of engineering supplies and artillery ammunition from the Germans. 

German Propaganda Targeting African American soldiers

On September 26, 1918, James Thomas Johnson of Franklin, Tennessee was killed in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and his body was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.  According to records compiled after the War, his mother Julia died of grief a few months after his death.  He was survived by his father and two brothers Elmo and Samuel.  Samuel was also serving in France and later lost his sight due to exposure to poisonous gas.

Headstone of James Thomas Johnson in France

November 8, 1918 Nashville Globe

Private Harry Harrison, Company K of the 372nd
writing from France and sending regards to the Brooks family.
He says their motto is “Old Glory Will Never Hit the Ground”
and says the men sang the song
“What a Great Time we Will Have When we Reach Berlin!. . .”

The New York Age Sat Feb_8, 1919

The New York Age Sat Feb 8, 1919

While the men were in France, the racial tensions had not completely dissipated.  This poignant letter from a member of the 372nd eloquently articulates that while they had been fighting in France for democracy, they wondered: "Will we get our share? [All those with] loved ones fighting for democracy should pray to God that we receive what is due to us after the war is over. . . . Pray that our colored boys, after the war, will get their just division of democracy."

The New York Age Sat Oct 12, 1918

On the day of the signing of the Armistice, November 11, 1918, the regiment was at Ban-de-Laveline. How the termination of the war was celebrated is told by Sergeant Wm. J. Huntley of the 372nd Infantry, whose account follows:

One of the most inspiring scenes I ever witnessed was today about 11:05 A.M. The Regimental band played 'Marseillaise', 'The Star Spangled Banner' and 'God Save the King.' As soon as the last note was sounded, hilarious cheers, by both soldiers and civilians, were almost deafening. Old men jumped and threw up their hats, women, whose hearts were heavy from a strain caused by a relentless war, waved their hands and aprons in exultant joy and children romped joyously up and down the streets. The bell and chimes on the church, which had been previously silent, sent their resonant peals far and near. Indeed, they rang out 'glad tidings of joy.' In the meantime, the band struck up a lively march and started up the street followed by 'Old Glory', the regimental colors and soldiers, Americans and French. The scene was a beautiful blending of colors---the khaki and the blue. It seemed as if they wanted to assemble in one great family to celebrate the glorious events, and to see the reflection of their own gladness in the faces of their fellow comrades. The street was filled with a solid, slowly-moving and seething mass of humanity. It appeared to me that the brotherhood of the trenches was heralding the brotherhood of men. . . . And thus Monday. the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918, was passed.

Postcard of Ban-de-Laveline dated June 11, 1915.

For its actions during the Meuse-Argonne, every member of the regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm, one of France’s highest military honors by having it pinned to their regimental flag. 

The French Croix de Guerre

The New York Age Sat. Feb_1, 1919

Upon the cessation of fighting in Europe, the American government felt that it faced a dilemma.  Now that African American soldiers had fought to spread democracy abroad the fear was that as they celebrated and relaxed, they would want to socialize and mingle with French women - perhaps even marry them.  A letter from the "Negro Subversion" department of the Army encouraged military leaders to bring these soldiers home quickly to avert an "American race war" abroad because when it came to "contact with white women . . . the white man draws the line."

November 18, 1918 Letter Regarding the Concern that White Soldiers Will Cause an "American Race War in France"

Coming Home

In December 1918, orders were issued for the return of the men to America. The regiment did not immediately leave France, however. While waiting for transport, it was decided by the officers and men of the regiment that they would erect a monument with the permission of the French Government, to mark the ground on which so many of their comrades had fallen in battle. 

372nd U.S. Infantry Memorial

This monument was erected and the inscription reads: In Memory of the Members of the 372nd U. S. Infantry, killed in action on September 26, 1918, to October 7, 1918

Soldiers of the 372nd Infantry preparing to board ship in France for their return home and discharge in March 1919. Note they are wearing their 93rd Division "Blue Helmet" shoulder patches. One man has a souvenir German helmet hanging from his belt. (Photo by National Archives and Records Administration)

After sailing for home, the men were met in Boston, New York, Baltimore, Ohio and elsewhere with parades and celebrations. 

The New York Age Sat  Apr 12, 1919

Famous New York [African American] regiment. [African American] children gathered along line of march to extend royal welcome to their daddies of [the] 369th (old 15th New York City) regiment, as the famous fighters pass up Fifth Avenue in welcome home parade. National Archives

In Nashville, I have found no evidence of a special parade for the men of Unattached Company G.  They were probably celebrated as part of a larger parade in March 1919 for the veterans of the War.  The relatives of the soldiers needed special badges for admission to the stands to see their men march down Capitol Boulevard.

The Tennessean Thursday, March 20, 1919

In March 1919, plans were underway in Tennessee to erect a memorial to the fallen soldiers of the state from the War.  The State Memorial Commission and other groups were planning to refurbish the Parthenon in Centennial Park and turn it into a War Memorial. However, Jim Crow segregation prevented African Americans from visiting the Park and the Parthenon.  When AME Church leaders objected, the plan was scrapped and the current War Memorial Auditorium was constructed instead.

The_Tennessean_Thu__Mar_6__1919

In Franklin, a group of local women had formed the Army Comfort Circle to honor the 26 white and 6 African American soldiers who died in the War with a marker at the Courthouse. Those plans came to fruition in 1922. Reflecting the customs and values of the time, the names of the Black soldiers were listed separately (and second) under the heading "Colored."

The_Tennessean_Sun__Feb_12__1922

Tablet Installed on the Front of the Williamson County Courthouse

Although the regiment was deactivated after World War II, the 372nd is perpetuated by the Ohio National Guard's 237th Support Battalion and the District of Columbia's 372nd Military Police Battalion. Both states provided men to support the War effort.

A good resource for further reading on this topic is the book American Negro in the World War.  In addition, many documents are on display at the AFrican American Heritage Society of Williamson County's McLemore House - which is open for tours Friday and Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm.

Williamson County's African American WW1 Veterans

* = confirmed service abroad

Died in the War

- *Pvt. James Thomas Johnson, born in Franklin, served in Co G, 369th Infantry
- Pvt. Leighton Hodge

- Pvt.Wesley N. Thomas, born & buried in Franklin, killed in France

- Pvt. Richard Allen Fly, died of disease, 158th Depot Brigade

Headstone of Wesley N. Thomas at
Franklin's Toussaint L'Ouveture Cemetery

1. Beech Abernathy*, born in Maury County, lived on Natchez Street, Franklin
2. Richard Alexander*, born in Thompson’s Station, POW EscortCharlie Andrews*, born in College Grove
3. James Bailey, born near Spring Hill
4. James Baugh, born in Franklin
5. Joe Bell, born in College Grove, sent to School for Bakers and Cooks
6. Robert Bennett*, born in Triune, living at 208 Lewisburg Avenue, Franklin
7. William Berry*, born in Brentwood
8. Roy Biggers, born in Lewisburg, living in Allisona
9. Jessie Black /
10. Robert Blackburn, born in Franklin
11. Theoplis Blakemore, born in Franklin
12. Jimmie Bloomfield*, born in Franklin
13. Albert Bolyjack, born in Nolensville
14. Sgt. Andrew Bolyjack, born in Nolensville
15. Pearl Bostick, born new Franklin
16. John H. Bowden*, born near Franklin
17. Columbus Boyd
18. Larkin Bradley*, born in Franklin
19. Morris Brice*, born in Franklin, buried in Toussaint L’Ouveture Cemetery (d. 1967)
20. John H. Britten, born in Williamson County
21. Harvey C. Brooks*, born in Thompson’s Station
22. Lee N. Brooks*, born in Thompson’s Station
23. Gabe J. Brown*, born in Franklin
24. Gus Brown, born in Franklin
25. Howard Brown, born in Williamson County, Student Army Training Corp – Fisk University
26. James Brown*, brown in Franklin, POW Escort
27. John W. Brown*, born in Boston, Williamson County
28. Willie Brown*, born in Franklin
29. Thomas Buford, born in Spring Hill
30. Will Carney*, born in Arrington
31. Dan Carter*, born in Brentwood, served with Co K 372ndInfantry
32. Sam Carter, born in Franklin, wounded
33. Major W. Christman*, born in Spring Hill
34. Clarence Church, born in Franklin
35. Alonzo Clay*, born in Franklin
36. Felix Claybrooks, born in College Grove
37. Will D. Claybrooks*, born in Williamson County
38. Columbus Boyd, born in Franklin
39. Pomp Compton, born near Brentwood
40. James Conn, lived in Franklin
41. John Copeland, born in Nolensville
42. Maurice Covington, born in College Grove
43. Charles Cowans, born in Hillsboro (Leiper’s Fork)
44. Robert J. Cowans, born in Franklin
45. George Davis*, lived in Franklin, POW Escort
46. Samuel Dobson*, born in Brentwood, Company K, 386thInfantry
47. Robert Dotson, born in Thompson Station 
48. John Douglas*, born in Marshall County, living in Franklin
49. Thomas H. Douglas*, born in Davidson County, living in Bethesda, Williamson County
50. Eugene Downing, born in Williamson County
51. Ollie Epps*, born in Williamson County, served in Co K, 368thInfantry
52. Aaron Fitzgerald*, born in Thompson’s Station 
53. James Fitzgerald*, born in Williamson County
54. Percy Fitzgerald*, born in Franklin
55. Richard Fleming*, born in Franklin, Company K, 386thInfantry – then Co L, 372nd
56. Charlie Floyd*, born in Williamson County
57. Sam Fuller*, born in Franklin 
58. Willie Gardner, born in Franklin (lived in Hard Bargain)
59. Earl Garrett, lived in College Grove
60. German Gentry *, born in Franklin
61. Homer J. Gentry, born in Franklin, Student Army Training Corp – Normal School, Pine Bluff Arkansas
62. Joseph Gibson, born in Franklin
63. Walter Gipson, born in College Grove
64. Walter E. Gooch*, born in Nolensville
65. Andrew L. Gosey*, born in Franklin
66. Dave Gosey*, born in Williamson County
67. Melvin Green, born in Brentwood
68. Robert L. Guthrie*, born in Nolensville
69. Gary Haddox*, born in Thompson’s Station
70. Alexander R. Hardeman*, born in Franklin
71. George Hardey, born in Franklin
72. Alex Harper, born in Franklin
73. Charles Harrison, lived in Arrington
74. John H. Harrison, born in Franklin
75. Jim A. Hatcher*, born in College Grove, POW escort
76. Marvin P. Hatcher, born in Williamson County
77. Elwood Hawkins, lived in Brentwood
78. Arthur Haynes, born in Franklin
79. Corporal Robert Henderson*, born in Franklin
80. James House, lived in Franklin
81. Jim Hughes, born in Franklin (lived on Natchez Street)
82. Corporal Henry Hunt Jr., born in Brentwood
83. James Hunter*, born in Franklin
84. Walter Hunter, born in Franklin (lived on Natchez Street)
85. Ike Hyde, born in Nolensville
86. Earnest Jenkins, lived in Franklin
87. Early Jobe*, lived in Arrington
88. John H. W. Johnson, born in Eagleville
89. Samuel L. Johnson*, born in Franklin
90. James T. Johnson*, born in Franklin, served in Co G 369thInfantry (Harlem Hellfighters) – KIA (buried in France)
91. Will Johnson, born in Nolensville
92. Wilson Johnson, born in Franklin
93. John H. Jones, born in College Grove
94. James King, born in Nolensville
95. Clim Kinnard, born in Franklin
96. George Kinnard*, born in Franklin, Company D, 368thInfantry
97. John Kinnard, born in Franklin, attended School for Bakers and Cooks
98. Robert Lane, born in Arrington
99. Sgt. Edward Lawrence*, 368thInfantry (Natchez Street)
100. Henry Leach, born in Franklin
101. Leslie Legg*, born in Franklin
102. James F. Lester, born in Franklin (Hard Bargain)
103. Harvey Love*, lived in Thompson’s Station
104. King S. Marks, born in Franklin
105. Gid (Gideon) Mayberry, born in Franklin
106. Lee N. Mayberry*, born in Franklin
107. Robert F. Mayberry, born in Leiper’s Fork, buried in Toussaint L’Ouveture in Franklin
108. Robert Mays, lived in Allisona, Williamson County; buried in Nashville National Cemetery
109. Crockett McLaren*, born in Franklin
110. John Henry McGavock, born in Franklin
111. Henry A. McKissack, born in West Harpeth (Southall)
112. John H. McLemore*, born in Franklin
113. Allen Meggs Jr. born in Franklin
114. Tom Mitchell*, born in Franklin, Company K, 356thInfantry
115. Joseph Moore*, born in Brentwood, Co K, 368thInfantry
116. Major Moore*, born in Franklin
117. Russell Moore, born in Franklin
118. George G. Moss, born in Franklin
119. Albert Murray*, born in Franklin (lived in Hard Bargain)
120. Harry Murray*, born in Franklin (lived in Hard Bargain)
121. Robert Murray, born in Franklin
122. James Nesbitt, lived in Franklin*, Co K 372ndInfantry
123. Hugh Nichols, lived in Frankin
124. Tyree North, born in West Harpeth (Southall), Student Army Training Corp (Hampton Institute)
125. John T. Oden, born in Thompson’s Station 
126. Sherman Olledge*, born in Columbia (Maury), lived in Franklin
127. James A. Osteen*, lived in College Grove
128. Mark Owen*, born in Brentwood
129. James P. Page, born in Franklin
130. Dee Patton, born in Franklin
131. Albert Brown Perkins, born in Triune
132. Henry Perkins*, 372nd Infantry lived in Hard Bargain in Franklin
133. Ike Perkins, born in Arrington
134. John Perkins, born near Nolensville
135. Will Perkins, mother listed as Maggie Kinnard living in Nashville, 387thCo K
136. William Phillips, lived in Franklin on Strahl Street
137. Hardy C. Pope born in Franklin
138. John F. Reams*, born in Franklin
139. Robert Reams, born in Franklin
140. John T. Reynolds*, lived near College Grove
141. Tom Ridley, born in West Harpeth (Southall)
142. Pete Roberts*, born in Franklin
143. Early Robertson*, born in Forrest Home community of Williamson County
144. Clyde Robinson*, born in Franklin
145. Will Robinson*, born in Tampa, Florida, lived in Franklin
146. Jimmie Rose, born in Lynnville, Kentucky, lived in College Grove
147. Clyde H. Rucker*, born in Allisona
148. Tom Sanford, born in Thompson’s Station 
149. Will Sanford, born in Thompson’s Station, attended School for Baker’s & Cooks
150. Henry Sawyers, born in Arrington
151. John H. Sawyers, born in Williamson County
152. Alfred Scales*, born in College Grove 
153. Ellis Scales, Jr., born in College Grove 
154. Richard Scales, born in Triune
155. William James Scruggs, born in College Grove
156. Elbe Scruggs, born in Franklin (lived on Natchez Street)
157. James Scruggs*, born in Franklin
158. John Henry Scruggs, born in Franklin
159. John W. Scruggs, born in Franklin
160. Willie R. Secrest, born in Nashville, lived in Franklin
161. Gennie J. Smith*, born in Franklin
162. Robert Lee Smith, born in Franklin
163. Tom Smith, born in Franklin
164. Rob T. Southall, born in Franklin
165. Tom Southall, born in Franklin
166. James Starnes*, born in Brentwood
167. Marvin Starnes*, born in College Grove
168. Ellis Taylor*, lived in Franklin
169. Lish Taylor, lived in Franklin
170. Samuel H. Taylor, born in Franklin
171. Brian Thompson*, born in Franklin, POW Escort
172. Sam Taylor*, born in Franklin, 304thInfantry
173. Lewis Thompson*, born in Thompson’s Station 
174. Walter Thompson*, born in Franklin
175. McKinley Voorhies, born in Brentwood 
176. Quintard Waddy, born in Franklin (lived in Hard Bargain)
177. Bennie Wagner*, lived in Franklin, POW Escort
178. Allen Walton, born in Thompson’s Station 
179. Wesley Watkins, born in Brentwood
180. Cpl. Andrew Watson, born in Franklin (Hard Bargain)
181. Lucian H. Webb*, born in Arrington
182. Gus S. Webster*, born in Franklin
183. Johnnie West 
184. Jim White*, lived in Franklin
185. Paul White*, lived in Franklin
186. Eddie W. Whitsey, born in Franklin
187. Albert Williams*, lived in Brentwood
188. Ostranda B. Williams*, born in Franklin
189. Alex Wilson*, born in Franklin
190. Benjamin Wilson*, born in Franklin
191. Charles Wilson, born in Williamson
192. John L. Winstead*, born in Franklin
193. Lee Winstead, born in Brenwood
194. Noble Winstead*, born in Franklin
195.  Joe E. Word, born in Franklin, Williamson County, lived on Natchez Street