Person Page - 1050

     William Edward Franks was also known as "Eddy".¹ He was born circa 1875 at Le Claire Twp., Scott Co., IA.² He was the son of Theodore Martin Franks and Sarah M. Wilkinson.²

     Carol DeVault Franson was born on 13 December 1921 at Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY. She was the daughter of Col. Paul O. Franson and Ruby Frances DeVault. Carol DeVault Franson married Ernest Samusson, son of Ernest Samusson and Mary Frew, on 4 June 1942.

     Paul O. Franson was born on 1 June 1916 at Montgomery, Montgomery Co., AL. He was the son of Col. Paul O. Franson and Ruby Frances DeVault. Paul O. Franson married Kathleen Collins on 27 April 1937. Paul O. Franson died on 18 March 1995 at Bradenton, Manatee Co., FL, at age 78. He was buried in 1995 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Co., VA.

     Col. Paul O. Franson was born on 5 October 1888 at Aurora, Kane Co., IL. He married Ruby Frances DeVault, daughter of Dr. William Bruce DeVault and Mary Frances Powell, on 17 January 1914 at Montgomery, Montgomery Co., AL. Col. Paul O. Franson died in June 1965 at Montgomery Co. (probably), AL, at age 76

Montgomery Advertiser - Alabama Journal article: Paul Franson Ends 43-Year Army Career
Top Guard Instructor Veteran Of Two Wars And Mexican Campaign
Up Through Ranks
Former Chief Of Staff For 5th Division Says Gen. Patton Was Tops
Col. Paul O. Franson, senior Army instructor for the Alabama National Guard, will retire from
active duty today. He is a veteran of 43 years of Army service, having risen from buck private to chief of staff of the 5th Division of Gen. George S. Patton, Jr.'s Third Army in Europe during World War II. Col. Franson, a native of Montgomery, hit the Normandy beaches with his division shortly after DDay, in early July, 1944, and saw the battle against the Nazis from a front line position, through France and across Germany. During the months of combat Franson often saw Patton daily, and became familiar with many topranking figures of the war in Europe - Generals Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley and Britain's Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery among them.

Russian Award
Among many decorations won by Col. Franson is one given him by Soviet Russia after the 5th
Division met the Russian armies at a point on the Austria-Czechoslovakian frontier. Joining the Army as a private of the 2nd Infantry (Montgomery True Blues) May 5, 1905, he served with the Alabama Brigade on the Mexican Border and with the 31st (Dixie) Division during World War I. Named Chief of Staff of the 5th Division April 30, 1942, Col. Franson was quickly shipped, with that division overseas, to Iceland, Northern Ireland and England.

Under Fire
As part of Patton's Third Army the 5th Division came under fire almost immediately they landed in France for the invasion. They took part in the fierce fighting around St. Lo before driving across the Cherbourg Peninsular (sic) to cut off the German garrison at that French port from their communications with the German army. "At that time Montgomery (Field Marshal Montgomery) and his British troops were magnificently withstanding several German heavy panzer divisions in the nearby Caen area," Franson said. He next described heavy battles in the Caumont area followed by a rapid thrust south of Rennes, and eastward through Angers, across the Seine and past Reims only to run out of gas and come to a full stop before Verdun.

Lost Chance
"This stop robbed us of the chance of taking the fortress of Metz, which had almost been evacuated by the retreating Germans," Franson said. Col. Franson, as one of Patton's chiefs of staff, shares Patton's criticism about the way the Supreme Command failed to send the Third Army the gas they urgently needed, at Verdun. "The Germans, seeing us gasless, re-fortified Metz and it took us months and cost us thousands of lives later to capture it," Franson states. "With gas we could have taken Metz. We were ready to go ahead and needed it more than other Armies which were stalled." Soon after Metz had been taken, the 5th Division was detached from Patton's command and sent to help the hard-pressed First Army then facing the famous German 1944 attack in the snow shrouded hills of the Ardennes Forest. This was the "Battle of the Bulge" in the Bastogne area near Luxembourg. Rejoining the Third Army the 5th "secretly" crossed the Rhine March 23, 1945 at Oppenheim, between Mainz and Mannheim and stormed Frankfort. This crossing of the river was done without artillery preparation. The 5th's drive across Europe came to its final stop on its prearranged "deadline" in the area of a small Austrian town called Grafenau, near the Czechoslovak frontier.

Prefer U. S. Lines
"The oncoming Russians were pushing thousands of Germans towards us" Franson says, "and as a matter of fact most of these Germans were trying to get to us and behind our lines to escape the Russians." Franson said "our orders were, however to stop these Germans because they were considered Russian prisoners, so we closed our lines tight to stop them coming through." Franson said the thousands of defeated Germans were, therefore, squeezed in a narrow corridor between the American and Russian front lines. Col. Franson received his Soviet decoration, the Order of the Red Star, a few days after this incident "in one of the most amazing investitures I have ever seen," he said. The Russians sent for a copy of the American national anthem by 'plane and a band of their professional musicians played it that same night at the ceremony "about as well as I have ever heard it played," he said Several other officers received Soviet awards, flying into the Russian area, across the German "prison-camp corridor" for it. "They've put on more dog' for an investiture than any other Army I know," Franson said. "with the firing of guns, rockets, flares, machine guns, and everything else that had around."

Vodka and Food
Franson then described a typical Russian dinner which ended the ceremonies, with vodka and
plenty to eat. Franson said the "Russians soldiers all seemed very young - about 23 or 24 - and very smart and alert." These are some of Franson's observations on famous generals: Eisenhower - "A good diplomatic general." Bradley - "A fine fighting general. He is the studious type. He does not say very much, but is the brain power behind strategic planning. When he speaks, what he says is d--- good." Montgomery - "A first-rate soldier. He spoke to a large group of us senior officers a few weeks
before the invasion. He lectured us one whole day on all he had learned from his successful fight against the Germans in Africa. He knew his stuff and is full of personality and driving power."
Patton His Idol But Patton is the Colonel's idol. In his room he has picture of the General and also a picture of Patton's grave. "He was a great leader - and a driver," Franson says. "He was a 'soldier's general' visiting the front line almost daily on many occasions, and seeing for himself. Quite often he did not use profanity. Often he used it only as part of an 'act'. He was a great showman. His clothes and leather were always immaculate. He was always pushing onward." Col. Franson said that Patton was "highly-strung" which was probably the reason for the GI faceslapping incident earlier in Italy. "He and just come from battle; his outfit's nose was bloody" Franson said, and he had seen his men with their stomachs out, their legs off, bleeding on the battle fields, and then saw others who were psycho - many of them, wards full of them, unscratched, but mentally sick - afraid and unnerved. Something probably snapped for a few minutes inside that highly-strung, power-driven, complex man which was Patton and he committed the mistake he later so bitterly regretted," Franson said. Franson agreed that it was "the diplomatic general" Eisenhower, who "saved" Patton and kept him after this incident for his later victorious drive across Europe.

Until a permanent successor to Col. Franson is appointed, Col. L. E. Toole, now stationed in
Birmingham, will assume the temporary duties of Chief Instructor to the Guard," the Military
Department announced. Col. Franson states that he intends to continue living in Montgomery during his retirement.

     Louise Gertrude Frantum was born in 1887 at Ohio.¹ She married Frederick W. Charlet on 8 March 1911 at Columbiana Co., OH. Louise Gertrude Frantum died in 1962. She was buried in 1962 at Glenwood Cemetery, Ogden, Boone Co., IA, Findagrave #109608464.

     Albert Frantz was born circa 1847 at Franklin Co., PA.¹ He was the son of Christian Frantz and Leah Stouffer.¹

     Alfred Jacob Frantz was born on 7 November 1861. He was the son of Samuel Frantz and Barbara Stouffer.

     Anna Frantz was born in 1774. She was the daughter of John A. Frantz and Elizabeth M. Hostetter. Anna Frantz married Isaac Hershey, son of Christian Hershey and Anna Hernly. Anna Frantz died in 1861.

     Anna Frantz was born on 30 April 1785 at Virginia. She was the daughter of Daniel Frantz and Anna Garst. Anna Frantz married Peter Heck on 5 June 1815 at Botetourt Co., VA. Anna Frantz died on 5 March 1840 at Clark Co., OH, at age 54.

     Anna Frantz was born on 22 June 1821 at Clark Co., OH.¹ She was the daughter of John Frantz and Anna Mary Ohmart.² Anna Frantz married Jacob Brubaker on 13 August 1840 at Clark Co. (probably), OH. Anna Frantz died on 19 December 1906 at Jacksonville, Morgan Co., IL, at age 85

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

Brubaker, Sister Anna, nee Frantz, of Pleasant Hill church, Ill., died at the Illinois Central Hospital, at Jacksonville, Ill., Dec. 19, 1906, aged 84 years, 4 months and 28 days. She married to Jacob Brubaker, Aug 13, 1840. This union was blessed with three sons and six daughters. The husband and five of the daughters preceded her to the home beyond. She was a devoted member of the Brethren church, which she made her choice in early life. Funeral services conducted by Bro. Javan Gibson and Bro. M. Flory. (Ada V. Snell)

Gospel Messsenger
January 19, 1907.

She was buried in December 1906 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Virden, Macoupin Co., IL, Findagrave #39846617.

     Anna Frantz was born on 18 November 1792 at Botetourt Co., VA. She married Abraham Garst. Anna Frantz died on 25 December 1867 at age 75. She was buried in December 1867 at Brooks Grove Cemetery, Stanford, McLean Co., IL, Findagrave #10337767.

     Benjamin Frantz was born circa 1850 at Franklin Co., PA.¹ He was the son of Christian Frantz and Leah Stouffer.¹

     Charles Francis Frantz was born on 7 December 1866. He was the son of Samuel Frantz and Barbara Stouffer.

     Christian Frantz was born on 4 May 1819 at Pennsylvania.¹ He was the son of Christian Hostetter Frantz and Anna Frick. Christian Frantz married Leah Stouffer, daughter of Jacob Stouffer and Elizabeth Oberholtzer, circa 1843 at Franklin Co. (probably), PA.¹ Christian Frantz was buried in 1885 at Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro, Franklin Co., PA. He died on 10 March 1885 at age 65.

     Christian Frantz was born circa 1853 at Franklin Co., PA.¹ He was the son of Christian Frantz and Leah Stouffer.¹ Christian Frantz lived in 1905 at Niagara Falls, Niagara Co., NY.

     Christian Hostetter Frantz married Anna Frick.

     Daniel Frantz married Anna Garst.

     Daniel Frantz was born circa 1851 at Franklin Co., PA.¹ He was the son of Christian Frantz and Leah Stouffer.¹

     Daniel Richard Frantz was born on 13 November 1947 at Sparta, Monroe Co., WI; son of Sylvester and Frances (Holberg) Frantz. Occupation: Real estate broker, also served on the Tomah City Council, Lake Tomah Committee, City Planning Commission, Tomah Youth Hockey Board and Lake Tomah Fest. Dan enjoyed motorcycle riding and worked to preserve the freedom as a member of ABATE of Wisconsin. He died on 11 April 2009 at Tomah, Monroe Co., WI, at age 61

Obituary -- The La Crosse Tribune; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Sunday, April 12, 2009; Page 20 (Find-A-Grave):

Daniel R. Frantz, age 61, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2009, at his home under the care of Tomah Hospice Touch. He was born on November 13, 1947, in Sparta, WI to Sylvester B. and Frances J. (Holberg) Frantz. Dan attended Tomah schools and graduated from Tomah High School in 1965. He also earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from WTC.

Dan and Cheryl Welch were married on June 7, 1969 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Dan spent many years as a real estate broker and enjoyed helping people. He also worked several years at Wal-Mart Distribution Center. He was raised in faith at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Over the years he served on the Church Council and many committees.?

Dan also had a strong interest in the community. He served on the Tomah City Council, Lake Tomah Committee, City Planning Commission, Tomah Youth Hockey Board and Lake Tomah Fest. Dan enjoyed motorcycle riding and worked to preserve the freedom as a member of ABATE of Wisconsin. He served on the Board of Directors for many years gaining friendships all over Wisconsin.

In 2004, Dan and Cheryl made a big change when they built a new home in the country. They enjoyed listening to the waters of Bear Creek and watching the wildlife. Every day was special. The best days were spent with his children and grandchildren, playing Pass the Pigs and Poker Keno.

Dan is survived by his wife, Cheryl; children, Eric (Jolene) and Holly (Cary) Winch; grandchildren, Hailey Frantz, Nathan Winch and Jillian Winch; he is further survived by his brothers-in-law, Ronald (Mary) Welch and William Welch.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Pastor William Rice will officiate. Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Memorial Gardens, Tomah, WI. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Memorials may be given to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Tomah Area Cancer Support or ABATE of Wisconsin Saferider, Inc. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.?

He was buried in April 2009 at Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah, Monroe Co., WI, Findagrave #35854613.

     Edward Frantz was born on 8 July 1851. He was the son of Samuel Frantz and Barbara Stouffer.

     Elizabeth Frantz was born in 1780. She was the daughter of John A. Frantz and Elizabeth M. Hostetter. Elizabeth Frantz married John Hershey, son of Christian Hershey and Anna Hernly, circa 1802. Elizabeth Frantz died in 1839.

     Elizabeth Frantz was the daughter of John Frantz and Elizabeth Hershey. Elizabeth Frantz married Benjamin Root. Elizabeth Frantz died in 1863.

     Elizabeth Frantz was born circa 1844 at Franklin Co., PA.¹ She was the daughter of Christian Frantz and Leah Stouffer.¹ Elizabeth Frantz married Simon P. Hawbecker.

     Emma S. Frantz was born on 18 March 1849. She was the daughter of Samuel Frantz and Barbara Stouffer.

     Fanny Frantz married J. George Ernst. Fanny Frantz was born. She was the daughter of John Frantz and Elizabeth Hershey. Fanny Frantz died in 1854.

     Florence A. Frantz was born on 26 May 1902. She was the daughter of George Frantz and Lizzie (?) Florence A. Frantz married Cicero Theodore Windle, son of John Hamilton Windle and Amanda Windle, circa 1922. Florence A. Frantz died on 2 February 1968 at age 65. She was buried in February 1968 at Franklin Co., OH.

     George Frantz married Lizzie (?). George Frantz was born circa 1869 at Ohio.

     Henry Frantz was born on 21 October 1855. He was the son of Samuel Frantz and Barbara Stouffer.

     Hettie Frantz was born circa 1864 at Montgomery Twp., Franklin Co., PA.¹ She was the daughter of Christian Frantz and Leah Stouffer.¹

     Ira Frantz was born on 24 November 1857. He was the son of Samuel Frantz and Barbara Stouffer.