Leah was the daughter of Joseph Deemer and Rachel. She married James Franklin on June 8, 1857. They were the parents of 11 children: Arthur, Clara, Rachel, Joe, Maggie, Delia, Zed, and Lillie, Bertie and Minnie.

The Souvenir - Saturday, April 21st, 1900 - The passing away of Mrs. James Franklin, who for many years has been, a resident of Franklin township, taken from Greene county one of its well known pioneers, her death occurring last Saturday, the 14th inst, at her late home in Jamaica.

She had been in rather poor health for a number of years, her physical trouble finally terminating in cancer of the stomach, and, although given the best of nursing and and medical attention the disease was so firmly founded that death was inevitable sooner or later. Surrounded by her loving husband and children she passed away as if retiring to slumber, her soul awakening beyond the vale of death where the tear dimmed eyes of loved ones could not observe the joyful morning of immortality.

Leah Deemer was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1836, being the daughter of Joseph and Rachel Deemer. She moved with her parents to Ohio when eleven years of age, and then in 1857, the family moved to Greene county, settling at Old Rippey.

The following year, July 8, 1858, she was united in marriage to Mr. James B. Franklin, and the wedded couple commenced housekeeping, their home being a short distance from her parents residence. For a number of years Mr. Franklin conducted a general blacksmithing business at Old Rippey, having the first shop north west of Des Moines. Then they moved to Boone county, Mr. Franklin engaging in the business of lumber manufacturing, owning a saw mill about six miles southwest of Boone. From there they moved to Franklin township, and after a year or so, took possession of the farm which had since been their home, about three miles east of Cooper.

Mrs. Franklin was a lady of sterling worth, a loving, affectionate wife and mother. In early life she became converted, and at the age of fourteen years joined the United Brethren church, of which she has been a faithful and consistent member. Always observing the golden rule she made a friend with every acquaintance, and in her death not only will she be missed by many old settlers of southeast Greene, but by friends of later days without number who now join THE SOUVENIR in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved ones.

A sorrowing husband now mourns for her, and seven children will miss the familiar face, that since their earliest recollection, had smiled in love and tenderness upon them. Of the children, Arthur resides in Chicago; Joe in Grant township; Zed at Jamaica; Clara, wife of G.W. Crocker, in Grant township; Rachel, wife of John VanCleave, in Highland township; Maggie, wife of Tom Heater, at Jamaica; and Delia, wife of Frank Lieberknecht, of Rippey.

The funeral took place last Monday from Jamaica the services being in charge of Revs. Miller and Hix, and all that was mortal of Mrs. Franklin was laid away in the Cooper cemetery. A large audience of old friends and neighbors were present to pay a last homage to her memory.