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OSCAR FRANK FAMILY BACKGROUND

The Frank Family has used several variants on the spelling of Frank. These include Frank, Franks, Franke, Franch, Franche, Franck, and probably more.

The relationship between Louisa Young (December 22, 1863 - June 17, 1913) and August Herman Frank (September 3, 1854 - October 7, 1916) introduced the Frank family into the Young family tree. At the time of this writing, however, I have been unsuccessful in tracing the Frank family to Europe. For the moment, therefore, the story of the Frank family begins with the immigrant ancestor, Oscar Frank (September 27, 1825 - June 4, 1890)

Oscar Frank (September 27, 1825 - June 4, 1890) immigrated to America in the 1840s. He first appears in the Federal Census data in 1850 where he is listed as a single 22 year old laborer from Saxony, Germany. He was living with a German family, Michael and Elizabeth Bertram who were 48 and 45 years old, respectively. [Michael Bertram was a farmer from Rumbach, Germany. He and his wife, Elisabetha Feldner immigrated to America, landing June 1832. They had one child named Heinrich Jacob Bertram born in Rumbach, Germany and also landed June 1832.] At that time and at the time of the 1870 Census, Oscar spelled his name, Oskar. Oscar Frank married Carolina Brubach (May 4, 1830 - February 27, 1912) and the couple had 9 children, one of whom was August Herman Frank (September 3, 1854 - October 7, 1916), the author's great grandfather.

According to the German Church Records translated by Dr. Shirley Harmon, Oscar Franke was a witness at the May 11, 1851 baptism of Johannes Schenk, the second son of David Schenk and Margaretha Freitag Schenk. David Schenk was born in Rumbach, RB on Dec 30, 1822 and landed in America in 1840.

The following is the "Last will and testament of Oscar Frank of Wayne Township in the county of Monroe, Ohio:

The last will and testament of Oscar Frank of Wayne Township in the County of Monroe "and state of Ohio," In the name of the Benevolent father of all,"

I the said Oscar Frank being of sound and disposing mind and memory, "Considering the uncertainty of Continuance in life," and desiring to make such disposition of my Worldly Estate as I deem best, "do make publish and declare," This to be my last will and testament." hereby revoking and annulling any and all former will or wills. Whatsoever by me made,"

ITEM 1st I desire all my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid as soon as possible after my deceased

ITEM 2nd I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Caroline Frank, all my real and personal property of every description that I may own at my decease, which she is to take possession of at my decease without inventory or appraisement hereby given her power to sell any and all of said property, and apply the proceeds as follows,

ITEM 3rd Pay to Henry Frank (Deceased) his heirs, one hundred dollars each," to be paid in two years after, the sale of the above real estate and personal property and without intrest.

ITEM 4th I have this day executed a quit claim deed to Matilda A. Frank wife of August Frank, in full of his share of said estate.

ITEM 5th Pay to my son Oscar J. Frank One thousand dollars, said amt to be paid in two years after the sale of the above real estate and personal property of said estate without interest.

ITEM 6th Pay to my Daughters Flora Frank wife of John Pohlmann Two Hundred Dollars," Mollie Frank, wife of Michael Young, Two Hundred Dollars, Caroline Frank wife of George Feiock Jr. Two Hundred Dollars, Rosa Ann, Frank wife of Elmer Cronin Two Hundred Dollars, Hattie Frank two Hundred Dollars, the above amounts to be paid in two years after the sale of the real estate and personal property of said estate, and without interest.

In testimony whereof I, Oscar Frank Testator aforesaid, have hereunto set my hand and seal at his residence in Wayne Township, Monroe County Ohio, this 28th day of May A.D. 1890

Appears to have been signed with a mark and his name spelled Oscar Franke signed for him.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged as his last will and testament in our presence "and we have, at his request signed the same, as witnesses in his presence, and in the presence of each other,"

The death record of Oscar Frank lists his date of death as Jan. 4, 1890. His age on this date was 64 years, 4 months and 6 days. His date of birth that appears on his tomb stone does not agree with these data. If his date of death and age at the time of death are taken as correct, he should have been born August 29, 1825.

In the application of Probate of Will executed 30 June, 1890 is the following:

"Your petitioner respectfully represents that Oscar Franke late a resident of the Township of Wayne in said County, died on or about the 4 day of June A.D. 1890, leaving an instrument in writing, hereto attached, purporting to be his last will and Testament: That the Said Oscar Franke died leaving Caroline Franke, his widow and the following name persons his only next of kin resident of the State of Ohio:

August H. Franke	son	Lewisville, Ohio
Charles F. Franke	son	Griffith, OH
Flora Pohlman	daughter	Woodsfield, OH
Mollie Young	daughter	Lewisville, OH
Hattie Franke	daughter	Lewisville, OH
Caroline Feiock	daughter	Lewisville, OH
Rosa Cronin	daughter	Edwina, OH
Oscar J. Frank	son	Lewisville, OH
Oscar Franke	grandson	Harrietsville, OH
Katie Franke	granddaughter	Harrietsville, OH
Henry Franke	grandson	Harrietsville, Oh
Jacob Franke	grandson	Harrietsville, OH
Christ Franke	grandson	Harrietsville, OH
Clara Franke	granddaughter	Harrietsville, OH

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