Ed. N. Franklin, M. D., practicing physician and surgeon of Gallatin, was born October 20, 1846, in that city, and is the youngest of a family of three children born to the union of Dr. John W. and Florida (Nolen) [Noel] Franklin. The father was born in Sumner County, Tenn., and was of English descent. He received a good literary education at Howell's College [Hallowell's School], Alexander [Alexandria], Va., and his medical education at Transylvania University, Franklin [Lexington], Ky. After practicing for some time he was obliged to give it up on account of ill health and return to Gallatin. About 1849 he purchased a farm of 300 acres four miles from Gallatin, where he located and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has the best drove of Jersey cattle in Sumner County, also fine racing stock. His first wife, Florida Nolen [Noel], was a native of Frankport [Frankfort], Ky. She died in 1847. After her death he married Miss Sarah Baber and by this union had nine children. Our subject's grandfather, John Franklin, was a native of North Carolina, who came to Sumner County at a very early date and was one of the largest land holders in the county. Our subject was an infant when his mother died and was then taken by his uncle, John Armfield. His education was received at Forest Home, Ky., being a graduate of that institution. In 1866 he commenced the study of medicine with his father and in 1869 graduated as an M.D. at the University of Penn, Philadelphia. He located at Galveston, Tex., being placed in charge of the Marine Hospital. At the end of ten months he received word that his uncle was taken suddenly ill and he left his practice and hastened to his bedside in Nashville. The Doctor was a constant attendant on his uncle as long as he lived, which was two years after he was taken ill. January 3, 1872, Dr. Franklin married Miss Nannie Hillman, daughter of Daniel Hillman, who was known as the "Iron King" of the South, being the most extensive iron manufacturer south of the Ohio River. He owned four large furnaces, one large rolling mill, was a man of remarkable business capacity and a man of great wealth. Mrs. Franklin was a native of Kentucky and bore her husband four children: Florida, Grace, Hillman and Charles. The Doctor remained in the "Rock City" until 1880 when owing to ill health he came to Gallatin. The Doctor has a lucrative practice and is one of the leading physicians of Sumner County. He is a member of the American Public Health Association, State Medical Association, and in 1885 was vice-president of the Sumner County Medical Association. He is a member of the K. of P. Lodge, No. 21. In connection with his profession the Doctor is greatly interested, and is a dealer in, fast stock, especially running stock. Mr. Franklin is a member of the Episcopal Church.