Mulliken Family History: A Connection to the American Revolution (audio)

FM #1487 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1487 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Peter Mulliken, Franklin resident with some relatives having a role in the American Revolution. We had our discussion on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in his residence here in Franklin.

 

We talk about 

• Nathaniel Mulliken and his story in Lexington

• Lydia Mulliken, Nathaniel’s daughter and betrothed to Dr Samuel Prescott

• Dr Prescott’s role completing the ride of Revere & Dawes

As Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary, leading to the 250th anniversary of Franklin in 1778, there may be other family connections worth sharing with the community.

The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1487-mulliken-history-connection-to-american-revolution-07-29-25/

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Lexington Minutemen profile of Nathaniel Mulliken -> https://lexingtonminutemen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/natemulliken.pdf 

Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker ->

Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker

https://www.delaneyantiqueclocks.com/clocks/maker/nathaniel-mulliken-i-lexington-massachusetts

Tour Lexington and see the Mulliken house

https://www.tourlexington.us/listing/nathaniel-mulliken-house/ 

Dr Samuel Prescott background -> https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/samuel-prescott

And

https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/samuel-prescott-midnight-rider/

Nathaniel’s deposition of the fighting at Lexington and along the battleroad can be found in “William Diamond’s Drum” by Arthur Bernon Tourtellot. Copies are available through the interlibrary loan from libraries in Concord, Lexington and others.

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Guardian: Changes at National Museum of American History come amid president’s push to reshape US cultural agencies

"The Smithsonian Institution has scrubbed all mention of Donald Trump’s impeachments from a prominent display at the National Museum of American History, temporarily eliminating any acknowledgment of the president’s unique status as the only US leader the House impeached twice.

The alterations to the presidential power exhibit, first reported by the Washington Post, occurred in July, with museum officials replacing contemporary signage with an older version that excludes Trump’s impeachment proceedings entirely. Visitors now see only a generic reference to three presidents facing potential removal from office.

An exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of
American History in Washington DC on 31 March.
Photograph: Maansi Srivastava for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Museum representatives confirmed the changes followed an institutional review of exhibition content.

“In reviewing our legacy content recently, it became clear that the ‘Limits of Presidential Power’ section in The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden exhibition needed to be addressed,” a Smithsonian spokesperson told the Guardian. “Because the other topics in this section had not been updated since 2008, the decision was made to restore the Impeachment case back to its 2008 appearance.”

Shared from ->  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/01/smithsonian-trump-impeachments?CMP=share_btn_url

Rose Turco receives recognition as part of Women's History Month

Rose Turco receives recognition

via Senator Becca Rausch: 

Today we celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing Rose Turco of Franklin!  

Rose was a beloved Franklin school teacher of 40 years and served as Vice Principal and Chair of the Math Department of Franklin High School. Rose has devoted herself to projects that honor Franklin’s veterans, including the Memorial Street Sign Project and the Veterans Memorial Walkway.  

Her efforts have helped create lasting tributes to those who have selflessly served our country. She is an active member of the Franklin Veterans’ Council and served on the Frances Eddy King scholarship committee.  

Thank you, Rose!

#mapoli #WHM2025 #womenshistorymonth

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19znERa1J8/

Master Plan Update Committee meeting 1/15/25 (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled Wednesday, January 15 in the 3rd Floor Training room. 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/YhdShT_-gN0?si=eizxLnOeDcKkEvdR&t=146

You can follow the agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-january_15_2025.pdf

The final Master Plan Report ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_report-submitted_to_town-01-15-2025.pdf

The American Revolution As You’ve Never Imagined It! (pre-registration required)

Presented by Michael Wenzke, creator of the The Revolutionary Story Tour, a popular and award-winning Freedom Trail walking tour that mesmerizes participants.

Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance. Email alan.r.earls@gmail.com to request to add your name to the guest list (max request, 4). 

FREE

The American Revolution As You’ve Never Imagined It! (pre-registration required)

First Deeds: September - October 1793

In the spirit of exploring Norfolk County's rich history, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell has set out to discover some of its earliest deeds recorded from various communities throughout the County.

 

Land records at the Registry can shed light on some of the earliest property transactions that occurred in the early years after Norfolk County was established, offering insight into the origins of landownership in the region. It is possible to reveal the names of early settlers and prominent figures who may have played significant roles in shaping the communities they lived in.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell

“There is a wealth of historic information in the more than 13.1 million land records recorded in 42,122 Registry books dating back to when Norfolk County was created in 1793 and stored at The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and available online at https://www.norfolkresearch.org,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “We have also made this research process even easier for you through our History Comes Alive Transcription Program where all the Registry documents written in hard-to-read cursive penmanship from 1793 to 1900 were transcribed into clearly readable print.”

 

This first of a four-part series focuses on real estate transfers that occurred between September 1793 and October 1793, during the County’s formative months following Governor John Hancock's signing of the legislation that established Norfolk County on June 20, 1793.

 

The very first document recorded in Book 1 Page 1 is a partition of land in Foxborough between Bazaliel Bryant, Francis Jones, and John Robinson. The owners marked the limits of the property with heaps of stone and divided it into three separate lots. Among their neighbors was John Carpenter, brother to Revolutionary War veteran Ezra Carpenter of Foxborough.

 

It has been over 230 years since Norfolk County was founded, but the second deed recorded at the Registry in Book 1, Page 2, mentions a section of meadowlands known as Green Lodge Meadow, an area of Dedham still known as Green Lodge. Ebenezer Fairbanks bought the property from David and Jemima Everett. The property that Ebenezer purchased is situated a little over a mile away from the home built by his great-great-great grandfather, Jonathan Fairbanks, which still stands today and is the oldest known timber frame house still standing in North America.

 

Book 1, Page 5, contains a deed from Wrentham that transfers property from Beulah Edes to John Trescott. This deed contains some clues about John Trescott, he was from Dorchester, lived during the 1790s, and worked as a baker. These clues indicate that John Trescott may be the father of famed Revolutionary War hero Major Lemuel Trescott. Major Trescott led the successful raid against Fort Slongo in 1781.

 

In the fall of 1793, David Day sold a small home with a barn to brother Joseph Day for 60 pounds, recorded in Book 1, Page 19. Seven years later, Joseph Day sold the property for 65 pounds, recorded in Book 13, Page 133, to another brother, Ebenezer Day, who is the father of leather trader Joseph Day. Joseph Day the leather trader and son of Ebenezer Day is known for his connection to the Norwood landmark, the Fred Holland Day House.

 

In book 1, page 20, is a deed from Nathaniel Guild to his son Nathaniel Guild, Jr., recorded just 28 years after the town of Sharon became incorporated. In 2024, more than two centuries after the original purchase of the property, you might find yourself on Nathaniel Guild Road while driving through Sharon, as this road named after this owner still remains today.

 

On Halloween, 1793, Timothy and Mary Shepard sold property to Sara Townsend for 85 pounds, as recorded in Book 1, Page 26.  Sara was the daughter of Reverend Jonathan Townsend, who was the First Parish of Medfield’s minister from 1745 to 1769. Also, in 1760, during the Revolutionary War, Reverend Townsend served as chaplain in Colonel Bagley’s regiment at Louisburg.

 

Recorded in Book 1, Page 27, is a deed from Stoughton conveying property from James and Lydia Lewis to their son, Laban Lewis. Laban was a shoemaker working in an area of Stoughton that in 1797 would become the Town of Canton. Laban’s Diary can be found in the archives of the Canton Historical Society titled “Diary of Laban Lewis: Day-to-Day Life of Mr. Lewis,” June 1803 - Oct. 1810.

 

“The primary mission of the registry is always the security, accuracy, and accessibility of our communities’ land records and reliable service to the residents of Norfolk County, but if you think about it, the registry also records history every day, accurately preserving a detailed chain of events on Norfolk County properties from 1793 to the present,” concluded Register O'Donnell.

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Scott Mason says Train Town 3 is on schedule for display early in 2025

FM #1304 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1304 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, October 28, 2024.

 

Our conversation covers 

• Train Town 1 & 2 reactions from community

• Train Town 3 - the Mill Store, Franklin Paint

• Likely ready early in 2025

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1304-scott-mason-train-town3-10-28-24/

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Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photos of Train Town 1  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & the railroad roundhouse  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Photos of Train Town 2  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7 

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Mill Store building as seen in 2015

Halloween and History cemetery tour comes around again Oct 31 with Rob Lawson

Via Dean College's Rob Lawson:

I want to bring to your attention an annual event I do — the Halloween and History cemetery tour. 

I’ve been doing this for over a decade and it’s always a good time. Attendees learn about meaning of tombstone icons and the materials used in gravestone-making, the stories of famous Franklinites and the founders of Dean College, and this year I’ll be working in new material about the origins of Halloween-type celebrations in Massachusetts as well as a story of a Franklinite who met a grisly end in Quebec in the years after the Revolution. 

Also this year I’ll be encouraging guests to consider donating to the Franklin Historical Museum gift fund. 

Admission/participation is free but gratuities are accepted.

Halloween and History cemetery tour comes around again Oct 31 with Rob Lawson

GOOD DEEDS: Keeping History Alive

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

October is National Family History Month, a time dedicated to preserving the stories and traditions of our ancestors and learning about our roots and the experiences that have shaped our families for generations.

By exploring our family history, we can gain a deeper understanding of our roots and connections to the past. Have you ever wondered where some of your family traditions come from, or wanted to uncover the root of a family story passed down through the generations?

GOOD DEEDS: Keeping History Alive

Today, millions of Americans are on the hunt for clues to find out more about themselves and their family’s background. According to an ABC News report, genealogy is ranked the second most popular hobby in the United States. Genealogy websites get more than 100 million hits per year. But its popularity doesn’t end there. There are also genealogy television shows, college courses, and businesses. Therefore, a survey that revealed 78% of people want to research their ancestry shouldn't really surprise us. And the search for answers may just lead you right to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, thanks in part to our History Comes Alive program.

For some, the Registry of Deeds may not be the first place that comes to mind when trying to trace your family's history. However, it can be a great place to start your genealogical journey. We have a wealth of information and cutting-edge technology to assist you. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds possesses approximately 13.1 million land records, recorded in 42,028 Registry books dating back to when Norfolk County was created in 1793. Some of these records include deeds, liens, foreclosures, mortgages, conveyances, trusts, and mortgage discharges.

What can you learn from these documents? Plenty. You can discover where a family member lived. What they generally paid for the property by looking at some of the recorded documents such as the deed as well as any mortgage filings. When and who they sold it to. And if while owning the property they faced any financial burdens, such as an attempted foreclosure or having a lien placed on their home. However, you might also say, “That sounds like great information, but it's impractical for me to get to the Registry given my work schedule.” Well, thanks to technology that’s no longer a problem, you can do it from the comfort of your home computer or cell phone 24/7. Just go to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds website www.norfolkresearch.org hit the Search for Your Deed button and type in the name you are looking for. If they owned property in Norfolk County you will find records all the way back to the 1700’s. We made this research process even easier for you through our History Comes Alive Transcription Program where all the Registry documents written in hard-to-read cursive penmanship from 1793 to 1900 were transcribed into clearly readable print.

In addition to the wealth of information at the Registry, both on sight and via our online records database, the Registry’s Genealogy Research and Resource Center has 4 workstations dedicated to genealogy research. These workstations have free access to Ancestry.com and American ancestors.

Click the following link to watch an interview about the Genealogy Research and Resource Center which aired on the Needham Channel: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/registry-free-genealogy-research-program

These databases can help you continue your journey as you try to discover your roots by gaining access to records across Europe and across the world wherever your families are from. You can find census records, draft cards, and prison records for ancestors who may not have been on the straight and narrow.

The primary mission of the registry is always the security, accuracy, and accessibility of our communities’ land records and reliable service to the residents of Norfolk County, but if you think about it, the registry also records history every day, accurately preserving a detailed chain of events on Norfolk County properties from 1793 to the present. The addition of the Genealogy Research and Resource Center only adds to the wealth of information you can find at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. So, whether you are a historian, genealogist, or simply curious about your family history the Registry might have some clues to help you discover your roots.

You can help fill in the missing details for this FHS football history being collected

via Tim McDonald Jr.

You can help fill in the missing details

Good morning community. 

I'm in need of your help. I've been working on the history of Franklin High School Football for the past couple of years. I would like to get a site made up where you can go and see past and present history. 

Over time I would like to have rosters, records and pictures of Panther Alum.  My hope is with the help of many of you I'll be able to gain the information I need. 

If you or anyone you may know who can help me out please have them reach out to me. If you have team pictures, action shots from past teams please feel free to sent them to me with names. 

Missing information is listed below. 

• Record 1940-1959, 1974, 1975, 1977
• Team scores Vs opponents 1940-1963, 1966-1990 
• So old pictures and teams from 64 and 65.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mfXpddorqpPEhZiW/

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Joe Landry presented on Restaurants and Bars in Franklin at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin TV produced the video recording for replay.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMozn1LGDnI

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: History Comes Alive episodes features Franklin (video)

August 26, 2024  GOOD DEEDS: History Comes Alive: Franklin Library ____Dear Friend of the Registry, ____The Land records dating back to 1793 at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds are crucial to the legal title to one's property. However, these land records are rich in history. ____The Registry's "History Comes Alive" Program transcribed over 450,000 handwritten documents recorded between 1793 and 1900. This project transcribed the land records into easy-to-read text. Out of this project an interest in the stories behind the records developed. ____Attached are links to two Franklin pieces about Ben Franklin and the Franklin Library. Good Deeds History Comes Alive: Franklin Library https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/GD_History_Comes_Alive_Franklin_Library.mp4 Good Deeds History Comes Alive: Closer Look Franklin Library https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Good_Deeds_History_Comes_Alive_A_Closer_Look_Franklin_Library_FINAL.mp4  ____I hope you find these interesting and informative.   Sincerely yours, Bill O'Donnell Register of Deeds

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, MA 02026-1831 US

Good Deeds History Comes Alive: Franklin Library

History Comes Alive, A Closer Look - The Franklin Public Library