1827 or 1831 -He was born in Russia. His tombstone says he was born in 1827, but his 1900 US Census says he was born in Jan 1931.

Perhaps the name at one time used to be Frankl or Frankel. According to the 1880 census, he was born in Russia, but according to the 1920 US census for his daughter, Lillian, Polish was his native tongue and he was born in Poland. Of course, parts of Poland were held by Russia. His great-grandson, Charles W. Franklin, confirms this. He remembers as a boy looking through his grandfather's papers on the family in "the old country", that the name was Frankel, the family was Jewish, and from Poland. The confusion comes from Benjamin's death certificate, which gives Moscow as his place of birth. However, Moscow was never part of Poland. Also, Jews were only allowed to live in the “Pale of Settlement” in Russia, and Moscow is not in the Pale of Settlement. So I think Moscow is not correct.

1850 - He immigrated to the US.

1856 - He married Sarah Heidenheim, probably in Manhattan, NY.

1857 - His son, Charles Benjamin Franklin, was born in Manhattan, NY on 19 Jan.

1858 [about] - His son, Isaac Franklin, was born in Manhattan, NY .

1860 - He is listed in the 1860 US Census in Vermont, film M653, roll 1316, Bennington Co., City of Bennington, pages 309 & 310, lines 38-42. It looks as if no one was home when the census taker came because most of the census is not filled in, and the ages for the family are close, but not quite right. Perhaps the census taker took the information from a neighbor. He is listed as Benjamin Franklin, age 28, male, born in Germany [sic], living with his wife, Sarah, son, Charles, son, Isaac, and Hannah Hadon, 48, born in Germany [relationship unknown].

1861 [about] - His daughter, Carrie Franklin, was born in VT, probably Bennington.

1865 - He is listed in the NY State Census taken on 5 June, Warren Co, Queensbury, 3rd e.d., p14, dwelling 98, family 112 line 2 as: Benj Franklin, 27, male, born Russia, married once, now married, a watchmaker, an alien, living with his wife Sarah, son Charles B, son Isaac, daughter Carrie A, daughter Lena, and Mary Bond, a servant. By the columns NOT checked in the census, one can tell he was employed in the town where the family lived, not naturalized, not an owner of land, able to read and write, not ever in the army or navy.

1867 - His daughter, Lillian Mae Franklin, was born at Glens Falls, NY.
-In Feb, his wife bought some property on Bay St in the Village of Glens Falls.
-Recorded Warren Co, NY, Mortgage Bk W, p531-32: Mortgage dated 24 Apr. Mortgagor: Sarah Franklin of Glens Falls and Benjamin Franklin her husband. Mortgagee: Charlotte Burber of Glens Falls. Amount $200. Mortgage on the land in Glens Falls on Bay St.Interest on the mortgage was to be paid by 24 Apr each year. Principal to be paid within three years. Recorded 20 Jul 1867. Discharged 1875.

-On Oct 23 1867, he became a citizen of the USA at the Warren Co, NY Superior Court. In May, 1993, I went to the Warren Co Government Center, not knowing if there were any records on him there. I walked into the Board of Elections Office and asked about voting registration records for Benjamin Franklin in the 1865-75 time frame. The woman at the desk told me their records did not go that far back, but she called downstairs to Pam Vogel, the records librarian, and told her what I wanted. Then she walked me downstairs to the records room. Less than a minute later, as I walked in the door, Pam handed me Benjamin's original naturalization papers, with his signature. I was astonished! His naturalization papers state in part:

AFFIDAVIT OF ALIEN UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE AT THE TIME OF HIS ARRIVAL
In the matter of Benjamin Franklin on his naturalization, State of NY, Warren Co, Benjamin Franklin, being duly sworn, says, that for the continued term of five years last past, he has resided within the United States, without being at any time during the said five years, out of the territory of the United States, and that for one year last past, he has resided within the State of New York; and that, at the time he so arrived in the United States, he had not attained his eighteenth year. Sworn in open court, this 23d day of Oct, 1867, before me, George Wait, Clerk of the Sup. Court of Warren County. [signed by] Benjamin Franklin.

OATH TO SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION
I, Benjamin Franklin, do solemnly swear, that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and that I do absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, whatever, and particularly to Alexander Emperor of Russia, of whom I was a subject. Sworn in open court, this 23d day of Oct, 1867, before me, George Wait, Clerk of the Sup. Court of Warren County. [signed by] Benjamin Franklin.
PROOF OF GOOD BEHAVIOR
John Keenan of Warren county, being duly sworn, doth depose and say, that he is a citizen of the United States; that he is well acquainted with the above named Benjamin Franklin; and that the said Benj. Franklin has resided within the limits, and under the jurisdiction of the United States, for five years last past, and, for one year last past, within the State of New York; and that during the same period he has behaved himself as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same. Sworn in open court, this 23d day of Oct, 1867, before me, George Wait, Clerk of the Sup. Court of Warren County. [signed by] John Keenan.

-On 21 Dec 1867 Benjamin bought property on Fulton St, Glens Falls, Warren Co, NY, from Roger E Haviland of the Village of Glens Falls for $200. The deed was recorded at Warren Co Registry of Deeds, Deed Bk 18, p 514-15, on 19 Aug 1868 at 8 am. The property was bounded beginning on the northerly side of Fulton St, and150 ft westerly from the W line of Thomas Potters lot, running northerly at right angles 9 rods to the Sisson line 50 ft, thence southerly to the street thence easterly along the street 50 ft.

-He is listed in the Warren Co tax assessments, Queensbury, 1867 as:
Franklin, Benjamin, lot on Bay St, 1/4 acre, valued at $150, no personal property valued, total valuation $150, tax $2.40.

1868 -He is listed in the Warren Co tax assessments, Queensbury, 1868, p 42 as Franklin, Benjamin, lot on Bay St, 1/4 acre, valued at $175, no personal property valued, total valuation $175, tax $2.14. On 9 May he and his wife, both of Glens Falls, NY, sold to Louis Theiss of Glens Falls, thir property on Fulton St described as 150' W from Thomas Potters lot, N 9 rods to Sisson line, 50' W 9 rods to the street, for $270. Recorded at Warren Co Deed Bk 18, p532 on 22 Aug 1868 at 8 a.m.

1869 -On 24 Mar he bought property on Pitcher Rd, Queensbury, Warren Co, NY [next to Glens Falls] from Henry H and Charlotte Bush of the Village of Glens Falls for $250. He was living in Glens Falls then. The deed was recorded at Warren Co Registry of Deeds, Deed Bk 20, p 383 on 11 Aug 1869. The land was bounded on the S by the center of Pitcher Rd, 2 chains and 24 links along the road, W by ? Wings lot 2 chains and 24 links long, on N and E by land of Joseph Larose 2 chains and 24 links along each, containing 1/2 acre.

1870 -He is listed at the National Archives, Roll 1109, in the US Census taken on 1 July 1870 in NY, Warren County, page 49, line 39 as Benjamin Franklin, 39, white male, a jeweler, with real estate worth $1,000 and personal property worth $2,000, born in Russia, father and mother foreign born, eligible to vote, living at # 309 [street name not given], Queenstown, Glens Falls, NY, with his wife, Sarah, son, John [sic should be Charles], son, Isaac, daughter, Carrie, daughter, Lilly, and Mary Bond, a domestic servant from Bavaria.

1871 -On 29 Jul he bought property in Queensbury, NY from Ajide J. and Louise Bodette of Queesnbury for $200. He was living in Queensbury then. The deed is recorded at Warren Co Deed Bk 24 p 170-72. The property is described as beginning in the centre of Chesebrough Rd at the SW corner of Hilon Smith's lot, running N 2° W along H. Smith's lot 13-1/2 rods, thence N 89° W parallel with Chesebrough road 55', thence S 2° W 13-1/2 rods to the centre of the road, thence S 88° E along the center of the road 55' to the beginning. The purchase was subject to a mortgage of $150 given to Erskin Haviland and George E. Norris.

-On 22 Aug he bought property with several buildings in Glens Falls, Warren Co, NY from Duncan and Harriet McGregor of the Village of Glens Falls, NY for $10,000. He was living in the Town of Queensbury then. The deed was recorded at Warren Co Deed Bk 24 p151-53. The property is described as land in Glens Falls beginning on the S side of the highway or street leading from the Village of Glens Falls to Sandy Hill at a stone set in the ground at the stone wall and running thence S 3° and 30 min E 2 chains and 16 links to a Cedar Stake, thence S 70° W 34 links to the street or highway leading from Glens Falls Bridge through the village to the head of Lake George, thence along the street to the street leading to Sandy Hill, and thence to the place of the beginning, plus land bounded beginning at a cedar stake in the SE corner of the lot, thence E 13'9" N to the W corner of Ranson? Building or office intersecting the easterly line, thence S to the place of the beginning, except so much of the premises as is conveyed in deed of 14 Aug 1849 from James McGregor plus certain lots and stores and buildings bounded by the Highway leading from Glens Falls Hotel to Sandy Hill . . . to the Hudson River Bridge . . . bounded by the Post Office . . .where Dr Billy J. Clark now resides. Also reserved was a right of way 13"9" wide on the back or easternmost part of the land and running the whole breadth. Benjamin also bought all the buildings on the property except one. Also reserved were other easements and paths through the buildings. The next day, a notary examined his wife "apart from her husband to ascertain that she was free from fear or compulsion of her husband! Deed was recorded on 30 Aug 1871 at 8 a.m.

-On the same day, he took out a mortgage with the McGregors, recorded at Warren Co Mortgages Bk 2 p347-49. It states in part- This Indenture made 22 Aug 1871 between Benjamin Franklin of Queensbury, Warren Co,, NY, and Duncan McGregor of the Village of Glens Falls, for $10,000, on the premises described in a deed from John A Ferrip and wife to Alexander McGregor dated 13 Jun 1828 beginning at the south side of the highway or street leading from the Village of Glens Falls to Sandy Hill at a stone set in the ground at a stone wall running from thence south three degrees and 39 ? east two chains and sixteen links to Cedar Stake, thence north 70 degrees west 34 links to the street or highway leading from Glens Falls Bridge through the village to the head of Lake George, thence along that street to the street leading to Sandy Hill, and thence to the place of beginning, also the property described in a deed from Fletcher Rairson and wife to Alexander McGregor dated 27 mar 1832 beginning at a certain cedar stake in the south east corner of a lot purchased by McGregor from Ferrip, thence easterly 30'9" thence northerly to the west corner of Ransom's building or office ??? easterly line of McGregor's lot at the south west corner of Ransom's building or office thence south to the place of beginning, except the premises conveyed from James McGregor to James Berell dated 4 Aug 1849 [description follows, certain stairs, a door, upper part of a shop, and rights of way are mentioned]. The mortgage was taken to secure the payment of the purchase money for the premises. Interest was to be paid Sep 8, 1871, 8 Dec 1871, and the first day of Feb, May, Aug and Nov of each year. Full payment of the principal was due on May 1, 1882, but Franklin could pay off the principal earlier in sums of at least $1,000 on the date when interest was due. If he failed to pay interest for more than 60 days after due, the entire principal was to become due at once at the option of McGregor. Recorded 30 Aug 1871 at 8 AM.

-On 4 Sep 1871, he and his wife, of the town of Queensbury, sold their land on Glen St in Glens Falls to John L Dowd of Glens Falls, for $4,000. The land is described as beginning on the E side of Glen St next to land already owned by Benjamin dated 22 Aug 1871, except for a reserved right of way, and except that it was subject to a mortgage executed by Benjamin with McGregor dated 22 Aug 1871 for $4,000. Deed was recorded on 9 Sep 1871 at 8 a.m. at Warren Co Deed Bk 24 p 172-73.

-Warren Co, NY, Mortgage Bk 2, p376-378. Mortgagor: John L Dowd of Glens Falls. Mortgagee: Benjamin Franklin of Queensbury. Amount $4,000. Recorded 9 Sep 1871 at 8 AM.

-On 6 Oct 1871 Ben and Sarah took out another mortgage

1872 -He is listed in the Warren Co tax assessments, Queensbury as: Franklin, Benj, lot on Glen St valued at $1,000; lot on Bay St, 1/4 acre, valued at $240; lot on West St, 1/2 acre, valued at $50; lot on First St, 1/4 acre, valued at $50 no personal property valued, total valuation $1,340, tax $24.93.

-On 30 Jan 1872, Sarah and Benjamin, who were living in Queensbury at the time, sold their land in Glens Falls and Queensbury bounded by the former Post Office, the Cool? Building . . . and Glen St to Janette Ferguson of Queensbury for $5,000, except for a right of way across the rear 8 feet wide across the whole breadth, and excepting all the buildings on the land. The deed was signed by Benjamin and Sarah on 8 Feb 1872 and was recorded at Warren Co NY Deed Bk 24, p472 on 9 Feb 1872 at 8 AM.

-Recorded at Warren Co, NY, Deeds Bk 24 p475-76: Whereas Benjamin Franklin by mortgage executed by him and his wife dated 22 Aug 1871 and another mortgage executed by both on 6 Oct 1871, In consideration of these mortgages and to secure the payment of the money specified therein, and whereas Duncan McGregor has agreed to surrender the lands described below and to hold and retain the residue of the mortgaged lands as security for the money remaining due on the mortgages, at the request of Benjamin Franklin, on 8 Feb 1872 Duncan McGregor of Glens Falls, NY gives to Benjamin Franklin all that part of the mortgaged lands in the Village of Glens Falls and Town of Queensbury bounded on the N by the building formerly used as a Post Office known as Cool Bldg, by a straight line running easterly from the NE corner of the building to the premises of Albert Vermilia?, S by the building occupied by J? Ferguson and eastwardly by Glen St, excepting the right of way across the rear; the lands conveyed may be discharged from the two mortgages and the rest of the lands specified. The two mortgages remain with Benjamin Franklin. Recorded 9 Feb 1872 at 8 a.m.

-On 8 Feb 1872 he made an agreement with Janette Ferguson, recorded at Warren Co Deeds Bk 24, p476. It states in part -This Instrument made this 8th day of Feb 1872 Between Benjamin Franklin of Queensbury Warren Co, NY and Janette Ferguson of the same place. Franklin agrees to repair and put the stairs and stairway including the entrance leading from Glen St to the upper stories of the buildings on the easterly side of the street occupied respectively by the parties including proper outside door in good repair and proper shape and Ferguson agrees to pay Franklin 1/2 of the costs and expenses, and so long as the present building occupied by Franklin remains, the door stairs and stairway shall be kept and maintained at their joint and equal expense and may be used in common by both parties. In case Ferguson rebuilds on the site of her present building, she shall arrange not to unnecessarily interfere with the passage up and down the stairs, and if she does not so arrange, Franklin may do so at her expense, and the parties agree not to sell any strong or spiritous liquors, wines or beers on the premises occupied by them above the ground or first story of their respective buildings for ten years. The party violating this agreement agrees to pay the other party the sum of Five Hundred Dollars for each violation. The agreement was signed before Isaac J Davis, Warren Co Judge. Recorded 9 Feb 1872 at 8 am. [Because the agreement was signed before a Judge, it looks like this is a settlement of a lawsuit.]

1873 -On 1 Apr, Benjamin and Sarah Franklin, living at Glens Falls, Warren Co, NY, sold for $10,000 to Isaac Mott of same place land in Glens Falls bounded as follows- Commencing on the easterly side of Glen St on a line with the center of the southerly cellar wall under the building occupied by Mrs Janette Ferguson and running thence Easterly along the centre of said wall and along the south line of Mrs Fergusons said lot to lands of Albert Vermillion thence southerly along the lands of said Vermillion about 45' 8" to a lot heretofore conveyed by the Franklins to John S Dowd by deed bearing date Sep 4, 1871, thence westerly along the northerly line of said Dowds lot to Glen St, thence northerly along the easterly side of Glen St to the place of beginning. These premises were conveyed to Benjamin Franklin by Duncan McGregor and wife by deed dated Aug 22, 1871, except such parts of said premises conveyed by the Franklins to Janette Ferguson by deed dated 30 Jan 1872 and to John Dowd by deed dated 4 Sep 1871. The land was sold subject to a mortgage executed by the Franklins to Duncan McGregor for $1,00 dated 6 Oct 1871and recorded in Warren Co Mortgage Bk #2 p 557, and the sale was also subject to another mortgage executed by Benjamin Franklin to Duncan McGregor dated 22 Aug 1871 for $10,000 and recorded in Warren Co Mortgage Bk #2 p 347. Only $2,200 remained unpaid on the second mortgage. The land was sold subject also to an agreement between Benjamin Franklin and Janette Ferguson dated 8 Feb 1872, recorded in Warren Co Deed Bk # 24 p 476. Signed by Benjamin and Sarah Franklin. Deed was recorded on 12 Apr 1873 in Warren Co Deed Bk #26 p459.

-On 3 Apr 1873 Benjamin and Sarah Franklin of the Village of Glens Falls, Warren Co, NY sold to Smith Motts of the same place for $300 land in the Town of Queensburg bounded as follows-beginning in the center of the Chesebrough Rd at the south westerly corner of Hilon Smith's lot running north two degrees east along Smith's line 13-1/2 rods, thence north 80 degrees west parallel with Chesebrough Rd 55 feet, thence south two degrees west 13-1/2 rods to the center of the Road, thence south 80 degrees east along the center of the Road 55 feet to the place of beginning, subject to a mortgage of $150 given to Erskine Haviland and George E Norris, which the buyer assumed. Deed was recorded on 12 Apr 1873 at 8 am at Warren Co, Deeds Bk 26, p 461.

-Also on 3 Apr Benjamin and Sarah Franklin of the Village of Glens Falls, Warren Co, NY, sold to Isaac Mott of the same place for $200 land in the town of Queensbury bounded by the center of Pitcher Rd for two chains and 24 links along the road, westerly by H.R. Wing's lot for two chains and 24 links, northerly and easterly by the lands of ? two chains and 24 links, containing 1/2 acre, subject to a mortgage executed by the Franklins to Meridith B Sittle for $118dated 6 oct 1871 and recorded at Warren Co Mortgage Bk #2 p 446. Deed was recorded on 12 Apr 1873 at 8 am at Warren Co Deeds Bk 26, p462.

1874 -On 2 Apr Benjamin bought some property in Glens Falls, NY from James and Amanda Sisson of Glens Falls, for $600. The land is described as beginning on the W side of Bay street at a stone set in the ground, on the SE corner of Holman's lot, running N 87° along Holman's line about 20 rods to the old Mallory line, thence S 2° W 60' along Mallory's line, thence S 87° E parallel about 20 rods to the street, thence N 9° W along the street 60' to the beginning. Recorded in Warren Co Deed Bk 29 p 210-11 on 20 Aug 1874 at 9a.m.

-On 14 Jul, Benjamin and Sarah, living at Glens Falls, sold the land in Glens Falls described as land on Bay St at a stone in the ground along Hohman's lot, along the old Mallory Farm, to Hudson J. Murdoch of Glens Falls for $800, subject to a mortgage of $600 held by James Sisson which Murdoch assumed. Deed was notarized on 14 Jul and recorded at Warren Co Deed Bk 29 p211 on 21 Aug 1874.

1875 -Warren Co, NY, Discharge of Mortgage Bk 4, p236. On 25 Jan, Charlotte Barber discharged the mortgage of Sarah and Benjamin Franklin dated 24 Apr 1867 to secure payment of $200. Recorded 6 Feb 1875.
-His son, Millard Franklin, was born in May in NY.

1875-Listed in the NY State Census, First Election District of North Greenbush, Rensselaer County, NY, 14 June 1875 lines 10-19 as:
Benj Franklin, 44, male, born Poland, married, a watch maker, a naturalized citizen, living in a brick building, a store, worth $2,400, with:
wife, Sarah; son, Charles B; son, Isaac H; daughter, Carrie A; daughter, Lillie M; son, Millard A.; aunt, Mary Bond; and servant, Barhuen??? Bullhoues??.
Mary Bond is 55, female, born Germany, widowed,

1878 - Albany City directory, P 97:
Franklin, Benjamin, watchmaker, White corner Fowler, Bath, home ditto

1880 -He is listed at the National Archives, film T-9, Roll 922, in the US Census taken on 5 June 1880 in NY, Rensselaer County, e.d. #165, page 15, line 20 as Benjamin Franklin, an inhabitant of N. Greenbush, dwelling # 131 [no street name given] white male, age 48, married, a watchmaker, born in Russia, father and mother born in Russia, living with his wife, Sarah, son, Charles B, son, Isaac, daughter, Carrie, daughter, Lillian, son, Millard, and Mary Bond, no relationship to him given, a 64 year old white married female born in "Beveria" [Bavaria].

1882 -On 23 Nov 1882, he and his wife, her siblings and their spouses sold her share of the property at 348 East 32nd St, Manhattan, which she inherited when her father died, recorded on FHL #1,414,349, NY Co Conveyances, liber 1696 p 169-172.

1884 -For the first time, he is listed in the Troy, NY City Directory as "Benjamin Franklin & Son (C.B.), watchmakers 90 Congress St." This corresponds to the picture my mother gave me of four gentlemen standing in front of "B. Franklin & Son", a watchmaker and jewelry store, at #90! Pictures were not often taken in those days, perhaps it was grand opening day! Benjamin looks old in the picture, with a long white beard. The two younger men in the picture with hats standing next to him are his two sons, Isaac and Charles [Isaac was taller], and the third man, with mustache and side whiskers, is Adolph Jacobs, his son-in-law. The young boy is his young son, Millard. You can see in the windows of the shop that he sold musical instruments and lamps as well as watches and jewelry. A sign at the bottom of the shop window says, "Fine watches and jewelry repaired." There is a huge (larger than a man's head) watch hanging down over the door from the second floor. His sons, Charles and Isaac, are listed as boarding with their father. Son Charles is listed as B. Franklin & Son, so HE must be the "& Son!" There are two females in the window of the second floor, identities unknown.

1891 -Mortgage of 4 Sep 1871 made by John L. Dowd with Benjamin Franklin was satisfied and discharged on 6 Feb by Duncan McGregor of Glens Falls. Recorded 8 Apr 1892, Warren Co, NY Discharge of Mortgage Bk 9, p123.

1900 -He is listed in the US Census taken on 8 June 1900, NY, Rensselaer Co, Film T623, Roll 1153, e.d. 95, Sheet 14, lines 4-6 as Benjamin Franklin, white, male, born Jan 1831, age 69, married for 43 years, living at 56 Oakwood Ave, born in Russia, his father and mother both born in Russia, immigrated to the US in 1850, living in the US for 50 years, naturalized, a jeweler, employed all year, able to read, write and speak English, owned his home with a mortgage on it, living with his wife, Sarah, and his youngest child, Millard (Milford F in the census).

-On 17 July 1900 he purchased his cemetery plot in Forest Park Cemetery, Brunswick, NY. The Deed states Deed No. 98, Forest Park Cemetery, to Benjamin Franklin of Troy, NY. This Indenture made the 17th day of July in the year of our Lord 1900 between Forest Park Cemetery, a corporation incorporated under and pursuant to the laws of the State of NY, party of the first part, and Benjamin Franklin of Troy, NY, party of the second part. WITNESSETH that the party of the first part in consideration of $133.33 to it paid by the party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, does hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever, as a place of burial for the dead, the use of one lot of land, in the Cemetery of the said Corporation, called " Forest Park Cemetery" situated in the Town of Brunswick, Rensselaer Co, and State of NY, which lot is delineated and laid down on the Register Map of the said cemetery, in the possession of the party of the first part, and therein designated by the number 96 in section 9 containing 400 superficial feet, Kings Plot, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the use of the above granted premises to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever, subject, however, to the conditions and restrictions contained in the rules and regulations annexed hereto. AND the said party of the first part hereby covenants to and with the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, that the party of the first part is lawfully seized of the herein above granted premises in fee simple; that it has a good right to sell and convey the use of same for the purposes above expressed. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the said party of the first part has caused this Deed to be signed by its President and Treasurer, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed, the day and year first above written. Signed by Joseph A Leggett, President, and Charles E. Yardner, Treasurer In presence of J. N. Paige.

1907 -He died on 11 or 12 Sep. His Death Certificate states: Watervliet, Albany County, NY # 1665, died 12 Sep 1907, Benjamin Franklin, 80 years, married, white, jeweler, born Moscow, resident here 11 years, father Abraham Franklin born Moscow, mother unknown, died at 1317 First Ave, last residence 1317 First Ave, direct cause of death chronic cystitis, indirect cause of death senility, duration of disease about 3 days, death reported by C.B. Franklin [his son, Charles], death certified by Elias H. Brown, M.D. of Troy, NY, buried Forrest Park Cemetery, by T.F. Riley, undertaker of 29 Renss. St, Troy, NY, buried 13 Sep 1907, Recorded 12 Sep 1907. On Friday, 13 Sep 1907.
The Troy Record newspaper at p 12 col 6 contains the following:
Benjamin Franklin, a well known resident of this city [Watervliet], died Wednesday at his home on First avenue after a brief illness. Besides his widow, he is survived by three sons, Charles B and Millard F of Troy, and Isaac H Franklin of New York; also two daughters, Mrs. Fred W. Castle of Troy and Mrs. A. Jacob [sic] of Boston, Mass.

1908 -Troy, NY City Directory, Watervliet Directory, p. 638, says "Franklin Benjamin died Sept 11 1907"

The following listings from Troy, NY City Directories show where Benjamin lived over the years:
Year Page Listing
1879 78 Franklin, Benjamin, h 240 Fourth St
1880 80 Franklin, Benjamin, watchmaker, 280 River St (upstairs), h at Bath
1881 82 Franklin, Benjamin, watchmaker, 90 Congress St (upstairs), h 138 Fourth St
1882 87 Franklin, Benjamin, watchmaker, 90 Congress St, h 138 Fourth St
1882 381 Troy business directory under Watchmakers at 90 Congress St
1883 89 Franklin, Benjamin, watchmaker, 90 Congress St, h 138 Fourth St
His sons, Charles B. and Isaac H are listed as boarding at his home.
1884 93 Benjamin Franklin & Son (C.B.), watchmakers 90 Congress St, h 138 Fourth St
1884 428 under Watchmakers & Jewelers as "Franklin Benjamin & Son, 90 Congress"
1885 111 Benjamin Franklin & Son (C.B.), watchmakers 90 Congress St, h 138 Fourth St
His sons Charles and Isaac are listed as boarding with him.
1885 446 under Watchmakers & Jewelers as "Franklin Benjamin & Son, 90 Congress"
1886 111 Benjamin Franklin & Son (C.B.), watchmakers, 90 Congress St, h 138 Fourth St
His son, Charles, is listed the same.
1887 116 "
1888 116 Franklin, Benjamin r 138 Fourth St
His sons, Isaac and Charles are listed as boarding there.
1889 118 Franklin, Benjamin, jeweler, h 2435 Sixth Ave
His son, Charles, is listed as boarding there.
1890 121 Franklin, Benjamin, jeweler, 74 Congress St, h 2435 Sixth Ave
Sons, Charles and Isaac, are listed as boarding there.
1891 121 Franklin, Benjamin, jeweler, 74 Congress St, h 2437 Sixth Ave
Son, Charles, is listed as boarding there. Son, Isaac, is listed as living next door.
1892 129 As above, but both sons, Charles and Isaac, are listed as living there.
1893 129 "
1894 140 "
1895 142 "
1896 142 Franklin, Benjamin, jeweler, 74 Congress St, h 38 Oakwood Ave
Sons Charles, Isaac and Millard are listed as living there.
1897 147 "
1898 150 "
1899 153 "
1900 158 "
1901 160 As above, but his only his sons Isaac and Millard are listed as living there.
1902 "
1903 163 B Branklin & Son (Charles B), opticians 217 Broadway, h 38 Oakwood Ave
Son Millard is listed as living there.
1904 211 As above, but no children are listed as living there.
1905 214 "
1907 612 Benjamin Franklin optician (Troy) h 35 Fifteenth St, Watervliet, NY.
Son, Charles is listed as living there.
1908 639 Franklin, Sarah, wid Benjamin, h 1317 First Ave, Watervliet