Note:

Thomas Franklin was born in Manhattan to Quakers John Franklin (1731-1801) of Westchester, New York and Deborah Morris (1736-1787) of Philadelphia. He married Sarah Polhemus (1764-1791) in 1783. After Sarah's death, Franklin married Mary Haviland (1773-1854) in 1793. From 1800 to 1805 Franklin, by trade a merchant, was in partnership with George Newbold (1780-1858) as Franklin & Newbold, New York City importers of tools, hardware, iron, cotton and rice. A passionate firefighter, Franklin joined Engine Company 12 in 1783. He was appointed Assistant Engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department of the City of New York in 1799, and eventually appointed Chief Engineer in 1811. He held the post until 1824 and was fondly known as Uncle Tommy by his fellow firefighters.

A portrait miniature of Thomas Franklin was sold Freeman's, Philadelphia, American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts, November 12, 2025, lot 135.

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