Alton Wells Franklin (1878 - 1943?)
Alton Wells Franklin was born in Chesterfield, Virginia in 1878. While living in Petersburg, Virginia, he met and married his first wife, Claudia B. Willis. Around 1908, Franklin became an itinerant partner with a Mr. Hicks, who is listed in the 1909 Charlotte City directory, and their studio was located at 1 West Fifth Street. (1) According to the 1920 city directory and the census, he employed Inez or Meg Flowers as an artist in his studio. The young woman boarded with Franklin and his wife, Claudia, in their home at 302 North Tryon Street. (2)