Epitaph of Josiah and Abiah Franklin
Printed in The New-England Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure, I (1758), 58.
JOSIAH FRANKLIN,
And
ABIAH, his Wife,
Lie here interred.
They lived lovingly together in Wedlock
Fifty-five Years;
And without an Estate or any gainful
Employment,
By constant Labour, and honest Industry,
(With GOD’s Blessing)
Maintained a large Family
Comfortably,
And brought up thirteen Children and
Seven Grand-children
Reputably.
From this Instance, Reader,
Be encouraged to Diligence in thy Calling,
And distrust not Providence.
He was a pious and a prudent Man,
She a discreet and virtuous Woman.
Their youngest Son,
In filial Regard to their Memory,
Places this Stone.
J. F. born 1655, died 1744.
A. F. born 1667, died 1752.
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