Meshack Franklin

Fit into the hollows of Surry County, Flat Top Primitive Baptist Church often goes without notice to all except those who attend service who have loved ones residing in the cemetery. Considering the fame of its founder, his home, and his family, the church has likely only escaped attention through the confusion concerning its name. “Franklin: remains attached to the church, but Flat Top has become the predominately used name.

The founder, Meshack Franklin, attracts a great deal of attention towards Surry County, and any place connected with his name. As a southern plantation owner, supporter of public education, justice-of-the-peace, state counselor, member of each of the two houses of the North Carolina General Assembly, and a state constitutional convention delegate, Franklin was likely one of the most notable figures to originate from Surry County, NC.

As far as two generations before Meshack’s birth, his ancestors owned rather large tracts of land which they utilized as planting grounds. All of Meshack’s grandfather’s property is not known, but Bernard Franklin, Mesahck’s father, is noted to have been at the top of southern society. Together, Bernard and Mary Franklin (Meshack’s mother) already owned at least one slave and over 700 acres in Albemarle County, Virginia at the time of Meshack’s birth.

From an early age, Meshack was exposed to a southern, high-class lifestyle. Often worshipping with his grandparents at Blue Run Baptist Church, religion was a primary component in his life. As the offspring of rather wealthy parents, Meshack was expected to play the role of a proper child. Generally, plantation owners were a part of every aspect of society from church to education, government, and community groups. From his elite background, Meshack began to establish himself in the world at a young age.

Possibly Meshack’s greatest influence was his brother, Jesse Franklin. The brothers were close enough in age that Meshack was able to witness many of Jesse’s accomplishments, some of which included becoming a United States senator from North Carolina and later Governor of North Carolina. Unlike the highly recognized achievements of older brothers and his father, Jesse’s finest moments occurred in plain view of Meshack.

Due to the promising opportunities further south, Bernard entrusted his reliable son, Jesse, to choose a suitable spot for the Franklin family to move in 1779. At the same time, Meshack was only six, yet he was once again watching his older sibling establish himself in the world. Therefore, it was Jesse who chose the original 400 acres near the head of Michell River where Meshack would be raised.

Life in western North Carolina proved to be suitable for the Franklins. Hundreds of additional acres were purchased to add to the plantations ran by Bernard and Jesse. The growing reputation of his father and brother influenced Meshack in ways that only his later actions can express. For example, seeing the difficulties each of the family members faced due to low levels of education (though they were able to overcome the obstacles) likely presented Meshack with his interest in education.

During the same time period, the War for Independence had also spread to the western part of North Carolina. Being an influential family in the area, the Franklins became rebel supporters. On multiple occasions, loyalists raided the family home, and several family members (particularly Jesse Franklin and an Uncle, Benjamin Cleveland) responded by becoming rebel leaders. Seeing his family in this manner likely presented Meshack with his view of politics and inspired him to take on leadership roles later on.

When the war ended, Meshack Franklin was ten, yet he was beginning to emerge in the elite class of plantation owners. Using interests gained throughout his childhood, Meshack watched and often participated as he and his family helped to build the newly freed United States.

In 1790, Bernard Franklin helped to form the Yadkin Association of Churches, closely related to the Fisher’s River Association his son would one day help to build. Just a few years later, Meshack began to take on small community tasks, and in 1800 he was chosen to be in the House of Commons.

With leadership positions and a small portion of land from his father, Meshack was able to marry Mildred Edwards whose father also contributed to Franklin’s fame. He owned over thirty slaves and was the owner of a large plantation home. As Meshack’s land and slave property grew, he eventually moved into the Edwards Mansion, thus giving it its current name: the Edwards-Franklin House.

Before his death in 1839, Franklin was a wealthy plantation owner, member of the local agricultural society, public education supporter, justice-of-the-peace, presidential elector, councilor of state, and a member of the General Assembly. Obscured by his other accomplishments, Franklin’s roles in religion are often forgotten. He did, however, take from his busy schedule to begin a church in the early 1800s. Though it has been altered, Meshack’s name remains attached to the small Primitive Baptist building: Franklin/Flat Top Primitive Baptist Church.

Source:

Pell, Rodney F. Meshack Franklin: Western North Carolina Planter. Boonville:
Whiteline Ink Book Design & Production, 1987. Print.