Hon. Michael Francklin
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia 1766
“If historians have been unable to reach a consensus about Michael Francklin, it is perhaps because they have failed to grasp the role that he played. He was in many ways a typical colonial merchant-politician, meshing private and public concerns in an age when such intermingling was widely accepted. It is therefore in terms of the success that he had in helping to build the foundations for Nova Scotia that he must be evaluated, not in terms of 20th-century morality superimposed on an earlier age. In these terms, Francklin must be considered one of the truly important founders of the province.”
Poole England
Michael Francklin, a pivotal figure in Nova Scotia’s early history, was born on December 6, 1733, in Poole, Dorset, England. His father, also named Michael Francklin, hailed from Lytchett Minster and rose to prominence in Poole, serving as mayor from 1736 to 1738.
Seeking his own fortune, the younger Michael, the second son and fourth child, embarked on a journey that led him to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1752, aboard the ship Norfolk. While some accounts suggest he arrived with the initial settlement, his connection to Joshua Mauger, a prominent merchant, was instrumental in his early ventures. This connection, possibly through family ties, proved to be an enduring friendship.
Joshua Mauger
Francklin’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from the outset. He established a dram shop on George Street, employing savvy tactics like offering free samples to attract customers. His success allowed him to open a second shop near the Dock Yard Gate, where he partnered with Thomas Gray, expanding his offerings to include provisions and wines. During this time he became friends with Joshua Mauger, who was also a family friend.
Mi'Kmaq & Acadians
Beyond business, Francklin cultivated relationships with the local Acadian and Mi’kmaq populations. His fluency in French and genuine interest in their cultures set him apart. In 1754, while hunting with Mi’kmaq companions, he was captured by a hostile group and taken to Gaspé. This three-month captivity proved transformative. He learned the Mi’kmaq language and gained invaluable insight into their customs, experiences that would later serve him well in his political career.
Old Parish Burying Ground
Two acres was given by the Honourable Michael Francklin, late of Windsor, “for the purpose of erecting thereon a CHURCH or place of PUBLIC WORSHIP conformable to the Established Church of England, and for a place of Interment, Burying Ground or Grave Yard, for the use of the CHRISTIAN PEOPLE of the said township of Windsor.” His wife Susannah is buried there.
Susannah
In 1762, Francklin married Susannah Boutineau (1740-1816), the daughter of a prominent Boston merchant of French Huguenot descent. Their union produced four children and strengthened his connections within the region. Francklin’s business ventures flourished, extending to supplying British forces in Halifax and Quebec.
His political career ascended, culminating in his appointment as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia from 1766 to 1776. During this period, his bilingualism facilitated the return of Acadian families, granting them religious freedom. By 1771, the Acadian population in Nova Scotia had grown significantly.
In 1777, Francklin was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs, fostering relationships with Mi’kmaq chiefs. He dedicated himself to their welfare, arranging for winter supplies. On November 8, 1782, at the age of 62, he tragically died in his Halifax office on Granville Street while preparing these provisions. His public funeral on November 11th at St. Paul’s Church was a testament to his respect, with over 200 Mi’kmaq attending. He was buried in a vault beside the altar.
His wife, Susannah, outlived him by 34 years, passing away at their estate in Windsor, Nova Scotia, on April 19, 1816, at the age of 76. She was laid to rest in the Old Parish Burying Ground in Windsor.
Michael Francklin’s legacy is one of a shrewd businessman, a compassionate diplomat, and a man who bridged cultural divides during a turbulent period in Nova Scotia’s history.