Frankie B. Heffner, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)
This is the tombstone of Frankie B. Heffner, located in row 3 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:
Frankie B.
Son of
J.C. & M.C.
Heffner
Died
Oct. 2, 1888
Aged
3 Y 6 M 19 D
Franklin Benjamin Heffner was born 14 March 1885, the son of John and Mary (Tester) Heffner. His parents must have feared he would not survive because they had him baptized the same day, immediately after his birth. The church records describe it as quick, emergency baptism.
The records also state that his father was born in Blackcreek Township and his mother in Dublin Township.
Zion’s death and burial records show that little Frankie died 2 October 1888 and was buried on the 4th. This record indicates he was born on 6 March 1885.
His birth was recorded as 15 March 1885 in the probate records. [1]
Calculating his age as inscribed on his tombstone, 14 March would be his correct date of birth.
It appears his death was not recorded in the probate court.
[1] “Ohio, County Births, 1841-2003,” database with images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 27 June 2015), Franklin B. Haffner, 15 Mar 1885; citing Liberty, Mercer, Ohio, Births, p.33, from FHL microfilm 914953.
