201795 Private William Henry Franklin was born on 15 December 1894 in Roseneath, Ontario, the son of John Franklin and Clara Hill. He was a Mississauga from the Alderville Band at Roseneath. He came from a large family of brothers, sisters and half-sisters.

Franklin was a farmer when he enlisted on 5 November 1915 in Toronto with the 95th Overseas Battalion. In October 1916 he was posted to the 4th Battalion.

Private Franklin was first reported missing but then confirmed killed in action aged 21, on 8 October 1916. He is buried in the Adanac Military Cemetery in the Somme, grave reference V. C. 14.