William Jonathan Francklin [or Franklin]

Franklin (or Francklin) was indicted for illegally transporting 14 enslaved people from Barbados to Trinidad in April 1819. He claimed falsely that they were domestic servants. The associated correspondence of December 1830 dealing with the case are in the National Archives and include correspondence from James Stephen, legal adviser, proceedings of customs officers in carrying into effect the law for the abolition of the slave trade, and a memorial of Mr Evelyn JP concerning an action brought against him by W J Franklyn for false imprisonment.

1. William John Francklin had been co-owner with Joseph Bayley Francklin (q.v.) of the estate known as Vineyard/Contented Retreat/Francklyns until 1810 when he sold his half-share to his co-owner.

TNA: CO28/106, pp. 30-71.

1. William Jonathan Francklin sold for £9,207 to his brother Joseph Bailey [Bayley] Francklin, both being heirs of Joseph Francklin, deceased, ½ of the Contented Retreat plantation of 191 acres. The land was valued @ £72 per acre; there were 73 enslaved on the estate, Barbados Department of Archives. Hughes-Queree Index of Plantations.