Background
Franklin, Margaret Lavona Barnum was born on June 19, 1905 in Caldwell, Kansas, United States. Daughter of LeGrand Husted and Elva (Biddinger) Barnum.
Franklin, Margaret Lavona Barnum was born on June 19, 1905 in Caldwell, Kansas, United States. Daughter of LeGrand Husted and Elva (Biddinger) Barnum.
Bachelor of Arts, Washburn U., 1952; student, Iowa State Teachers College, 1923-1925; student, University Iowa, 1937-1938.
Teacher public schools, Union, Iowa., 1925-1927; teacher public schools, public schools, Kearney, Nebraska, 1927-1928; teacher public schools, Marshalltown, Iowa., 1928-1940; advance representative, Redpath-Vawter-Chautauquas, 1926; advance representative, Associated Chautauquas, 1927-1930.
Member Citizens Advisory Committee, 1965-1969. Member Stormont-Vail Regional Center Hospital Auxiliary. Board directors Marshalltown Civic Theatre, 1938-1940, president 1938-1940.
Board directors Topeka Public Library. Foundation, 1984-1992. Member Park Avenue Christian Church, New York City.
1st secretary beautification committee City of Topeka, 1951. Member Daughters of the American Revolution (state chairman Museum 1968-1971), American Association of University Women (50+ Year member), Gemini Group of Topeka, Topeka Genealogical Society, Topeka Civic Symphony Society (director 1952-1957, Service Honor citation 1960), Doll Collectors American, Shawnee County History Society (director 1963-1975, secretary 1964-1966), Stevengraph Collectors Association, Friends of Topeka Public Library. (director 1970-1979, Distinguished Service award 1980), Philanthropic and Educational Organization Sisterhood, Philanthropic and Educational Organization (president chapter 1956-1957, cooperative board president 1964-1965, chapter honoree 1969), Native Sons and Daughters Kansas (life), Nonoso, Topeka Stamp Club, Western Sorosis Club (president 1960-1961), Minerva Club (Second vice president 1984-1985), Woman's Club (1st vice president 1952-1954), Knife and Fork Club, Alpha Beta Gamma.
Married C. Benjamin Franklin, January 20, 1940 (deceased 1983). Children: Margaret Lee (Mistress Michael J. Felso), Benjamin Barnum.