From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Franklin was born a slave in Anderson County about 1838. At some time prior to 1860, George was taken from his native Lawrenceburg to a place in the deep south, most likely western Tennessee or Arkansas, where he remained a slave.

In 1863, President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed all the slaves in the southern states, and soon afterward the government authorized the enlistment of colored regiments for service in the federal army during the Civil War. All across the south, slaves threw down the tools of forced labor, and walked away from the fields, making their way to the nearest enlistment point.

Among those former slaves to volunteer was George Franklin, who made his way to Helena, Arkansas where on September 4, 1864 he enlisted as a private in Battery E of the 2nd U.S. Colored Light Artillery Regiment. At the time George enlisted he gave oath that he was born about 1838 in Anderson County, Kentucky.

The Battery was active in several engagements prior to George's enlistment, but his service was relatively uneventful, mostly serving on garrison duty until September 26, 1865, when Battery E was mustered from service at Helena, Arkansas.