Franklin J. Middleitch, of the firm of Middleditch & Potter, wholesale and retail dealers in foreign and domestic wines and liquors, at No. 47 Stephenson street, is one of the go-ahead and enterprising citizens of Freeport, evidences of whose success are shown in all his surroundings. Mr. Middleditch is a native of the State of New York, and was born in Erie County, near Buffalo, on the 22d of November, 1831. Alonzo Middleditch, his father, was a farmer of modest means. He married Miss Silvia Frost, a native of New York.

Franklin J. Middleditch had the advantages of a good common-school education, which he improved to the best of his ability. He grew to manhood in the State of New York, and began his business career early in life. He came to Freeport in 1865, and soon thereafter established his present business. In 1865 he formed a partnership with Mr. O. B. Potter. The firm of Middleditch & Potter have successfully carried on the business for the past twenty-two years, and have earned an enviable reputation and built up a large and profitable trade in the States of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska.

Mr. Middleditch was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, in which capacity he served for two years, discharging the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of the people. For a considerable time he held the office of chief-engineer of the fire department, and during his incumbency the efficiency of the department, as well as the discipline among the men, was above the average. Besides the establishment at No. 47 Stephenson street the firm owns another at No. 143 Stephenson street.

Mr. Middleditch was married in 1854 to Miss Mary Ryan, of Buffalo, N. Y., and they are the parents of two children, Marie and Francis, the latter of whom is deceased. He occupies an elegant residence upon Galena avenue which he has furnished comfortably. The business house first named above is 24x74 feet, and is three stories high, not including the basement. In politics Mr. Middleditch is a Democrat.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 207