David Franks

David Franks was Colonial American merchant and Loyalist during the American Revolutionary War. Franks was born in New York and soon after his arrival in Philadelphia, in 1738, became well known in both business and social circles. In 1748 he was elected a member of the provincial assembly. During the French and Indian war (1754–1763) he was engaged by the government to supply the army with provisions. During the Revolutionary War he continued to supply English troops, for what he was twice imprisoned. In 1780 he left for England, but returned in 1783 and engaged in the brokerage business in Philadelphia, in which he continued until his death from yellow fever during the epidemic of 1793.