Franklin Shoup was born in Nashport, Licking County, Ohio, June 1, 1843 his parents, Ellen (Brown) and Adam Shoup moved to Tazewell County, Illinois after 1850. At the age of 19 Franklin enlisted in the Illinois Volunteers and served in the Civil War in Company H, 108th Infantry Regiment.

On September 10, 1865 Franklin married Emma M. Lang, in Tazewell County, Illinois. They had two sons: Robert Austin Lee, born July 31, 1866 and John Franklin, born May 28, 1868. Emma was killed when a young cow she was trying to milk, tangled her in the teather and trampled her.

In the early 1870's the young widower came to California with his sons. He settled near Sacramento to farm but was flooded out. The family then moved to Shasta County and homesteaded 160 acres in Oak, now Happy Valley. Franklin's younger brothers, John Jacob and Adam joined him in Shasta County. J. J. "Jake" Shoup also homesteaded in the happy valley area. The brothers and R.F. Welch had a mining claim, The Olive Placer Mine, in the Anns Flat
Mining District. Franklin also had a joint mining venture in the Flood Flats Mining District with Aldophus Gross.

Franklin married Janie Gill and a daughter, Nancy Maria was born January 29, 1878. Janie died while Nancy was still an infant. Nancy married Sam Rosevere August 5, 1898 and after his death married George Webb, a brother to Laura Belle Webb who married John Franklin Shoup.

Robert Austin Lee Shoup married Sarah Louise Graham, October 4, 1890. Lee Shoup died September 6, 1902, leaving his widow and five young children:

Arthur, Eugene, Edgar, Earl, and Norma. Lee Shoup is buried in the Cottowood Cemetery.

Franklin Shoup grew fruit and vegatables and raised cattle on his ranch. He also delivered his product to Weaverville by wagon and mule team. Franklin lived in Happy Valley until his death March 14, 1918. He is buried in the Cloverdale Cemetery.

Franklin Shoup has many descendents still living in Shasta County, all but one, Arthur Leslie Shoup, grandson of Austin Lee, are dececended from John F. Shoup.

Source: Shasta Historical Society