I'm not sure about where it got it's name but my mother is going to try to ask relatives if they know. My great grandparents had a farm there. Please let know more about your family ( Franse ). We are probaly related some way. My grandmother was a Franse.
Thank you,
Karen R. Berndt

There is a community in Knox County known as Heiskell - does anyone know how it got its name?

My father was Henry A. Franse (b. 1916 in Heiskell). His father was John Isaac Franse (b. 1870, in Knox Co.), whose father was William Franse (b. Lee Co., Va.). I believe William Franse's father may be the William France from the book, "Early Settlers of Lee County, Virginia" since his brother, Adam R. France, with almost the same birthdate I have (3/28/1856) is listed, as well as a sister, Sarah, whose birth year is one year off (1855 instead of 1854). This book says that William France's wife, Elizabeth, born 1778, may have been Elizabeth Heiskell. And one of their children is listed as Heiskell France, b. 11/4/1862 (although I've never heard of him).

Anyway, with all this Heiskell stuff, I thought perhaps Heiskell may have been named for Elizabeth Heiskell France's family. I know my dad and all his brothers and sisters
were born and raised in Heiskell. Franse (spelled with an "s") is fairly uncommon and I would almost bet that all of us are related somehow.

Joyce Franse Minnich

I do not know where the community got its name for sure, but my father Heiskell Lowrie was born in Knoxville in 1911 and he was named after a Mayor Heiskell. There is also a street called Heiskell in Knoxville that I have seen in the past. Seems to me it was near the U. T.

Karen

Just saw your posting. My great grandmother was a Franse. My Franse line was in TN and came to MO and that is where the ones that are left are still living.

I would love to exchange information with you. Perhaps I can help you with your Franse line.

Please email me at copusphyllis@yahoo.com

Phyllis