Sophia Cracroft

Sophia Cracroft was the niece of Sir John Franklin and Lady Jane Franklin. Sometime prior to 1845, Cracroft began to be romantically pursued by Francis Crozier, who proposed to her on two occasions. Despite her attraction to him, Cracroft rejected his proposals both times, citing her lack of desire to marry a naval explorer and Crozier's Irish heritage and humble background.

When Sir John was selected to command an 1845 expedition in search of the Northwest Passage, Cracroft asked Crozier to accompany him, in order to "keep Sir John safe and ensure his judgment." After the expedition vanished, Cracroft accompanied Lady Jane in her lobbying for a rescue effort, visiting the Admiralty in November 1847 and fundraising for a private search attempt at the London Cultural Society in 1848.