History and Research

The core of this chart was taken from “A Genealogical and Biographical History of the Field Family of Massachusetts and Vermont, and the French-Henry Families of Virginia and Texas” by FFA member Charles Kellog Field, III [1]. This chart comprises only the genealogical facts concerning names, dates, and places. It does not include the biographies of this French family. If you are a descendant of this line, it is well worth buying his book. 376 pages, copyright 1985. Write to him at Charles K. Field, 2961 Woodcreek Way, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48013 (313) 647-5410. This family moved from VA to KY, plus they married into the Taliaferro family, indicating that this family might be connected to FFA Chart #36.

Charles K. Field’s book states that Daniel French was the first colonial ancestor of this French family to arrive in America. He states that Daniel immigrated from Frenchpark, Roscommon County, Ireland in 1660 and landed at Cape Henry, VA [5]; however, the FFA finds no mention of a Daniel French in Frenchpark, Ireland. The FFA also notes other discrepancies in this book. Daniel’s descendants settled in Prince William County, Virginia, which in 1747 in part became Fauquier County. His descendants also lived in Stafford County, VA [1]. There was a Daniel Frency of Maryland, who d. 1681, and who was said to have immigrated in 1622 from Roscommon County, Ireland and immigrated to Maryland, living at Poynt Comfort Creek. The FFA does not consider any of this information solid enough; therefore, this chart starts with James French.

First Generation

1.1* James French, b. ca. 1686, m. ca. 1722 to Elizabeth, will dated 2 Nov 1741, d. 3 May 1743 on his plantation in Prince William County, VA. Elizabeth was b. 1698, d. 1768 in Prince William Co. [1] [14]. James was a tobacco planter, who came to Stafford County, Virginia from North Ireland, whose wife was named Elizabeth, and who died about 1743. His will was proved in Prince William in 1743 [23]. James, traded 96 pounds of tobacco for 100 acres of fertile crop land which he had contracted to pay off during the next four years [2]. This portion of land was part of Henry Eilkin’s property. In May 1723 James had contracted with William Dolehy, age 15, to plant 10,315 tobacco plants [3]. The law at the time passed by the House of Burgesses in order to “improve the staple of tobacco” stated, “that all males between the ages of 10 and 16 could tend 3,000 plants, housekeepers could tend 10,000 plants, and all laboring people 6,000 plants and no more.” [1].

Second Generation

Children of James and Elizabeth French, 1.1.

2.1 Mary Ann French, b. Prince William County, VA [1].

2.2* William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, Prince William County, VA, (another source says he was born in Ireland that same date [22] [24]), m. Winifred Hall 10 Feb 1746, William d. 2 May 1792 (67 years old). Winifred, the daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Leasure) Hall, was b. 9 Jan 1722 in Ireland, d. 15 May 1786, age 65, in Prince William Co., VA. William inherited his father’s lands in Stafford County, VA, at the age of 18. William was a landowner, speculator, and tobacco planter. After his marriage, he returned to Prince William County where he purchased land and raised his 9 children [1] [23] [24]. William was a soldier in colonial wars [11].

Third Generation

Children of William and Winifred (Hall) French, 2.2.

3.1 Katherine French, b. 6 Feb 1747 Prince William County, VA, d. (cast away) 17 or 19 Nov 1771 [1] [25].

3.2 Elizabeth French, b. 30 Mar 1749, d. 10 Oct 1807 [1]. Probably never married because she is listed as “French” in her father’s will of 1792 [1] [25].

3.3 Susannah French, b. 1 Jan 1751, d. 25 May 1795 [1]. Probably never married because she is listed as “French” in her father’s will of 1792 [1] [25].

3.4 Mary French, b. 22 Jan 1753, m. Andrew Beatty [1] [25].

3.5 Margaret French, b. 9 Oct 1754 in VA, m. ca. 1775 John Farrow of Culpeper County, VA, d. ca. 1834 in Rappahannock, Culpeper County, VA [14]. [1] [25].

Mrs. Keziah Callaway French, b. in Bedford Co., VA, 8 Aug 1768, d. 26 Sep 1845 [13]

3.6* James French, b. 5 Nov 1756 Prince William County, m. Keziah Callaway on 27 Jun 1783 [28] (p. 468 of Ky Genealogies), d. 1 Apr 1835 in Boonesboro, Montgomery County, Kentucky [28]. Served in Revolutionary War. In Kentucky he was a surveyor [1] and a Judge in Madison Co., KY. He came from Virginia to Lincoln County, KY after serving in the Revolution. The French Family plot is located in Montgomery County, KY, between Mt. Sterling and Winchester, KY [18]. Keziah was the youngest dau. of Col. Richard Callaway and Elizabeth Jones Joy, b. 8 Aug 1768, d. 26 Sep 1845, m. 27 Jun 1787 to James French. James d. 1 Apr 1835 in Montgomery Co., KY [11]. Both Keziah and James are buried in the French family graveyard, Montgomery Co., KY. [25] When the Revolutionary War broke out James was 19 years old, he volunteered for service in the cavalry, Virginia State Line [11]. He and his younger brother, Stephen French, were with General Washington at Valley Forge [11]. James French and Keziah Callaway were married in the fort at Boonesborough on June 19, 1783, the first marriage performed in the then new county of Lincoln. Previously Keziah Calloway's half-sister Elizabeth married Samuel Henderson at Boonesborough, and that was the first marriage in Kentucky--the first marriage beyond the Allegheny mountains [11]. Keziah's mother, Elizabeth Calloway, died in Montgomery County on December 13, 1813, aged 80 years [11]. James and Keziah settled on a farm 5 miles west of Mt. Sterling. Several Frenches from this line are buried at the French Cemetery on Winchester Road in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, including Kiohara French, Mary T. French, Keziah and James French, and Joseph William French. In 1779, William Calk, John Judy, John Crawford, James French, Moses Thomas, and William Sade, all of Virginia, composed the little colony of whites that first settled in Montgomery County.

From the Baptist History Homepage:
James French, Sr., was one of the frontiersmen of Kentucky and was in the fort at Boonesborough when the town was laid out in lots, one of the streets being named in his honor. While in the fort, he married Miss Keziah Callaway. He and his family were among the leading members of Lulbegrud Church for years. One of the sons of James French was Judge Richard French. James French was clerk of the church at Lulbegrud for years, was elected clerk of North District Association in 1803, and was the efficient clerk of that body for thirty consecutive years, during which time he wrote most of the circular letters for that Association. These are only preserved in the record book of the Association, but should be put into book form for Baptist literature. He was an uncompromising Baptist, and when the difference between the Baptists and the so-called Reformers arose, James French saw that there must be a separation, so he called a meeting extraordinary at Lulbegrud in April 1830, and invited to be present only such churches as stood firmly upon Baptist ground. After leaving the fort, James French settled first in Madison County but in a short time moved to Clark County, on what was known as the Simon Kenton tract, which he acquired at a Federal Tax sale, and on the creation of Montgomery County the line ran through the farm, leaving a part in each county. James French was considered one of the largest land owners in Kentucky in his day, owning at one time 225,000 acres, known as the upper and lower Franklin patents and covering a large portion of Estill, Lee and Breathitt counties and comprising much of the richest mineral and oil lands in the state. He and his family were among the leading members of Lulbegrud Church for years, and his wife, whose picture appears in the history of that church, drew the plans for the church building, known as the church of twelve corners, which represented the twelve apostles.

3.7 William French, b. 15/18 Sep 1758, d. 30 Jul 1760 (age 2) [1]. [25]

3.8* Stephen French, b. 1 Mar 1760 Prince Edward County, m. Elizabeth “Betsy” Helm 20 Feb 1790, d. 22 May 1842, age 82. Elizabeth was b. 7 Jun 1764, the daughter of Major Lynaugh Helm and Hester (Foote), d. Jun 1811 (age 47). Stephen inherited his father’s properties (his father died in 1792) in Stafford and Prince William counties; mainly the plantation “Brentown” near Brentsville, VA. On 4 Jun 1803, he bought 78 acres belonging to Langhorne Dade in Prince William County, VA. Stephen served in the Revolutionary War, age 16. He remained on his father’s plantation the rest of his life, raising corn, wheat, and tobacco. He outlived Betsy by almost 31 years. [1] [25]. Stephen is listed in the 1810 US Census, Stafford Co., VA, as “Stephen FRENCH 00000-00000-0-12”. Stephen’s obituary was in the Richmond Enquirer, 10 Jun 1842 as Stephen French Sr [25].

3.9 Keziah French, b. 5/6 Dec 1761 Prince William County, m1. George Madden, son of Scarlett & Margaret Madden, m2. Valentine Stone in 1785, d. 1822 in Bath Co, KY [1] [25] [26]. She had two children by her first husband: Sukey and Elizabeth Madden [27].

Fourth Generation

Children of James and Keziah (Calloway) French, 3.6

4.1 William French, b. 1 Mar 1785, d. 16 Mar 1863, m. 1805 Polly Taylor, dau. of Rev. John Taylor. Polly was b. 17 Jul 1792 in KY and d. 7 Jan 1879 [11]. They lived in Franklin Co., KY [11]. Polly Taylor b. Clear Creek in Woodford Co., KY 17 June 1792, d. 7 January 1879. William French was a Captain in War of 1812. Captain William French is in Will Book D, p. 515, Montgomery Co., KY. William and Polly French lived in a brick house built by her father and located on the Georgetown Road in Franklin Co. [30].

Judge Richard French, b. 23 Jun 1792, d. 1 May 1854 [13]

4.2* Richard French, b. 23 Jun 1792 in Madison Co., KY, d. 1 May 1854 in Kenton Co., KY, m. Mary Taliaferro and had 5 children. Richard was a lawyer, legislator, and circuit court judge in Kentucky [1]. Mary was b. 8 Nov 1805 in Caroline Co., VA and d. 14 Feb 1886 and is buried at the French Cemetery on Winchester Road in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. They were m. 7 Sep 1820 in Clark Co., KY [11].

First Baptist church in Winchester

From the First Baptist Church of Winchester:
Richard chose law for his profession and in the practice of which he entered in partnership with Mr. Dillard, at Winchester, Kentucky, who was afterwards the distinguished Ryland T. Dillard, D. D. Judge Richard French was a man of distinction and was appointed and served many years as Circuit Judge and also served in Congress until defeated by the brilliant Richard Menefee in 1837. In 1840, Judge French was the Democratic nominee for governor against Governor Letcher and ran many thousand votes ahead of his ticket, but lost by only a small majority. Frenchburg, the county seat of Menefee County, KY, is named for him and his portrait adorns the walls of the Clark County Court House [13]. Though wedded to his professional career, no doubt that the early teachings of his pious parents caused him to pause in the midst of his political honors to seek the salvation of his soul and he was baptized by his former law partner, Dr. Ryland T. Dillard. He was a consistent member of the church and died in the full triumph of his faith on May 1, 1854. His widow, Mary Taliaferro French, was one of the constituent members of the First Baptist Church of Winchester

From Frenchburg, Kentucky Website
Menifee became the Commonwealth's 113th county in 1869 when it was formed from the adjoining counties of Bath, Montgomery, Morgan, Powell, and Wolfe counties. Menifee was named after Richard H. Menefee, a well-regarded statesman and successful lawyer. Mr. Menefee was serving in the state legislature when he ran for Congress in 1837 and defeated Judge Richard French in a vigorous campaign. Mr. French was equally well known and admired; and his name was chosen for the county seat, Frenchburg.

From a chart made from surveys in court records of Clark County by S. J. Conkwright and S. H. Rutledge.
The following settlers came with Capt. William Bush and settled on lower Howards Creek, Clark County: Fielding Bush, Ambrose Bush, Philip Bush, Francis Bush, Henry Cain, Robert Clark, Ambrose Christy, Joel Embry, Elder Robert Elkin, Smallwood Eckton, Richard French, George Gordon, Nicholas George, John George, Lewis Grigsby, John Halyard, Nathaniel Haggard, James Hodgkin, James Haggard, David Hampton, Richard Jones, Allen Neil, Elder James Quisenberry, Joel Quisenberry, John Quisenberry, Roger Quisenberry, Tandy Quisenberry, Nathaniel Ragland, John Ried, Robert Richard, James Ragland, Sr., James Ragland, Jr., Joseph Stevens, Wm. Tate, Wm. Wills.

4.3 Catherine French, m. Isaac Farrow, and they moved to IL [1].

4.4 Susannah French, b. 25 Jul 1795, d. 5 Mar 1866 near Mt. Sterling, Montgomery, KY [28], m. Judge Kenaz Farrow of Culpeper, VA [1]. He was b. 23 Dec 1794 in Culpeper Co., VA, d. 31 Aug 1864 [11].

4.5 Stephen French, b. 9 Jul 1798, d. 3 May 1827, a lawyer [1].

4.6 Theodosia French, b. 16 Jun 1801, d. 12 Jan 1886, m. Dr. John W. Hood, prominent physician of Montgomery County, KY.

4.7 Keziah French, b. 18 Mar 1804, d. 13 Nov 1827 or 29, m. 25 Jan 1824 James Prewitt, b. 26 Sep 1802, d. 5 May 1879. Both are buried in the French family graveyard, Montgomery County, KY. Their son was William French Prewitt, b. 1 Dec 1821 [18].

4.8 Lina (or Olivia or Livia) French, b. 10 Feb 1806, d. 27 Nov 1853, m1. to Waller Cluke on 5 Jan 1826, m2. William Prewitt Smith.

Children of Stephen and Betsy (Helm) French, 3.8

All born in VA.

4.9 Susannah French, b. 21 Nov 1790, d. 25 May 1795 on Chappamansix in Stafford Co., VA, and is buried the same day at Hester Helm’s on Seder Run, Prince William County [1] [25].

4.10* William French, b. 23/26 Apr 1793 in Stafford Co., VA, m. Martha L. Taylor on 2 Jan 1814 in Loudoun Co., VA [19], d. 15 May 1826 [1]. [25]

4.11* James French, b. 18 Mar 1801 in Prince William Co., m. Sarah Scarborough Butler Henry on 27 May 1829 at Woodlawn, Halifax Co., VA, d. 6 May/Jun 1850, age 49 and is buried at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington D.C. He was interred in Congressional Burying Ground. See Obituary, The Fredericksburg News”, 14 May 1850. James and Sarah lived in Warrenton until 1850 (the year James died). They inherited his father’s plantation “Brentown” in Prince William County, VA, and James was a wealthy tobacco planter in VA and represented his district for a number of terms in the state legislature. Sarah was b. 27 Aug 1808 at “Woodlawn” Plantation, Pittsylvania Co., VA, the dau. of John and Martha Henry, d. suddenly 9 Apr 1873 in Brooklyn, NY and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn. James was executor of his father’s property and administered the accounts until 3 Dec 1844 from his residence, “Fenton” Plantation, a Revolutionary Estate in Fauquier Co., 3 miles from the town of Warrenton [1]. The "Fenton" Plantation has since burned down [1] [25].

4.12* Stephen Zinah French, Jr., b. 29 Jul 1804, m. Anna Maria Briggs of Richmond, VA, dau. Of David Briggs of Richmond, VA, on 27 May 1839 [29]. They were m. in Raymond, MS [29]. Stephen d. 25 Aug 1827 [1] [25].

4.13 Maria Lynaugh French [1] [25].

4.14 Martha G. French, m. Saybon I. Hansberger [1] [25].

Fifth Generation

Children of Richard and Mary (Taliaferro) French, 4.2

5.1* Judge James H. French, became prominent in both the civil and religious affairs of the community and state. He was influential members of the First Baptist Church and zealous for her welfare. Judge James H. French was a deacon of the church, clerk of the Boone's Creek Association for two years and moderator from 1872 to 1881, with the exception of two years, and in all matters pertaining to the church, especially those of doctrinal and denominational importance his counsel was always sought.

Judge Charles S. French [13]

5.2* Charles Stephen French, b. 8 Jun 1828 in Montgomery Co. KY, d. 26 Jun 1905 [13]. He became prominent in both the civil and religious affairs of the community and state. He was influential members of the First Baptist Church and zealous for her welfare. Judge Charles S. French was a constituent member of the First Baptist Church and her first clerk, serving for twenty-one years, and was a deacon during the latter part of his life.

From the First Baptist Church of Winchester:
In October, 1880, Charles S. French presented his resignation as church clerk, which was accepted with reluctance, as shown by resolutions of appreciation of his long period of faithful and efficient service in this capacity, extending from the organization of the church until this time, which were in part as follows: "Resolved, That we accept with reluctance his resignation now tendered, simply because of the incompatibility of the duties of his position with other important obligations laid upon him." His brother, Richard French, was chosen clerk to succeed him [13].

5.3 Rev. Richard French, became prominent in both the civil and religious affairs of the community and state. He was influential members of the First Baptist Church and zealous for her welfare. Rev. Richard French was clerk of the church for several year and was then ordained to the ministry.

Ephesus Church

From the Baptist History Homepage, Ephesus Baptist Church, Clark Co., KY
We now come to speak of a pastor of this church, whose pastorate extended over a period of a quarter of a century, during all of which time there existed the most endearing, tender affection between pastor and people that it has ever been the good fortune for the writer to know. We speak of the pastorate of Rev. Richard French, of Ephesus Church.

Brother French was licensed to preach the Gospel in March 1890, by the First Baptist Church of Winchester, Kentucky, of which he was a member. The following April, he accepted a call from Ephesus Church to become their pastor. Upon the request of Ephesus Church, in August following, made to the First Winchester Church, asking for the ordination of Brother French as a minister of the Gospel, said request was granted. Brother French served this congregation with love and faithfulness as a preacher of righteousness, practicing what he preached, until November 3, 1913, at which time he offered his resignation, on account of failing health (he died 6 months later), in an affectionate communication to the church, in part as follows:

"On account of my health, I feel it my duty to present to you my resignation. I would have you know that this does not in any wise dissolve our relations fraternally, for my twenty-five years pastorate has endeared that church to me to such an extent that whatever you may do in reference to this matter will not lessen the attachment I entertain for you. The sweetest memories of past experience cluster around that old church with me, for it has been my privilege to go with you to the tomb with your loved ones, and mingle my tears with yours, from the little babe that nestled in the cradle, to the gray haired father and the devoted mother. In all these afflictions have my tears blended with yours in sympathy of the deepest and most profound. And nothing on earth could cut me loose from my devotion to you as a people, &c."

There is also recorded a letter to Ephesus Church from Mrs. Richard French and children, dated May 6, 1914. This letter is so tender and affectionate in speaking of the bond of love existing between Brother French and the church, that after reading it, I pause to brush away a tear in memory of that good man, Brother Richard French. Hard, indeed, would be the heart that could not be moved by reading that letter. We give only a few lines, as space will not permit more.

Rev Richard French, born March 22, 1842; died April 24, 1914

"The death of a Christian should be looked upon as a triumph over life's rugged pathway. ... In reviewing the life of our honored husband and father it seems to us that the hand of God has been with you. . . you called a man that had never been ordained; he prayed for guidance; you well know the results. You were his first people, his last people; his first love, and how tenderly and loyally he loved you until the end. . . . And as the end drew near, oh. The prayers he made in your behalf. There was that bond of sympathy and love that were never severed; that, was devotion in the highest sense of the word. When he thought of you it was with the tenderest love, that love that would make any sacrifice; that love, that would remain steadfast and true under all circumstances; that love, though death does part, yet we firmly believe only becomes stronger. We shall ever cherish the fondest affection for you and deep gratitude to you for the respect, kindness and love you manifested for our beloved husband and father."

On May 9, the church passed resolutions in expression of the love and high esteem in which Brother French was held by the congregation, which in part are as follows:

"Brother French became our pastor when God first called him into the active service as a preacher of righteousness. We called for his ordination as a minister of the Gospel, and we mourn for him at the close of a fourth of a century's continuous service in our midst. He has ministered unto our spiritual needs; he has united in bonds of wedlock many of our members; he has led to the knowledge of Jesus Christ under Divine grace our children and our children's children; he has buried our dead. Many are the precious memories of past association and now when in the end of his earthly race, when with the good fight, the finished course, and the kept faith, like a full sheath of ripened ears, he has entered into the harvest home of God's granery, be it resolved, &c."

During her seventy-five years existence as a church, Ephesus has been served by only fourteen pastors, as follows: Thornton I. Wills, Smith V. Potts, Nathan Edmonson, Ryland T. Dillard, W. B. Arvin, Thomas J. Stevenson, George Hunt, Ambrose D. Rash, J. Pike Powers, J. Dallas Simmons, Richard French, W. S. Taylor, F. B. Pierson and Linden Jones.

5.4 William French, died in early manhood.

Child of William and Martha (Taylor) French, 4.10.

5.5* William Taylor French II, b. 21 Nov 1813/14 in Prince William Co., VA, d. 8 Dec 1861 in Mt. Sterling, KY, m. Louisa Clay Thomas 15 Nov 1846, dau. of Benjamin F. Thomas and Juliet Howard in Loudoun Co., VA [16] [19] [1].

Children of James and Sarah S. B. (Henry) French, 4.11

5.6* Marcellus French, b. 14 Feb 1831 near Warrenton, Fauquier Co., VA, m1. Elizabeth (Bettie) H. Logan, dau. of Senator Richard Logan of Halifax Co., VA, on 28 Oct 1857, m2. Margie M. French, no children. He d. 13 Dec 1917 in Houston, VA, age 86, and is buried in Houston, VA. He moved to TX in 1852 and lived there for 6 years. Marcellus returned to VA in 1861 and entered the Confederate Army, d. 13 Dec 1919 in Houston, VA [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Marcellus when his father died 27 Aug 1850. He had a free African American servant, Kit Bowman [31].

5.7 Matilda Caroline French, b. 26 Jul 1833 in Fauquier Co., VA, d. 3 Jan 1887 in Tustin, CA, buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY, m1. Franklin C. Gray of KY and CA in WDC on 21/24 Mar 1853. They had a dau. Franklina C. Gray, b. 20 Dec 1853 in Brooklyn, NY. Franklin C. Gray never saw his dau. because he died suddenly on 15 Jul 1853 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. In 1865 Matilda left NY for SF. Matilda m2. David Hewes ca. 1875, no children. Her dau. by the first marriage, Franklina Gray, m. William S. Bartlett, and among their 3 children, had a dau., Franklina Matilda Bartlett, b. 1 Nov 1886, who m. her second cousin, James Henry French, on 7 Sep 1915. (see 9.2) [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Matilda when her father died 27 Aug 1850.

5.8* James Henry French, b. 26 Mar 1835 in Warrenton, Fauquier Co., VA, m. Sarah Lorrinilla Webb on 15 Oct 1856 in San Antonio, TX, d. 6 Sep 1893 of apoplexy in San Antonio, TX. He lived at 105 San Pedro Ave., in San Antonio. Sarah was b. 6 Oct 1836 in Detroit, Michigan, d. 7 Sep 1915 in San Antonio, TX. She was the dau. of Henry and Olive Ann (Selkrigg) Webb. Sarah was a well-known philanthropte worker. She was 79 at her death and had lived in San Antonio for 9 years, born in Detroit, MI in 1836. James was a prominent citizen, soldier, merchant, banker, sheriff, and mayor (1875-1885) of San Antonio, TX. He moved to TX at age 16 and settled in San Antonio in 1851 until he died [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan James when his father died 27 Aug 1850. Most of this family from San Antonio is buried in City Cemetery #1.

A transcript from the San Antonio Express newspaper, Jan 11, 1939, Wednesday. French, One of San Antonio’s Best Mayors, by Fred Mosebach.

When James H. French succeeded Frank Giraud as the 22nd mayor of San Antonio, January 19, 1875, and held the office continuously for 10 years until he was succeeded by Brayan Callahan, February 1, 1885, San Antonio made its greatest progress up to that time since the city was incorporated and John W. Smith became its first Anglo mayor, September 19, 1837.

The most distinctive stride in the advancement of San Antonio was the building of the first railroad line into this city, the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio, which was accomplished February 16, 1877, and four years later to the day, February 16, 1881, the International & Great Northern had been built into San Antonio. While Mayor French had nothing to do with the building of these railroad lines, he was the city’s chief executive, and as such he lent every encouragement possible for the prosecution of the work to speed it on its way.

The building of these railroads brought an influx of northern and eastern capital, which manifested itself in the further development of San Antonio. This spurred the city on to greater improvement, and during the administration of Mayor French, the first system of street names and house numbers was adopted, which was on March 1, 1881, as attested by Theo. Baldue, city clerk. Until then the street names and house number, the latter of which prevailed only in the business section, were a conglomerated mass of incongruities with no basic guidance.

With the improved system of street names and house numbers, San Antonio was in line for mail delivery service, and this was inaugurated in 1882 during the presidency of Chester A. Arthur, for until then all mail had to be called for at the post office. William Henry Mitchell was the first five mail carriers to be appointed, and he is the only one of these living, now 82 years of age. He carried the mail for more than 38 years and was retired on a pension in January 1921 at the age of 65 years. He still has a gold watch presented to him for Christmas, 1885, by residents along his route.

5.9 Junius Butler French in Fauquier Co., VA, b. 7 Aug 1837, d. 2 Jul 1863, was wounded 1 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA, and died early the next morning [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Junius when his father died 27 Aug 1850.

5.10 Rosalie Henry French, b. 4 Aug 1839 in Fauquier Co., VA, d. 28 Aug 1889, m. Arthur H. Brown of Honolulu. He d. in the service of the Confederate Navy. Rosalie d. in CA, buried in Oakland, CA [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Rosalie when her father died 27 Aug 1850.

Children of Stephen L. and Anna (Briggs) French, 4.12

5.11 Anne French, m. Col. Charles E. Hoge. Their daughter, Anne Briggs French Hoge,

Sixth Generation

Children of William and Louisa C. (Thomas) French II, 5.5

6.1 Howard R. French, b. 15 Aug 1847, m. Phoebe Crawford [1] ca. 1875. Had 2 sons, no heirs. One son lived in NY, other in Mt. Sterling, KY.

6.2 William T. French, b. 20 Aug 1850, d. 20 Mar 1872 [1].

6.3 George T. French, b. 24 Mar 1853, d. 6 Jun 1883 [1].

6.4 Stephen French, b. 6 Apr 1857 [1].

Children of Marcellus and Elizabeth H. (Logan) French, 5.6

6.5 Margaret Logan French, b. 26 Oct 1858 in Halifax Co., VA, d. 22 Jan 1879 [1]. (Died before age 25)

6.6 James French, b. 6 Apr 1860 in San Antonio, TX, d. 30 Aug 1861 in Halifax Co., VA [1]. (Died in infancy)

6.7 Sarah “Sallie” Henry French, b. 29 Jul 1861 in Halifax, VA, m. Charles Carrington on 20 Aug 1883, and had 4 sons: George Cabell Carrington, Charles R. Carrington, William Lorrin Carrington, and Marcellus French Carrington [1]. He was the son of Sally Winston Henry and Dr. George C. Carrington.

6.8 Charles Richard French, b. 25 Dec 1863, m. Mrs. Letitia (nee Edmonson) of Halifax Co., VA [1].

6.9 Marcellus French Jr., b. 12 Dec 1865, d. “Woodside” Pittsylvania Co., VA 1865 [1]. (Died in infancy)

6.10* Junius Butler French, b. 21 May 1867 in Pittsylvania Co., VA, lived in Chattanooga, TN, m1. Hattie B. Dix of Accomac Co., VA, m2. Miss Sarah (Sadie) Wyatt of Chattanooga, TN in 1900 [1], d. in VA 29 Sep 1944 in Chattanooga, TX. Hattie was b. 28 Oct 1866, d. 1 Dec 1892 in Chattanooga, TX. Her parents were Levin D. Dix and Charlotte Ann Bayne of Accomac, VA. Sarah was dau. of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Wyatt of Marion, AL. [1]

6.11* William Logan French, b. 19 Apr 1864 in Pittsylvania Co., VA, m. his first cousin, Sarah Lorrinilla French of San Antonio, TX on 30 Jan 1896 [1], d. 28 Dec 1953 in Williamson or Williamsburg, WV [21]. She d. 28 Oct 1914 [1].

6.12 Julia Coleman French, b. 8 Jul 1872, m. Addie M. Sparrow on 13 Nov 1885 [1].

Children of James Henry and Sarah (Webb) French, 6.4.

All born in San Antonio, TX

6.13* Rev. Junius Butler French, b. 29 Jan 1858 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX, m. Annie Lawrence Dial on 2 Sep 1885 in San Marcos, TX, d. 9 Feb 1918 in Jacksonville, Florida. Annie was b. 7 Feb 1867 in Wilson County, TX, d. 26 Sep 1941 in Los Angeles, California [1]. Rev. Junius was a Presbyterian minister of Forth Worth.

6.14 Olive Ann French, b. 25 Feb 1860, in San Antonio, TX, d. 26 Jan 1936, m. Judge Joseph Phillip Devine of San Antonio, TX, on 2 Sep 1879 and had 6 children [1]. Joseph d. 28 May 1903 in San Antonio, TX [25]. Judge Joseph was the son of Judge Thomas Jefferson Devine. They lived at 421 Crescent St., Alamo Heights, TX and later at 3615 Broadway

6.15 James Vassar French, b. 25 Jun 1864, m. Augusta Hirschfield and had 2 daughters, Josephine and Lonnie. Josephine m. Joseph Rosenfeld and had 2 daughters. Lonnie m. Dick Walker [1].

6.16 Sarah Lorrinilla French, b. 23 Jul 1867, d. 28 Oct 1914, m. William French, her first cousin (7.11) on 30 Jan 1896 in San Antonio, TX. William was the son of her uncle, Marcellus French (6.2) [1]. For children, see William L. French’s line, 7.11.

6.17 Franklina Gray French, b. 25 Jul 1872, d. 18 Oct 1959, age 87, in Mountain View, CA. She m. Francis (Franklin) Gerrit Yates, and had 5 children [1]. In 1915 when her mother died, Franklina was living in Fort Worth, TX.

Seventh Generation

Children of Junius B. and Hattie B. (Dix) French, 6.10

7.1 Margaret Logan French, b. 4 Dec 1891 in South Boston, VA, m. Marion Pryor Wall of South Pittsburg, TN [1].

7.2 Junius French Wall.

Children of Junius B. and Sarah (Wyatt) French, 6.10

7.3* James Wyatt French, b. 22 Jun 1904 in Chattanooga, TN, d. 4 Aug 1956 in Richmond, VA, m. Katherine Martin Kirkland, dau. of Dixon Fay Kirkland and May Lou Martin in Chattanooga, TN.

Children of William L. and Sarah L. French, 6.11 and 6.16

7.4* Marcellus French, b. 26 Aug 1901 in San Antonio, TX, d. 24 Sep 1973 in McKees Rocks, PA [21].

Children of Junius Butler French, 6.13

7.5 Matilda Clyve French, b. 31 Oct 1886 in San Marcos, TX, m1. Ernest Chilsholm on 10 Oct 1906, m2. Albert Kellum Pray on 23 Feb 1921. He d. 12 Jan 1950. Matilda d. 11 Jun 1961 in Ontario, CA [1].

7.6* James Henry French, b. 5 May 1888 in Tustin, CA, m. Franklina Matilda Bartlett (his second cousin, see 7.3) on 7 Sep 1915. James d. 27 Sep 1956 and Franklina d. 16 Dec 1963 [1].

7.7 Elmo Dial French, b. 12 Apr 1890 in Tustin, CA, m. Elizabeth Otto on 7 Sep 1922. Elmo d. 24 Oct 1950 of a heart attack [1].

7.8 Winifred Bartlett French, b. 22 Dec 1892 in Fort Worth, TX, never married. She d. 9 Sep 1961 of cancer and was interred next to her mother and father in East Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, TX [1].

7.9* Annie Carol French, b. 26 Nov 1901 in Ft. Worth, TX, m1. 19 Feb 1919 to Roswell Francis Field in Jacksonville, FL. Roswell was b. 27 Mar 1893 in Chicago, Illinois, d. 28 May 1952 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They had 3 children. Annie m2. Albert Jay Crane on 13 Apr 1959 in Naples, FL. Albert was b. 10 Dec 1885, d. 5 Sep 1971. No children from the second marriage. Annie d. 11 Jan 1988 of pneumonia in Naples, FL.

7.10 Junius Butler French, b. 11 Nov 1903 in Fort Worth, TX, m1. Mabel Redwine on 23 Nov 1934. They were divorced in 1960. He m2. Myrtle Mae Gust on 13 Nov 1965 in La Jolla, CA. Junius d. 13 Jun 1982 of a heart attack. Myrtle presently resides in Lake San Marcos, CA [1].

7.11 Robert Aubrey French, b. 3 Sep 1906, d. 3 May 1908 (age 2). His remains were interred at the family plot in East Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, TX [1].

Eighth Generation

Children of James W. and Katherine M. (Kirkland) French, 7.3

8.1 Wyatt French Jr., b. 28 Jan 1930 in Columbus, OH, m1. Fay Ann Danner, dau. of Howard Mackie Danner and Lucille Morris, b. 27 Jul 1933 in Columbia, MO [1].

8.2 Rosemary French, b. 24 Mar 1935 in Baltimore, MD, m1. 12 Apr 1958 to James Gordon Frazer who was b. 15 Mar 1934 in Richmond, VA, the son of Richard MacIlwaine Frazer and Sue Gordon of Richmond, VA. Child is James Stevenson Fraser. Rosemary m2. Thatcher S. Toddard Wood, b. 23 Oct 1925 in Kingston, NY, the son of Henry Joseph Wood and Virginia Thatcher, m. 24 Jul 1982 [1].

8.3 Nancy Sydnor French, b. 13 Mar 1940 in Richmond, VA. Never married [1].

8.4 John Coleman French, b. 22 Aug 1942 in Richmond, VA, died suddenly on 20 Jan 1964 [1].

Children of Marcellus French, 7.4

8.5 Sarah Margaret French, b. 4 May 1929 at Williamson, WV, m. _______Smith? [21]. Their daughter is Patricia A. Smith, b. ca. 1950, P.O. Box 15558, Pittsburgh, PA 15244 [21].

Children of James H. and Franklina M. (Bartlett) French, 7.6

8.6 Franklina Gray French, “Panky”, b. 31 Jan 1921, m. 7 Sep 1946 James A. Moore, b. 6 Jan 1919 [1].

8.7 James Henry French, Jr., b. 29 Oct 1924, d. in auto accident 6 Nov 1944 [1].

Children of Roswell Francis Annie Carol (French) Field, 7.9

8.8 Robert Eugene Field, b. 15 Apr 1920, d. 3 Oct 1968 [1].

8.9 Richard Sutherland Field, b. 31 Aug 1922, d. 24 Aug 1969 [1].

8.10 Charles Kellogg Field, III, b. 28 Jul 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, m1. Marilyn Elaine Whitney on 8 Sep 1950. Marilyn was b. 25 Nov 1927. They had 3 children. Charles m2. Barbara Ann Wiggins on 4 Oct 1975. Barbara was b. 1 Jul 1936. No children from the second marriage [1]. Their three children are: (1) Whitney Kellogg Field, b. 8 Jan 1952, m. Lisa Bonfoey Petrides on 31 Jul 1977. Lisa was b. 31 May 1951 [1]. (2) Elaine Frances Field, b. 16 Aug 1955 [1]. (3) Martin Roswell Field, b. 28 Dec 1959 [1].

Unknown Ancestor

Alpheus French, b. ca. 1800 [7] [8], in Fauquier Co., VA, m. Juliett “Julia” Ann Byrne on 23 Jan 1832, d. 1860 in Independence County, Arkansas. Julia was b. ca. 1811-13 in Fauquier Co., VA, d. ca. 1915 in Independence County, Arkansas [8] [7]. Alpheus is listed as a bondsman and a ward of Elizabeth Byrne who m. John Chinn on 23 Jan 1832 in Fauquier Co. [10]. In 1824 when Independence Co. was created, it comprised entire Northern Arkansas, and in 1820 there were only about 40 families in this area. Child of this couple was Margaret Abigail French, b. 1842 in Pike County, MO, m. Jesse Washington Flinn on 10 Sep 1858, d. 6 Feb 1916 in Independence County, AR [7] [8]. Juliett Byrne and a revious marriage and two children, Juliett Bryne and Elizabeth Byrne, orphas of Darby Byrne, dec’d 23 Jan 1832.

Bibliography

[1] “A Genealogical and Biographical History of the Field Family of Massachusetts and Vermont, and the French-Henry Families of Virginia and Texas” by Charles Kellogg Field, III, Gateway Press, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, 1985. (410) 444-4228.

[2] Overwharton Parish records (1723-1758), listed on the Quit Rent Roll for 1723.

[3] Tenders Tobacco List.

[4] FFA member Robert C. Neibling, 541 Bellehurst Dr., Montgomery, AL 36109. In 2008 living at 627 Glen Eagles Ave., Gulf Shores, AL 36542-9036. (251) 968-6369. Email: nibsndi@gulftel.com

[5] FFA member Mary Belle French Reid, c/o R. Cleland, 521 West Meadow Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, or 183 Kenneth Ct., Spotswood, NJ 08884. Mary is listed with the National Society of Founders and Patriots of America, 2025 “I” St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, Founders & Patriots #8985 National Number, 7/8/85 admitted. Her Founder was Hugh French, and her Patriot was James French. They have a copy of her ancestry.

[6] FFA member Marlys (Cindy) Louise (Halcomb) Sawyer, 2204 Vichy Rd., Rolla, MO 65401.

[7] FFA member Yvonne Flinn Bognar, 8040 Tremont Circle Dr., Affton, MO 63123. Perhaps moved to 4580 Kerth Forest Dr., St. Louis, MO 63128-3768, 314-892-1870. yvonnebognar@yahoo.com

[8] Mary Arnold Kaufman, 190 Herworth Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Cousin to Ref [7]. She believes there may be a connection of this Virginia line to Pershore, Worcestershire, England. Information from a book, “The Five George Masons,” talks about the Frenches who married Masons. arnoldkaufman@sbcglobal.net

[9] FFA member Mary Milicent Godfrey French Luckett, 2844 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, D.C. 20007 (same line as [5]).

[10] Fauquier County, VA, Marriage Bonds and Marriage Returns, 1759-1854 by John K. Gott, 1989.

[11] Notebook of genealogy articles written by Harry W. Mills, published in the Mt. Sterling Advocate. In the Montgomery Co., KY library.

[12] Harry Enoch’s book on the Last Indian Raids in Montgomery Co.

[13] Baptist History Homepage. From S. J. Conkwright, History of the Boone's Creek Baptist Association Churches, 1923.

[14] FFA member Dolly Farrow Nicol, 3301 Hughes Lane, #67, Dickinson, TX 77539.

[15] Letter from Jane Sutter, 27 Jan 1987.

[16] Kenneth C. Thomsen, Jr., 13790 Louisville Rd., Smith’s Grove, KY 42171, (502) 563-3461.

[17] Index to Marriages of Old Rappahannock and Essex Counties, VA.

[18] Genealogies of Kentucky Families, 1981, FFA library F307.

[19] Loudoun Co., VA, Marriage Records to 1881, by Jewell.

[20] Marriages of Loudoun Co., VA, 1751-1853, by Mary Alice Wertz, 1985. SCPL GS929.3755 W49.

[21] FFA member Patricia A. Smith, P.O. Box 15558, Pittsburgh, PA 15244.

[22] William and Mary Quarterly, Notes on Some Moore and French Families in Virginia and Carolina in the Colonial Period, by William Cabell Moore from the Henry Francis Du Pont Winterthur Museum.

[23] Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy, by F. A. Virkus, A.N. Marquis and Co., Chicago, IL, 4,194, & 5,284 (1925).

[24] History of Halifax County, Virginia, by Wirt J. Carrington.

[25] French Bible Record by William Burkitt, M.A. Late Vicar and Lecturer of Dedham in Essex. The Sixteenth Edition. Carefully corrected. London, Printed for T. Osborn, R. Baldwin, T. Field, C & R Ware (etc. some 36 names). MDCCLXV.

[26] Marilyn Hallenbeck, 1105 Sunlake Blvd., Grand Island, FL 32735.

[27] A. Maxim Coppage, F.S.A. Scot, 653 Pershing Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

[28] Bill D. Holder, 6596 Fichot, Cypress, CA 90630-5407.

[29] Index to Marriages Prior to 1853 of Prince William County, VA.

[30] Baptists on the American Frontier: A History of Tennessee.

[31] Virginia Historical Society, Guide to African American Manuscripts.

[32] Virginia Marriages, 1668-1853.

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