French Family Association
The Official Website of the Surname French
Slaveholders and Slaves of the Surname French
in Kentucky, FFA Chart #14
Emancipation took place January 1, 1863
This page updated by Mara French on 7/7/11.
Please send any corrections or additions to Mara
French.
Contents
French Pedigree of Slave Owners
Ancestry of Slaves Martin and Martha (Hines) French
Slavery
Slavery is a
practice in which people own other people. A slave is the property of his or
her owner and works without pay. The owner, who is called a master or mistress,
provides the slave with food, shelter, and clothing.
Slavery began
in prehistoric times and has been practiced ever since. The slavery of ancient
times reached its peak in Greece and the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, slavery declined. Then, during the 1500's and
1600's, the colonization of the New World by Europeans resulted in a great
expansion of slavery. Changing moral attitudes about slavery helped cause its
decline during the 1800's. The United States abolished slavery in 1865. Today,
slavery is illegal in almost every country in the world. But slavery still
exists in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Congress, using powers
granted by Article I,
Section 9, of the Constitution banned importation of slaves in
1808 but this did not effect those already in the
United States nor those yet to be born.
The first blacks in the American Colonies were brought in, like many lower-class whites, as indentured servants. Most indentured servants had a contract to work without wages for a master for four to seven years, after which they became free. Blacks brought in as slaves, however, had no right to eventual freedom. The first black indentured servants arrived in Jamestown in the colony of Virginia in 1619. They had been captured in Africa and were sold at auction in Jamestown. After completing their service, some black indentured servants bought property. But racial prejudice among white colonists forced most free blacks to remain in the lowest level of colonial society.
The first black African slaves in the American Colonies also arrived during the early 1600's. The slave population increased rapidly during the 1700's as newly established colonies in the South created a great demand for plantation workers.
By 1750, about 200,000 slaves lived in the colonies. The majority lived in the South, where the warm climate and fertile soil encouraged the development of plantations that grew rice, tobacco, sugar cane, and later cotton. Most plantation slaves worked in the fields. Others were craft-workers, messengers, and servants.
By the early
1800's, more than 700,000 slaves lived in the South. They accounted for about a
third of the region's people. Slaves outnumbered whites in South Carolina and
made up over half the population in both Maryland and Virginia. See
entire article.
French Pedigree of Slave Owners
Emancipation January 1, 1863. Frenches in bold had at least 1 slave.
1.1 William French, b. ca. 1660, d. before 1743 as he is listed as deceased in JamesÕ will of 1743.
2.1 James French, b. ca. 1685, m. Elizabeth 1710, wrote will 2 Nov 1741, d. 3 May 1743
3.1 Jane French, b. ca. 1705, m. Thomas Reno, d. before 1743 the year her father died.
3.2 Mary Ann
French or Margaret M. French, b. 1713-1717, m. James Haggard in 1731, d. after
1762.
James was b.
1709 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co., VA, the son
of James Haggard and Elizabeth Gentry.
3.3 William M. French, b. 27 Apr 1725, m. Winifred Hall 10 Feb 1746, will 15 Nov 1790, d. 2 May 1792
4.1 Katherine French, b. 6 Feb 1747, d. 19 Nov 1771, died before fatherÕs will was written.
4.2 Elizabeth French, b. 30 Mar 1749, d. 10 Oct 1807
4.3 Susannah French, b. 1 Jan 1751, d. 25 May 1795
4.4 Mary French, b. 22 Jan 1753
4.5 Margaret M. French, b. 9 Oct 1754, m. Richard Haggard, d. ca. 1834.
4.6 James French, b. 5 Nov 1756, m. Keziah Calloway on 27 Jun 1783, d. 1 Apr 1835
5.1 William French, b. 1 Mar 1785, d. 16 Mar 1863
5.2 Catherine French, living in 1835
5.3 Susannah French, b. 25 Jul 1795
5.4 Theodosia French, b. 16 Jun 1801, d. 12 Jan 1886
5.5 Lina French, b. 10 Feb 1806, d. 27 Nov 1853
5.6 Richard French, b. 20 Jun 1792, d. 1 May 1854
5.7 Stephen French, b. 9 Jul 1798, d. 3 May 1827, died before his father died
5.8 Keziah French, b. 1804, d. 13 Nov 1827, died before her father died
4.7 William French, b. 18 Sep 1758, d. 30 Jul 1760, died before fatherÕs will was written.
4.8 Stephen French, b. 1 Mar 1760, m. Elizabeth Helm 20 Feb 1790, d. 22 May 1842
5.1 Susannah French, b. 21 Nov 1790, d. 25 May 1795
5.2 William French, b. 23 Apr 1793, d. 15 May 1826
5.3 James French, b. 18 Mar 1801, d. Jun 1850
5.4 Stephen French, b. 29 Jul 1804, d. 25 Aug 1827
5.5 Maria French
5.6 Martha French
4.9 Keziah French, b. 5 Dec 1761, d. 1822, received money in fatherÕs will but no slaves
Slave Data Sheet
*Proposed date of freedom; however, emancipation changed all that on January 1, 1863.
m = mulatto, w = white, n = negro, c = colored. These race indications changed with each census record. Some slaves were only a percentage black. As for the slave ownerships of the surname French, mulattos entered their workforce about 1800. By the time these slaves left the French family in 1866 in Kentucky and moved to Chicago, some (including Martin and his wife Martha and their children Luther, Seward, Peter, Carrie, and John) were considered white.
|
Slave |
Born |
Race |
Sex |
Freedom* |
French Owner and French Generations of Ownership |
|
Matt or Natt, adult by 1790. |
Before 1774 perhaps in VA |
n |
M |
After the death of JamesÕ wife Keziah on 26 Sep 1845. |
3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, willed to WilliamÕs son 4. James as noted in the will of James French. James died 3 May 1843. In JamesÕ will, he gives slave Matt, old at the time of his will, to JamesÕ son 5. Richard French who was b. 1792, d. 1854. Richard had a total of 17 slaves, born between 1774-1848. Richard was 51 years old when he received Matt, aged 69. |
|
Cate, adult by 1790, perhaps wife of Matt. |
Before 1775 perhaps in VA |
n |
F |
After the death of JamesÕ wife Keziah on 26 Sep 1845. |
3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, then she was willed to WilliamÕs daughter 4. Mary French Beaty. |
|
Frank, perhaps son of Matt and Cate. |
Born after 1774, boy in 1790 perhaps in VA |
n |
M |
|
3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote his will to give boy slave Frank to his daughter 4. Margareitt French Farrow. |
|
Nell, perhaps dau. of Matt and Cate. |
Born after 1774, girl in 1790 perhaps in VA |
n |
F |
|
3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote in his will to give girl slave Nell to his daughter 4. Elizabeth, |
|
Dinah, perhaps dau. of Matt and Cate. |
Born after 1774, girl in 1790 perhaps in VA |
n |
F |
|
3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote in his will to give girl slave to his daughter 4. Susannah |
|
Various |
Perhaps in VA |
b |
|
|
3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote in his will to give various slaves to his son 4. Stephen. |
|
Jim French, could be son of Matt. Could be husband of Nancy. |
1800? |
|
M |
26 Sep 1845 at the death of James FrenchÕs wife Keziah |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 1: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). At KeziahÕs death 26 Sep 1845, go free. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Nancy French, could be dau. of Matt. Could be wife of
Jim. |
1800? |
|
F |
26 Sep 1845 at death of James FrenchÕs wife Keziah |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 2: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). At KeziahÕs death 26 Sep 1845, go free. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Shelton French, could be dau. of Matt of Jim & Nancy. |
1809 |
|
M |
1 Jan 1854 as per JamesÕ will |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 3: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After KeziahÕs death on 26 Sep 1845, slave Shelton was ordered to go to JamesÕ daughter 5. Levia per JamesÕ will. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Martin B. French Sr., (father of Martin French Jr. and others below) , could be son of Matt. See below. Or could be son of Jim and Nancy. |
1815 in KY per 1870 census, died 1878 in IL |
w, m |
M |
1 Jan 1856 as per JamesÕ will |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 4: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After KeziahÕs death on 26 Sep 1845, slave Martin could chose which of JamesÕ children he wanted to live with, and he chose daughter 5. Theodosia. James died 3 May 1843. 1866 moved to Chicago, in Chicago in 1870 census |
|
Martha A. (Hines) French, wife of Martin B., d. by 1890. See below. |
Sep 1822 in Mt. Sterling, KY per 1870 census, d. Apr 1907 in IL |
w, m |
F |
1866 |
1866 moved to Chicago for the rest of her life. The 1870 Chicago census indicates that Martin and Martha lived with their children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866. The 1880 Chicago census indicates that Martha lived with her children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866. Race is mulatto. Both parents born in KY. Also listed in James French, b. 1838, a step-son of Martha, a son by Martin and someone else. James was mulatto, and a Porter R.R. Martha was widowed. |
|
Mourning French,
could be dau. of Matt,
probably oldest child, and all her children. Or could be son of Jim and
Nancy. |
1816 |
|
F |
1 Jan 1860 per JamesÕ will, and children when they reach age 45. |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 5: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After KeziahÕs death on 26 Sep 1845, James states in his will that slave Mourning was to go to his son 5. Richard. Richard d. in 1854. She is listed on Richard FrenchÕs inventory. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Anna or Ann French (and children) , could be dau. of Matt. Or could be son of Jim and Nancy. |
1819 |
|
F |
1 Jan 1864, her children are free at age 45 per JamesÕ will. |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 6: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After KeziahÕs death on 26 Sep 1845, slave Ann and her children (called her increase) were to go to JamesÕ son 5. William as per James FrenchÕs will. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Daniel French Sr. |
1791 |
|
M |
1 Jan 1836 per JamesÕ will |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 7: goes to daughter 5. Catherine Farrow as per JamesÕ will. Slave Daniel must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Enoch French |
1795 VA |
|
M |
1 Jan 1840 per JamesÕ will |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 8: goes to daughter 5. Susanna Farrow as per JamesÕ will. Slave Enoch must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Westly or Wesley
French |
1815 |
|
M |
1 Jan 1860 per JamesÕ will |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 9: goes to daughter 5. Theodosia Hood as per JamesÕ will. Slave Westly must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Mooses or Moses French |
1809 |
|
M |
1 Jan 1854 as per JamesÕ will |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 10: goes to daughter 5. Levia or Lina Smith as per JamesÕ will. Slave Moses must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Eli French |
8 Jul 1813 |
|
M |
8 Jul 1858 at age 45 |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 11: goes to daughter 5. Levia or Lina Smith as per JamesÕ will. Slave Eli must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Jane French |
1792 |
|
F |
3 May 1843 (2 years after JamesÕ death), changed to 1 Jan 1837 |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 12: goes to daughter 5. Levia or Lina Smith as per JamesÕ will. Slave Jane was ordered to serve only two years more after JamesÕ death for Levia. James French made an alteration to his will, dated 30 Mar 1835, that states that slave Jane would not serve Levia, but would serve his daughter 5. Theodosia Hood 2 years from the first of January last, and then go free. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
Charlotte French |
1775 |
b |
F |
After the death of JamesÕ wife Keziah on 26 Sep 1845. |
4. James FrenchÕs (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 13: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave son 5. Richard slave Charlotte, Òold and infirmÓ. James died 3 May 1843. |
|
David French, 1st child of Martin Sr. See below. |
Oct 1846 according to death certificate, d. 30 Mar 1913, age 67. |
m. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
|
Notes for David French who was a slave only for the
first 17 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. |
|
Martin B. French, Jr., 2nd child of Martin Sr. See below. |
Jan 1853 in KY, d. 18 Jan 1929 in IL |
m. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
1 Jan 1856 |
Notes for Martin French Jr. who was a slave only for
the first 10 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. |
|
John B. French, 3rd child of Martin Sr., married in 1885 to Carrie Dennie. See below. |
Apr 1857 KY, d. 22 Sep 1931 in IL |
m, b, n. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
1866 |
Notes for John B. French who was a slave only for the
first 5 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male, but his photo and newspaper articles definitely indicate he was mulatto. |
|
Luther French, 4th child of Martin Sr. & Martha, m. Maggie in 1890. See below. |
1858 in KY, d. 22 Nov 1944 in IL, m. Maggie |
m, w, b. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
1866 |
Notes for Luther French who was a slave only for the
first 4 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. He was a bar keeper in 1880 Chicago census, single and mulatto. In the 1900 Chicago census, he is listed as born Apr 1865 in KY, black, married to Maggie in 1890; she was b. Nov 1866, black, no children within the first 10 years of their marriage. In the 1910 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1870 in KY, married to Luther G. French, she was mulatto. They have no children, but are living with various unrelated mulatto lodgers with the surnames Cole, Ashbrook, Edwards, and Heywood. It states Luther was b. 1861, mulatto, parents both born in KY. In the 1920 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1872 in IL, mulatto, married to Luther French, living with various mulatto lodgers with the surnames Trull, Ford, Calvo, and Williams. It states that Luther was b. 1870 in IL, mulatto, and that his parents were both born in IL. Perhaps this is not the correct line, or that the census taker wrote down the incorrect information. Certainly the death date of 12 years different is quite off. |
|
Orlando ÒLandÓ French, 8th son or Martin Sr. See below. |
1859 in KY, d. 29 Dec 1861 in KY from diptheria |
b. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
|
Notes for Orlando French who was a slave only for the
first 3 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Perhaps Orlando was not a child of this family –
he shows as b. 1859 in Ohio Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. |
|
Seward or Lenard or Leward French, 5th child of Martin Sr. See below. |
Dec 1862 KY, d. 1 Apr 1936 in IL |
m, n, c. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
1866 |
Notes for Seward French who was a slave only for a
month before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. In the 1880 Chicago census, he is single and mulatto. |
|
James French, Step-child of Martin Sr.Õs wife Martha See below. |
1838 in KY |
m. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
1866 |
Notes for James French who was a slave only for the
first 25 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. |
|
Peter French, 6th son of Martin Sr. and Martha, m. Anna E. McGowan in 1871. See below. |
Dec 1864 KY, 80 years old in the 1930 census of Chicago . |
m, b, n. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
M |
1866 |
Notes for Peter French who was never a slave because he
was born after 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. In Chicago in 1870, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 census. He attended bar. Married Annie Mcgowan (m, b), dau. of Eliza Mcgowan, b. May 1851 in KY, and had 4 children (after emanicipation): -Laura French b. Oct 1871 in IL (b, m, n), dau. of Peter and Anna French, lived in Chicago 1880-1900-1910-1920-1930 census. -Henrietta or Nettie B. French, b. Mar 1875 in IL (b, m), dau. of Peter and Anna French -Bertie or Bernie J. French (b, m), son of Peter and Anna French, b. Mar 1877 in IL -Carrie D. French, dau. of Peter & Anna French, (n, m, b), b. Dec 1878-1885 in IL, m. Edward H. Shanklin ca. between 1900-1910. Remained in Chicago. |
|
Carrie D. French, 7th child of Martin Sr., and perhaps wife of John B. French. See below. |
1866 |
m. Perhaps 1/4th black. |
F |
1866 |
After emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white female. |
|
Maude A. French |
Nov 1882 in IL |
b |
F |
|
After emancipation. |
|
James A. French |
1906 in IL |
n |
M |
|
After emancipation. |
Slaves of Richard French
Richard French, who died in 1854, had 17 or 18 slaves, born between 1775-1848.
The 1850 census of Kentucky lists Richard French with 18
slaves. Slaves Charlotte and Mourning were given to Richard through his father,
James. James French was b. 5 Nov 1756, m. Keziah
Calloway on 27 Jun 1783, d. 1 Apr 1835. His son Richard French was b. 20 Jun
1792, d. 1 May 1854. Slave Matt had died before the 1850 census.
|
Slave Name |
Born |
Race |
Sex |
Age in 1850 |
|
Charlotte |
1775 |
b |
F |
75 |
|
|
1801 |
b |
M |
49 |
|
|
1807 |
b |
M |
43 |
|
|
1808 |
m |
M |
42 |
|
Mourning |
1816 |
b |
F |
34 |
|
|
1825 |
m |
F |
25 |
|
|
1829 |
b |
F |
21 |
|
|
1829 |
b |
M |
21 |
|
|
1829 |
b |
M |
21 |
|
|
1830 |
b |
F |
20 |
|
|
1837 |
b |
F |
13 |
|
|
1837 |
b |
M |
13 |
|
|
1841 |
b |
F |
9 |
|
|
1842 |
b |
M |
8 |
|
|
1844 |
b |
F |
6 |
|
|
1839 |
b |
F |
11 |
|
|
1846 |
b |
F |
4 |
|
|
1848 |
b |
M |
2 |
Richard had various slaves, but their names are at present unknown [35]. Ref. [35] has been researching an old cemetery in Elsmere, Kenton Co., KY for 10 years – the cemetery was referred to as the ÒFrench CemeteryÓ in a book of ÒSmall Cemeteries of Kenton CountyÓ, but no names or stones are visible. She believes it is connected to slaves that were once owned by the French family. The 1850 census (4 years before Richard died) of District 1, Montgomery Co., KY, shows Richard as having 17 slaves; 9 were female and 8 were male. Two of these were mulattos (m) and the other 15 were black (b). Their names are not listed. Could the 42-year old Mulatto male and the 23-year old Mulatto female be children of Richard? Showing their ages, sex, and color, the 17 slaves are:
Slaves of William French
The 1850 census of Stafford Co., VA, lists William French
with 30 slaves:
|
Slave Name |
Born |
Age in 1850 |
Sex |
Race |
|
Unknown |
1768 |
82 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1830 |
20 |
F |
M |
|
Unknown |
1832 |
18 |
M |
M |
|
Unknown |
1832 |
18 |
F |
M |
|
Unknown |
1843 |
7 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1844 |
6 |
F |
M |
|
Unknown |
1810 |
40 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1812 |
38 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1822 |
28 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1838 |
12 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1840 |
10 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1810 |
40 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1823 |
27 |
M |
M |
|
Unknown |
1820 |
30 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1824 |
26 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1820 |
30 |
F |
M |
|
Unknown |
1842 |
8 |
M |
M |
|
Unknown |
1842 |
8 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1843 |
7 |
F |
M |
|
Unknown |
1844 |
6 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1845 |
5 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1841 |
9 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1844 |
6 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1846 |
4 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1844 |
6 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1846 |
4 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1846 |
4 |
F |
M |
|
Unknown |
1847 |
3 |
M |
B |
|
Unknown |
1848 |
2 |
F |
B |
|
Unknown |
1850 |
3/12 |
F |
B |
Ancestry of Slaves Martin and Martha (Hines) French
First Generation
1.1 Most likely the male was the white landlord and slave owner, and the female was the black slave, but this has not been proved. Please contact me if youÕre working on this line and we can work together, marafrench@mindspring.com. However, the white landlord could have been from several generations earlier.
Second Generation
Most likely this generation was mulatto. Their mother was probably a black slave and their father was a white landlord and slave owner, but this has not been proved.
2.1* Martin B. French Sr., b. 1815 in KY per 1870 census, died 1878 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, at age 66. He was the slave of James French of Montgomery Co., KY, listed as white, but could have been mulatto. He then was a slave of James FrenchÕs wife, then their daughter, and was finally released 1 Jan 1856 as per the will of James French. However, he stayed with the French family until 1866 because of his wife and family. In 1866, he and his entire family moved to Chicago, Cook Co., IL, where he lived for another 12 years before his death.
He m. Martha A. Hines. She was b. Sep 1822 in Mt. Sterling, KY per the 1870 census, d. Apr 1907 in IL, on some census records referred to as white and in other censes records as mulatto. The 1870 Chicago census indicates that Martin and Martha lived with their children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866.
The 1880 Chicago census indicates that Martha lived with her children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866. Race is mulatto. Both parents born in KY. Also listed in James French, b. 1838, a step-son of Martha, a son by Martin and someone else. James was mulatto, and a Porter at the railroad station. Martha was widowed by 1880.
Martin French, b. ca. 1811 in KY, age 55 in the Chicago Ward 14, Cook Co., IL 1870 census, head of household, living with his wife Martha, age 48, born 1822, and their 5 children: John B., Luther, Leward, Peter, and Carrie. By the 1850 census of slaveholders, Martin would have been 39, Martha would have been 28, James 12. No slave appears in Montgomery Co. KY with these ages in 1850. Most likely MartinÕs slave owner would have lived in Montgomery Co., KY in 1850 and would have been born between 1815-1830. That is a hypothesis. Matching that description are only 2: Charles S. French, James H. French, both born in KY. In the family of Charles S. French are two Richard Frenches, ages 58 and 8 in 1850. The Richard at age 58 was a lawyer. James H. French is also in this same family. This is FFA Chart #14.
Martha (Hines) French, wife of Martin French, mulatto, age 48, b. 1824 in KY. Martha was a widow by 1890.
In 1850 on the District 1, Montgomery Co., Kentucky, Richard French had 17 slaves. All were black except a male, age 42 and a female, age 25, who were mulatto. Richard French was the only French with slaves in Montgomery Co., KY in 1850.
In Shelby Co., KY in 1850 were Samuel French and William French as slave owners. All slaves were black, no mulattos.
The 1870 census for Chicago, IL, lists two mulatto people: J. W. French b. ca. 1848 in KY; and William French or W. J. French, b. ca. 1854 in KY.
Third Generation
Children of Martin B. Sr. and Martha A. (Hines) French, 2.1
These children were considered mulatto, but they were probably ¼ black.
In 1866, this family left KY for Chicago. Therefore, the 1870 census in Chicago, IL, would be first to look at as shown below.
Then below the 1880 census of Chicago shows
3.1* David R. French, 1st child of Martin Sr., b. Oct 1846 in Mount Sterling, Montgomery Co., KY, according to his death certificate, d. 30 Mar 1913, age 67 in Chicago, IL. David was a slave only for the first 17 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. David d. 30 Mar 1913 in Chicago, IL at age 66.
Emma Florence Brown French, wife of
David R. French
The 1860 census of Louisville, KY lists a David French, age 19, black, musician, born in KY.
He was not living with his parents in the 1870 Chicago census. David was living with the great grandmother of Ref [36] in Wisconsin in 1870, Marion French Gray. He m. Emma Florence Brown, white, in 1875. She was b. Aug 1854 in Arkansas as most census records state, or in KY as stated in the 1880 census of North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WI. She d. in California.
In the 1880 census of North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, David was living with his wife and 4 children. Both his parents are listed as born in KY. David was working as a janitor, race was mulatto. Emma was b. in 1853 in KY, race mulatto. In 1885 at the age of 31, she was one of the members of this family who returned briefly to Shelbyville, Shelby Co., KY.
The 1900 census of Chicago list David as born in Oct 1849 in KY (3 years different than originally stated), race black, which would mean both Martin and Martha were black. Emma is listed as black and born Aug 1854 in AR. They were living with their 6 children: Cleopatra, Florence, Olga, Carrie, Marion, and William, and their nephews Daniel M. Brown, age 19, b. May 1881 in KY, black, and Edward Brown, age 17, b. Apr 1883 in KY, black; their father was born in TN and their mother in KY.
David died on 30 Mar 1913, right after the 1910 census. Emma is listed as black, b. 1855 in Arkansas, the mother-in-law of James R. Harris, her daughter Florence HarrisÕ husband, living in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA.
In the 1920 census, Emma is back living in Chicago, mulatto, a widow, the mother-in-law to the Gray family; she was b. 1854 in AR. Her daughter, Marion, had married Bennett G. Gray, and had 4 children.
In the 1930 census, she is living in Pasadena, Los Angeles Co., CA, back as the mother-in-law of James R. Harris. She is listed as white. James R. Harris is listed as negro, and Florence W. Harris is listed as negro.
Trina Robertson attached his death certificate of 30 Mar 1913, a janitor, formerly living at 1759 Hulton, buried at Waldheim, Chicago, IL. He had lived 30 years in Chicago, since 1883.
3.2* Martin B. French, Jr., 2nd child of Martin Sr., b. 24 Jan 1853 in Mount Sterling, Montgomery Co., KY, d. 18 Jan 1929 in Cook Co., IL at age 75, set free on 1 Jan 1856. Notes for Martin French Jr. who was a slave only for the first 10 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. Martin French Jr. was head of household in the 1920 census in Chicago, age 66, living with dau. Grace, age 34, and brother Seward, age 57.
According to the 1880 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, Martin worked as a retail grocer, mulatto, later worked as a retail grocer. In the 1900 census, Martin is listed as living in Chicago Ward 34, Cook Co., IL, race is black. He had been married for 20 years, therefore, married about 1880 to Ollie, 9 years younger than him – born Jul 1861 in IL, and children all born after 1863 emancipation: Roscoe C. French, b. Mar 1882 in IL; Grace M. French b. Feb 1885 in IL; Ethel M. French b. Nov 1889 in IL. All are listed as black. By the 1920 census, Martin was a policeman in Chicago, living with his daughter Grace, both listed as mulatto. Also in 1920, Martin was living with his brother Seward, listed as black, occupation was an officer at the health department.
3.3* John B. French, 3rd child of Martin Sr., b. Apr 1857 KY, d. 22 Sep 1931 in IL, married in 1885 to Carrie Dennie, freed on 1 Jan 1863 during emancipation from President Andrew Lincoln, and moved to Chicago, IL, in 1866. Notes for John B. French who was a slave only for the first 5 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male, but his photo and newspaper articles definitely indicate he was mulatto.
John B. French of 1002 Walnut St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868. He became a notable Kentucky African American:
John B. French of Chicago represents energy and
pluck. He was one of the most successful caterers in the country in 1900.
French, John B. Birth Year : 1857 Death Year : 1931 John B. French was a politician, activist, singer, and business owner. He was the first African American to be appointed to the Industrial Commission of Illinois. The appointment came from Governor Len Small in 1922. The Industrial Commission acted on cases received from employees who had been injured on the job and were seeking compensation and cases presented by persons seeking compensation for family members who had been killed on the job. French was a member of the commission branch that made the final decision on the cases. During World War I, he had also served on the Chicago Housing Committee and the Committee on the high cost of food. In 1920 he was a member of the Chicago Board of Examiners, and he was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for County Commissioner. French was the husband of Carrie Dennie; the couple had married in 1886 in West Bend, Kansas, while John was performing as an elocutionist with the Wilberforce Concert Company. Carrie French, educated at Oberlin College, was a soprano soloist. John French had also been a Jubilee singer, a bell boy, a shipping clerk, a caterer, the manager of Buildings and Grounds at Tuskegee Institute [now Tuskegee University], and steward at a country club. When he was named to the Industrial Commission in 1922, he was owner of a restaurant on Broadway named French's Pastry. In 1930, John French was among the group of Colored leaders in Chicago who were asked to meet with the Woolworth Company attorney, E. H. Williams. There was a problem; three of the Woolworth stores in the south side Colored district of Chicago were being picketed and boycotted. The Chicago Whip had organized the demonstration to force the Woolworth Company to hire Negro employees in the stores that were primarily supported by Negro patrons. John and Carrie French did not live on the south side--they lived at 4650 Winthrop Avenue, on the north end of Chicago. John had moved beyond Hubbard Street, where he had once lived with his family when they moved to Chicago from Kentucky just after the Civil War. John B. French, his mother, and all of his siblings were born in Kentucky. The family is listed as mulattoes in the census records beginning in 1870. John's wife, Carrie Dennie French, was born in 1862. Her mother was a Kentucky native who had migrated to Illinois, where Carrie was born. For more see "Hon. J. B. French makes record in state position," Chicago World, 10/29/1925, p. 3; "John B. French" on page 6 in Chicago Negro Almanac and Reference Book, edited by E. R. Rather; "The Mr. John B. French...," Cleveland Gazette, 01/09/1886, p. 1; and "Leaders hold conference with Woolworth attorney," Plaindealer, 08/29/1930, p. 1. Subjects: Activists, Civil Rights, Businesses, Migration North, Musicians, Opera, Singers, Song Writers, Housing, Fair Housing, Open Housing, Housing Agencies Geographic Region: Falmouth, Pendleton County, Kentucky / Chicago, Illinois
The ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church began on July 19, 1888 under the leadership of Moses H. Jackson. It had 19 members and emanated from the Presbyterian Club, which was organized by Black Presbyterians.
3.4 Luther French, 4th child of Martin Sr. & Martha, b. 1858 in KY, d. 22 Nov 1944 in IL, m. Maggie, m. Maggie in 1890. Freed on 1 Jan 1863 during emancipation from President Andrew Lincoln, and moved to Chicago, IL, in 1866. He was a slave only for the first 4 years of his life before 1863 emancipation.
Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male.
He was a bar keeper in 1880 Chicago census, single and mulatto.
In the 1900 Chicago census, he is listed as born Apr 1865 in KY, black, married to Maggie in 1890; she was b. Nov 1866, black, no children within the first 10 years of their marriage.
In the 1910 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1870 in KY, married to Luther G. French, she was mulatto. They have no children, but are living with various unrelated mulatto lodgers with the surnames Cole, Ashbrook, Edwards, and Heywood. It states Luther was b. 1861, mulatto, parents both born in KY.
In the 1920 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1872 in IL, mulatto, married to Luther French, living with various mulatto lodgers with the surnames Trull, Ford, Calvo, and Williams. It states that Luther was b. 1870 in IL, mulatto, and that his parents were both born in IL. Perhaps this is not the correct line, or that the census taker wrote down the incorrect information. Certainly the death date of 12 years different is quite off.
3.5 Orlando ÒLandÓ French, 8th son or Martin Sr., b. 1859 in KY, d. 29 Dec 1861 in KY from diptheria, race is black in the census records. He was a slave only for the first 3 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Perhaps Orlando was not a child of this family – he shows as b. 1859 in Ohio. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. Most likely died young??
3.6 Seward or Lenard or Leward French, 5th child of Martin Sr., b. Dec 1862 KY, d. 1 Apr 1936 in IL*, race is mulatto, negro, or colored depending on the census. He was a slave only for a month before 1863 emancipation. Moved to Chicago, IL, in 1866. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. In the 1880 Chicago census, he is single and mulatto. Seward French of 1002 Walnut St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868 (also in 1890 as voter). In 1900 heÕs living in Chicago, single, age 33, living with his mother Martha and his cousin Mary Green, age 33, born Dec 1866.
3.7 James French, step-child of Martin Sr.Õs wife Martha, b. 1838 in KY, race was mulatto, moved to Chicago, Cook Co., IL in 1866. He was a slave only for the first 25 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census.
3.8* Peter French, 6th son of Martin Sr. and Martha, b. Dec 1864 KY, 80 years old in the 1930 census of Chicago*, m. Anna E. McGowan in 1871, race was mulatto, black, or negro depending on the census year. He moved to Chicago, Cook Co., IL in 1866. He was never a slave because he was born after 1863 emancipation.
Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. Dr. Peter French of 1002 Walnut St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868.
In Chicago in 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 census. He attended bar. Married Annie Mcgowan (m, b), dau. of Eliza Mcgowan, b. May 1851 in KY, and had 4 children (after emanicipation): Laura, Henrietta, Bernie, and Carrie.
P. French of 841 Fulton St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1872 to at least 1888 per the Record and Index of Persons Registered and of Poll Lists of Voters, Chicago, 1888.
3.9 Carrie D. French, 7th child of Martin Sr., and perhaps wife of John B. French, b. 1866, mulatto, moved to Chicago in 1866. After emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white female.
Fourth Generation
Children of David R. and Emma Florence (Brown) French, 3.1
All these children were about 1/8th black. Emma was white and David was 1/4th black, considered mulatto. One of DavidÕs parents was white and the other was ½ black. One of DavidÕs grandparents was black and the other white.
4.1 Cleopetra French, b. Feb 1874 in KY, mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. In the 1900 census, she is listed as black, dau. of David and Emma, married but spouseÕs name not listed; her husbandÕs surname was Daniels.
4.2 Wilberforce French, b. 1876 in KY, mulatto, son of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. He was the only son and the only one to carry on this French line, but he cannot be found. He is not living with the family in the 1900 Chicago census.
4.3 Florence W. French, b. 1877 in WS, mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. In the 1900 census, she was living in Chicago, black, dau. of David R. and Emma, single. In the 1910 census, apparently her father had died, and she was living with her mother Emma, and she was married to James R. Harris living with their daughter Olga H., b. 18 Jun 1906 in Los Angeles, black. James Harris was b. 1877 in KY, living in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, in the 1910 census. In the 1920 census, she was living in San Diego, b. 1878, with James R, Harris, her husband. Her race is mulatto with Mexican in parenthesis, likewise the same race for James. Olga, their dau. also has the same race indication, b. 1907 in CA.
4.4 Olga M. French, b. 1879 in WS, mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. By the 1900 census, she is living with her parents and siblings: Cleopetra, Florence, Carrie, Marion, and William. Her race is black.
4.5 Carrie E. French, b. Dec 1881 in IL, black, dau. of David and Emma French, living in Chicago in the 1900 census. She is not listed in other census records.
4.6 Marion E. French, b. May 1883 in IL, black and mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in Chicago in the 1900 census. By the 1910 census of Chicago, she was married to Bernett Gray and living with their children Bernett, age 3, b. 1907 in IL, and Ruth age ½, b. 1910 in IL, and his father, Thomas Gray, age 68, all mulattos.
MarionÕs husband was b. 1882 in IL, the son of Thomas Gray of PA. His race was mulatto with white in parenthesis. By the 1920 census of Chicago, she and her husband are living in Chicago with their children: Bennett age 13, Ruth age 10, Mildred age 6, and William age ½. They are also living with her mother, Emma F. French who was 66. By the 1930 Chicago census, she is listed as negro, and living with 4 of their children: Ruth age 20, William age 10, Mildred age 16, and Jean H. age 4. Marion died in 1941.
Marion E. French Gray. Next photo, 4 generations, photo taken in early 1933, from the left [1]:
- James
Martin (standing), son of Ruth Gray Martin.
- Ruth
Gray Martin (his mother). See 4.6 above, b. 1910, granddaughter of Emma
Florence French.
- Emma
Florence French (middle). See 3.1 above.
- Dorrence Martin Hayden (held infant), b. 22 May 1933, lived
in Cape Coral, FL, and Michigan City, IN.
-
Marion French Gray (right), daughter of Emma Florence French and mother of Ruth
Gray Martin. See 4.6 above.
Marion French Gray and her daughter Jeanne Gray [1].
Jeanne Hope Gray, 1925-1964, and her husband Richard Herman Barber, b. 18 Aug 1922 in IL, d. 1982, married 29 Jun 1944 in Cook Co., IL [1].
RichardÕs parents were Mager Barber and Hiola Harriet Hornsby. The Hornsby family was long-connected to the French family even back to Virginia. Jeanne H. Gray and Richard Herman Barber had 3 daughters and a son, Richard Herman Barber, b. 1955, d. 2010.
4.7 William Jay French, b. 1 Apr 1885 in Shelbyville, Shelby Co., KY, black, son of David and Emma French, living in Chicago in the 1900 census. He m1. Gertrude B. Austin on 10 Jan 1907 in Lake Co., IN. She was the travel companion on the day William died and only witness to his death. She did eventually testify, but later fled, even though she was advised not to leave town. William was 1/8th black.
William served as a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army and d. 3 Jan 1932 and is buried at the Presidio in the San Francisco National Cemetery, Section Osa Row 39, Site 7. He served at Fort Oglethorpe, Catossa Co., Georgia; at Fort Snelling, Minnesota; at Fort Meade, Maryland; and at Fort Devens, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts.
The 1930 census of San Francisco, CA, states that he was b. 1888 in IL, race is white. In this census, he was living with his 21 year old step-daughter Margaret French, b. in 1909 in San Francisco. He m2. Elizabeth Brown, b. 1889, d. 1930, and she had daughter Margaret. Therefore, he was left a widower in 1932 when he had an encounter with his 1st wife Gertrude. No heirs from William J. French.
Gertrude B. (Austin) French and Lieutenant William Jay French [1].
William Jay French taken between 1930-1932 when he died at age 44, and at a younger age [1].
Presidio in the San Francisco National Cemetery
From the Oakland Tribune, January 6, 1932. Photo: Chester and Gertrude Austin, Feb 1966 [1]
Children of Martin B. Jr. and Ollie French, 3.2
4.8 Roscoe C. French, b. Mar 1882 in IL, (b), listed in the 1900 Chicago census.
4.9 Grace M. French, b. Feb 1885 in IL, (b, m), listed in the 1900 Chicago census. In the 1920 census of Chicago, she is listed as the daughter of Martin B. French, single, and mulatto, aged 34.
4.10 Ethel M. French, b. Nov 1889 in IL, (b), listed in the 1900 Chicago census.
Children of John B. and Carrie (Dennie) French, 3.3
4.11 Edna May French, b. Nov 1887 in IL. She m. C. H. Phillips and they lived in St. Louis, MO. The 1900 census of Chicago shows that she was black.
4.12 John Roy French, b. Mar 1890 in IL. He was a dentist. In the military, he was promoted to Captain for his bravery in France in WWI.
Children of Peter and Anna E. (McGowan) French, 3.8
By the 1920 census, Peter, the father of these children, was still living, aged 70, but Anna had died. Peter was living with daughters Laura and Nettie in Chicago, and with a nephew, Avery, aged 14, b. in 1906 in IL, mulatto. He must have actually been a great nephew, but we do not know who his parents were. Also in the same census, they are living with their niece, Ethel Chester, aged 17, b. 1903 in IL, mulatto. According to more census records, Avery is James Avery French, b. 29 Aug 1905 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. In 1992 he was living at 6152 S. Evans Ave. in Chicago and also at 601 E. 32nd St. in Chicago. He d. 5 Oct 2007 in IL, having last lived in Sacramento, CA. James Avery French traveled quite extensively:
á 1931 -- On 25 Aug 1931 he arrived in NY, NY, from Le Havre, France, on the ship ÒIle de FranceÓ.
á 1934 -- At age 29 he boarded a ship from Le Havre, France to New York. He was living at 4809 Champlain Ave, Chicago, IL.
á 1939 -- He had also traveled from Honolulu, Hawaii to St. Albans, Vermont, on the ship ÒEmpress of CanadaÓ arriving on 23 Aug 1939. On this trip, he is listed with Maude Avery French, aged 1, who was b. 31 Aug 1938 in Chicago; Marion Rhetta French, age 28, b. 16 Sep 1910 in Oakland, Alameda Co., CA; and Marion Lillian French, age 3, b. 12 Jul 1936 in Chicago, but on the record, these names were crossed out. It would seen as though they had planned to travel, but cancelled the trip. Also it appears as though James Avery was the husband with his wife Marion Rhetta and their two children, Marion and Maude. Marion French who was b. 16 Sep 1910, d. Feb 1984, age 73, in Chicago.
á 1959 – He traveled on the ship ÒLiberteÓ from NY, NY, to Plymouth, England, at age 53, arriving 9 Jul 1959. On this trip he was traveling with his wife, Marion French, who was b. 16 Sep 1910. James was listed as a teacher.
4.13 Laura V. French, b. Oct 1871 in KY (b, m, n), dau. of Peter and Anna French, lived in Chicago 1880-1900-1910-1920-1930 census records with the surname French. Most likely she never married.
4.14 Henrietta (Nettie) B. French, b. Mar 1875 in IL (b, m), dau. of Peter and Anna French, lived in Chicago 1880-1900-1910-1920 census records with the surname French. Most likely she never married. She is not in the 1930 census.
4.15 Bertie or Bernie J. French (b, m), b. Mar 1877 in IL, son of Peter and Anna French. No information available as to if he had children or not.
4.16 Carrie D. French, dau. of Peter & Anna French, (n, m, b), b. Dec 1883 in IL, m. Edward H. Shanklin ca. between 1900-1910. Remained in Chicago. Both Carrie and Edward Shanklin are living with her father in the 1920 census of Chicago. Edward is 40, b. 1880, and Carrie is 37, b. 1883. She is listed in the 1880, 1900, 1910, and 1930 census records as living in Chicago, IL.
Fifth Generation
It appears that no male French in the Fourth Generation had children.
Unknown Frenches in Kentucky and Illinois
Rosella French of Elsmere, Kenton Co., KY
Rosella French Porterfield of Elsmere, KY was in the Hall of Fame, 2007. She was b. 28 Dec 1918 and d. 6 Nov 2004 at the age of 85 in Walton, Boone Co., KY. We are unsure how she relates to this French family, but she first married a man named French and had a son, David, and then married Vernon Porterfield.
Rosella French Porterfield, Elsmere, Ky., (1918-2004): Mrs. Porterfield, the granddaughter of a slave, graduated with honors from Kentucky State College in Frankfort and joined the Erlanger-Elsmere School District in 1940, where she became the head teacher at Wilkins Heights, a school for African American children. In 1955, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were illegal, Mrs. Porterfield worked with district officials to integrate schools in Elsmere and Erlanger.
Porterfield, Rosella F. Birth Year : 1919 Death Year : 2004 Porterfield was born in Daviess County, KY. She was a teacher and the first African American librarian in the Elsmere-Erlanger School System in northern Kentucky. She retired from the Elsmere-Erlanger System. The Elsmere Park Board rededicated the Rosella French Porterfield Park in 2002. She is referred to as the Rosa Parks of Northern Kentucky. In 1955, while head teacher at the African American School, Wilkins Heights, Porterfield approached the Elsmere superintendent and said that it was time to integrate the schools. The request was taken to the school board and approved. Porterfield was a 1940 graduate of Kentucky Normal and Industrial School [now Kentucky State University]. In 2007, Rosella French Porterfield was inducted into the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Hall of Fame. For more see "Civil-rights pioneer Porterfield honored," The Enquirer (Cincinnati.com), 07/25/02; and C. Meyhew, "Rosella Porterfield, 85, helped integrate schools," The Cincinnati Enquirer, 11/10/2004, Metro section, p. 4C. Subjects: Activists, Civil Rights, Education and Educators, Librarians, Library Collections, Libraries, Parks, Grade Schools & High Schools in Kentucky Geographic Region: Daviess County, Kentucky / Elsmere and Erlanger, Kenton County, Kentucky.
Rosella French Porterfield was 85 when she died on 9 Nov 2004. Locations mentioned in her obituary in the Kentucky Post of Covington, KY, were: Walton, Elsmere, Maysville, Owensboro, all in Kentucky, and Florence, Homewood, IL. Persons mentioned were: Vernon Porterfield (her husband), Rosella Park Porterfield (herself), Mary Whitfield Jo (her sister), John French Maurice (her brother), Roscoe French Moorman (her brother), and David French (her son by her first marriage).
Obituary:
Rosella French
Porterfield, 85, of Walton, died at 3:08 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke Hospital
West, Florence.
She was a retired
librarian with Erlanger-Elsmere Independence Schools, and a member of Zion
Baptist Missionary Church, Walton. She was a former Sunday school teacher and
superintendent with the church, and was the church choir director, organist and
pianist. She was a member of Homemakers Association, Retired Teachers
Association and Walton Senior Citizens. Both an Elsmere park and the library at
Dorothy Howell Middle School are named for her. Her husband, Vernon J.
Porterfield, was b. 24 Jul 1914 in Grant Co., KY, and died at the age of 86 on
24 Feb 2001 in Walton, Boone Co., KY, and buried at Richwood Gardens. He was negro according to his WWII enlistment records where he
enlisted in Cincinnati, OH. He had grammar school education and was a
semi-skilled mechanic and repairman of motor vehicles, single, without
dependents, the son of Minnie Porterfield.
Survivors include a son,
David French of Walton; brothers, John Maurice French of Maysville and Roscoe
Moorman French of Owensboro; and a sister, Mary Jo Whitfield of Homewood, Ill.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, Elsmere. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Richwood Cemetery, Walton, KY. Memorials are suggested to Rosella Porterfield Park, in care of the city of Elsmere, 318 Garvey Ave., Elsmere, Ky. 41018. Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, Walton, is handling arrangements.
----------
Listed in Record and Index of Persons Registered and of Poll Lists of Voters, Chicago, 1888, including:
William H. French of 787 Carroll St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868
Bibliography
[1] Mernarae1300, Oakland, CA, website: http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/15476303/person/321976980.
[2]