History and Research

Who was William’s father?

This line has long been a puzzle for everyone. The first 3 generations of the main line is:
1. William French, m. Prudence Gavitt in 1737 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI.
2. John French, b. 15 Nov 1739 in Westerly, RI, m. Susannah Bill
3. Judge John French, b. 16 May 1764 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA, m. Desire Bull
(family moved to Otsego Co. NY)

· One hypothesis is that William is connected thru FFA Chart #1, but this has been proven to be incorrect thru DNA testing, Group 5. Chart #1 is DNA Group 6. You can compare the results of both DNA Groups 5 and 6 on the DNA Results Site. Apparently this line is not connected to any of the English lines that immigrated directly to Massachusetts in the mid-1600s. If that was the case, the DNA would show this. This line may have been from Ireland [14], but no further research has been done.

· Another hypothesis is that William’s father was Michael French, b. ca. 1660 in Ipswich, Essex, MA, m. unknown ca. 1690 in Lubberland, NH and had children James, John, and William. James m. Philippa White on 15 Jun 1714 and had son Michael b. 6 Jan 1716. John d. before 1747 in Chester, Rockingham Co., NH. William m. Prudence Gavitt in 1738. Lubberland on the shore is today Newmarket, NH. The oldest section was at Doe’s Neck in the mid-1600s. The Lubberland shore became part of Newmarket when the “Durhamside” was annexed in 1870. Two French homes are noted to be from Newmarket, those from 15 and 23 Exeter St. Newmarket suggests a connection to Chart #4, but that chart belongs to DNA Group 3.

· Ref. [21] researched data identifying William French and Prudence Gavit of Westerly, RI, said by some to be from Londonderry, Ireland, to be actually from Londonderry, NH. This may be incorrect data leading to William (5), Michael (4), Thomas (3), Thomas (2), Thomas of Ipswich, MA (1) which is Chart #1 and incorrect. There was a Michael French (?) who lived around Lubberland (adjacent to Exeter, NH) in the 1670s. In her last email to Ted Steele, researcher Debbie Wilson of Greenland, NH, conjectures that this person may, in fact, have been Michael York, related to Thomas French alias Yorke. Debbie was able to find a map that shows where Benjamin York had land at Lubberland. Michael French bought and, I presume, lived on six acres. I still think he was a York or tied in with them. He was definitely not the son of Thomas 3 of Ipswich.

· Ref [22]. Notes in 1985 from Margaret T. Taylor of the Trumbull, Ohio, Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society to William M. French of Grand Junction, Colorado. These notes include the "Farmington Records," from their library which includes handwritten notes on the French, Bundy, Avery and other families. Apparently the notes were compiled by Maxine Cox some years earlier and given to the OGS library at Trumbull. The FFA published materials provided by this William M. French in 1986. In reviewing this set of pages, however, all of the material appears to be correct -- in that it checks with research I have done on these lines. Therefore, I see little reason to dispute what they say about William French, son of Michael. What they do say is that... "The French family line was Scotch-Irish. The Gavits from the Isle of Jersey." "William French (from Scotland and Londonderry, Ireland, came with parents, he was 12 years of age) married Prudence Gavitt, born 6 July 1720, married March 1st 1738”. (Note that Phillip Gavitt Sr. was b. ca. 1651 in St. Saviors, Isle of Jersey, England, and d. after 1714 in Westerly, Kings Co., Rhode Island.)

(Reply from Ted Steele) If William (who married in 1738) was about 20'ish when he married, he would have been born about 1715-1718 or so. If he were 12 when he came to America, that would put his date of immigration about 1727-1730. Supposedly, he came with his parents -- or at least his father, Michael French, at that time. BUT we have a Michael French taking an Oath of Allegiance at Exeter, NH, in 1677. I also have a note that "William French was of Exeter, NH, in 1709. That he removed from Londonderry, NH to Westerly, RI, in 1747. So, I think these notes give us great cause to examine French records in Londonderry, Ireland, and more importantly, in Scotland.

· Ancestry.com and Rootsweb say that “Michael French resided in 1677 in Exeter, Rockingham Co., NH. He resided in 1709 in Exeter, Rockingham Co., NH. He immigrated about 1726. He resided in 1747 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI. Michael had sons James, John, and William”. The FFA feels this just doesn’t make sense. If Michael were only born in 1677, he would have been over 40 when William was born. These names and dates must be a combination of various French families. It further goes on to say that son “James m. Phillippa White on 15 Jun 1714 in Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, and that son James d. before 1747, and that William was b. ca. 1714 in Exeter or perhaps Londonderry, Londonderry Co., Ireland and immigrated about 1726.” The FFA feels it is strange that one son was born the same year that another son got married.

· The FFA believes that, in light of the matched DNA tests, William was an immigrant with his father from Ireland. See DNA results for Group 5. There is no real evidence that Michael from NH was his father; however, there is more evidence thru the DNA tests that others from this line were living in New Jersey and had come over from Northern Ireland. As a last thought, there are no other Michaels in this line, so that could indicate that Michael was not William’s father. A more likely name would be the name of William’s first sons, John, William, or James.

This has been a real genealogical dilemma. Can anyone help? If so, email mailto:marafrench@mindspring.com.

First Generation

1.1* William French, birth date unknown, but ca. 1709-1714 [14], and d. ca 1761 [14]. He m. Prudence Gavitt on 1 Mar 1737/38 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI [14]. Prudence was b. 6 Jul 1720 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI and d. 13 May 1753 in Westerly [14]. Prudence was baptized as an adult on 28 Oct 1739 by Rev. Ebenezer Rosseter. Many of the Gavitt family resided in Westerly and are buried at the Westerly Historic Cemetery between Rt #1 and Old Post Rd. Gavitt is the name of a current street in Westerly.

Second Generation

Children of William French and Prudence Gavitt, 1.1

Of their 8 children, only 3 were males who carry on this line. Ref [28] says they had 14 children but have not had time to verify them. All children were born in Westerly, Washington Co., RI.

2.1* John French, 15 Nov 1738/1739 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI. He was baptized by Rev. Nathaniel Eells on 30 Aug 1741 along with his sister, Anna. He married Susannah Bill on 16 Mar 1758 or 1 Jul 1758 [14] in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA. She was b. 16 Jul 1740 in Groton, New London Co., CT, and d. in Otego, Otsego Co., NY. John d. after 1780 [14] in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA. He served in the military in 1776. Many members from the Bill, Avery, and French families married one another. John was a Yeoman and purchased a place called no. 3 in the county of Hampshire on 3 May 1754. He paid Thomas Brown thirty pounds for the sixty acres of land which were located in the southampton annex in Montgomery, MA. John fought in the Revoluntionary War and was in the migration to NY moving to Hapersfield/Otego Otsego Co., NY. John was a tough man not afraid of a good fight and so it is written in Otsego there was a fight among the early settlers and Peter Scramling and John were selected to "fight it out." The contest took place after the raising of the first sawmill in the town by Ransom Hunt. Three days had been spent in building the dam, and upon the day of the "raising" a keg of rum was furnished. And after the building had been successfully raised, and all had become comfortably merry, the champions closed for the contest. After a spirited fight French was adjudged the victor and thus ended the border wars [18]. (See page 150, 151 History of Otego.)

2.2 Ann or Anna French, b. 25 Mar 1741 in Westerly, RI, baptized by Rev. Nathaniel Eells on 30 Aug 1741 along with her brother John, d. 1759 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI.

2.3 Prudence French, b. 7 Jun 1743 in Westerly, RI.

2.4* William French, b. 25 Jan 1744 Westerly, Washington Co., RI, d. 15 Aug 1838 Parkman Twp., Geauga Co., OH, m. 1767 to Elizabeth Avery. She was b. 20 Jan 1743/44 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA, d. 1813 Otego, Otsego Co., NY [14] [16]. He was a Sgt. Of the Mass. Troops Rev. War [4]. Many members from the Bill, Avery, and French families married one another. Ref [4] contributed various records and photos on William and the Parkman Bundysburg Gates Cemetery in Geauga Co., OH.

2.5 Mary French, b. 24 Nov 1746 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI.

2.6 James French, b. 14 Sep 1748 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI.

2.7 Hannah French, b. 12 Oct 1750 in Westerly, RI, d. ca. 1797 in Unadilla, Otsego Co., NY. She m1. William Wheeler on 15 Jun 1766 in New London, CT. They had children Ebenezer, James, William, John, Joseph, and Hannah. Hannah m2. Silas Hubbell in 1785 in Blanford, MA. They had son Truman Mallory Hubbell.

2.8 Thankful French, b. 21 Sep 1752, d. 19 Nov 1841 in Montgomery, Hampden, MA, m. James Wheeler (brother of William), ca. 1749 in New London, CT.

Third Generation

Children of John and Susannah (Bill) French, 2.1

Of these 10 children, only 4 were males to carry on this line. Ref [28] says they had 11 children, but have not had time to verify them.

3.1 Prudence French, b. 8 Feb 1759 in Montgomery, Hampden, MA, d. after Sep 1816 in Ontario, Wayne Co., NY. She m. Isaac Gates ca. 1775 in Ontario, Wayne Co., NY. They had a daughter, Polly Gates.

3.2 Mary (Polly) French, b. 3 Jul 1761 in Montgomery, Hampden, MA.

3.3* Judge John French, b. 16 May 1764 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA, m. Desire Bull. John was a noted lawyer of Otsego County, NY. Desire is in the 1860 census with her daughter and son-in-law, age 94 [25]. She is not in the 1870 census, perhaps passed away [25].

3.4 Cynthia (or Cynthya) French, b. 16 Mar 1766 in Montgomery, Hampden, MA.

3.5 Abigail French, b. 25 Jun 1768 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA, d. after 1855 in Ohio.

3.6 Sarah French, b. 16 Jul 1770 in Montgomery, Hampden, MA.

3.7* Malcolm Wheeler French, b. 17 Feb 1774 in Montgomery, Hampden Co, MA, d. 2 Jul 1846 in West Almond, Allegany Co., NY [14]. He m. Eunice Bundy ca 1792. She was b. 20 Sep 1776 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA and d. 9 Apr 1840 in Otego, Otsego Co., NY [14]. His burial is at West Almond, Allegany Co., NY [18]. Wheeler's name is found on several land transactions around the Bath Wheeler area in NY. Information has now come to light that makes us believe that after Eunice died 9 Apr 1840, that Wheeler then remarried a woman names Frances (last name unknown). In June of 1847 there are deeds showing land transfers of both Wheeler and Frances deeding land to Wheeler Jr., which leaves us to believe Wheeler died or was dying at that time. Frances died in 1849 and both are buried in W. Almond Twp. Allegany City, NY (small cemetery on private land). In 1855 we find on a NY state census in Otego, Harriett listed as head of household living with sister Almira, and John Hiro and Marilla as boarders.

3.8 William (Bill) French, b. 24 May 1776 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA, d. 1852.

3.9 Anna French, b. 11 Jul 1778 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA.

3.10 Dudley French, b. 24 Aug 1780 in Montgomery, Hampden Co., MA.

Children of William and Elizabeth (Avery) French, 2.4

3.11 Martha French, b. 19 Jan 1768 in Montgomery, NY [27], m. Ansel (or Asahel [27] ) Packard on 12 Aug 1780 in Southampton, MA [27]. He was b. 18 Mar 1763 in Norwich, CT and d. 26 Jun 1846 in Unadilla, NY [27]. Martha d. 1809 [27].

3.12 James French [16], b. 7 Dec 1769 [17] in Montgomery, NY, m. Tryphena Abel [27].

3.13 Betsy French [16], b. 18 Oct 1772 [17] in Montgomery, NY, and m. Gymenas Goodrich [27].

3.14* Wareham French, b. 13 Dec 1774 NY in Montgomery, NY [27], d. 7 Jan 1845 in West Farmington Twp, Trumbull Co, OH, m. 1820 to Sarah Johnson. She was b. 1782, d. 23 Aug 1841 in Farmington Twp., Trumbull Co., OH [14] [16].

3.15 Sabra French [16], b. 25 Apr 1777 is Otsego, NY [27], m. Isaac Gates who was on 28 Dec 1771 in Preston, CT and d. 10 Aug 1788 [27].

3.16 Abigail French [16], b. 9 Jul 1779, d. 14 Oct 1862 in Bundysburg, Geauga, OH, age 83, m. Jacob Gates who was b. 1769, d. 18 Oct 1817, age 48 [17]. They had 10 children [17].

3.17* William French III was born on 24 Jul 1781 in Montgomery, NY [27]. He died on 25 Oct 1862 in LeRoy, Dodge Co., Wisconsin [16] [17]. He m. Lois Fuller ca. 1803 in NY [27]. She was b. 1788 in NY, d. 4 Dec 1869 in Leroy, Dodge Co., WI [17] [27]. He was buried in Kokoskie Cemetery, Dodge Co., WI [27]. They had 10 children.

3.18* Abel French [16], b. 25 Jul 1783 in Otsego, NY [27], d. 13 Feb 1861 in Otsego, NY [27], m. Susannah Bundy who was b. 30 May 1786 and d. 22 Mar 1849 [17]. At least 22 family members are buried in the Bundy Cemetery, Otego, Otsego Co., NY.

3.19 Sluman/Sleeman French [16], b. 19 Aug 1785 [17] in Otsego, NY [27].

3.20 John French, b. 8 Oct 1787 in Otsego, NY [27], m. Bursheba French. Her parents were Malcolm Wheeler French and Eunice Bundy. Malcolm was John’s uncle [16]. They had 3 children [17].

3.21* Avery French [16], b. 6 Oct 1789 in Otsego, NY [27], d. 1871 in Farmington, Tumbull, OH [17] or 3 Oct 1865 in Iowa [27], m1. Betsey (Elizabeth [27] ) Martin on 10 Oct 1810 [27]. She was b. 26 Jan 1789, and d. 15 Feb 1850 in Shabbona Grove, IL [27]. They had 12 children. Avery m2. Hannah Dean on 19 Nov 1853 [27].

3.22 Prudence French [16], b. 22 Dec 1791, d. 30 Jan 1873 (age 81), m. Elisha Bundy who was b. 20 Jul 1788, d. 7 Nov 1877 in NY [17]. They had one son, Hiram Bundy [17].

3.23 Lucy French [16], b. 15 Feb 1794 [17], m. Harvey Bill and had 4 children: George, Zelotas, Harvey, and Mathilda Bill [17].

Fourth Generation

Children of John and Desire (Bull) French, 3.3

4.1 Cynthia French, m. Matheson [18].

4.2 Eunice French, m. Josiah Cass. Josiah was born in Kent, Litchfield, CT 26 Sep 1786.10 Josiah was the son of Aaron Cass and Ruth Bull. Josiah died about 1826.

4.3 Anna French was born in Otsego County, NY Jan 1796. Anna died 18 Feb 1860 in Tioga County, NY, at 64 years of age. She married Aaron Cass before 1822. Aaron and Anna were first cousins, being children of Ruth Bull and Desire Bull, respectively. See Case Family Reports.

4.4 Abigail (Abby) French, m. Aaron Depuy. These two individuals were cousins.

4.5 Hannah French, m. William Reed [18].

4.6 Polly French, m. Henry Williams [18]. According to a couple of census, whe was born ca. 1809 [25]. Their first child was b. in 1840 and they had a total of 5 children [25]. Polly was buried in a small cemetery along with a “Jeremiah French” [25].

4.7 John French, twin, m. Lida Williams [18].

4.8 Abram French, twin [18].

4.9 Thomas French, m. Polly Bull. Polly was born in Lewis, NY 1805. Polly 13 was the daughter of Abraham Bull Jr. and Abigail Lake.

4.10 Rheinard French, scraped skin from back getting out of State’s prison [18].

4.11 Benjamin French was married twice. He m1. Lucy Bates. Lucy was the daughter of Reuben Bates and Abigail Bull. He married Catherine Frye.

Children of Malcolm and Eunice (Bundy) French, 3.7

4.12 Bursheba French, b. ca. 1799/1800, m. John French (see 3.20).

4.13 Harriett French was born about 1800/1801. She died in 1855.

4.14* Luther French was born in 1802 in New York. He died in 1891 in of Corning, Steuben, New York. He married Clarissa Shepard who was born about 1807 in New York. She died after 1870 in Corning, Steuben, New York.

4.15 Almira French was born in 1804 in New York. She died in 1878.

4.16* Wheeler French Jr., b. 1805 in Otego, Otsego, NY and d. 26 Dec 1879 in Maine Prairie, Stearns Co., MN [14]. He m. Nancy E. Cramer ca. 1829 in NY. Nancy was b. 12 May 1811 in NY and d. 14 Feb 1873 probably in Maine Prairie, Stearns Co., MN [14].

4.17 Levi French, b. 1808 in NY, d. 1870 in Otego, Otsego, NY, m. Marinda Bundy. She was b. 1812 in NY, d. after 1860 in Otego, Otsego, NY. They had one daughter, Sarah, b. ca. 1838 in NY [18].

4.18 Maria French, b. Feb 1810 in NY, d. 8 Sep 1870 in Otego, Otsego, NY, m. Hiram Bundy and had 5 children: Egberto, Edgar, Harriet, Hiram E., and Elvira Bundy.

4.19* Dr. Dudley Saulston French, b. 8 Apr 1812 near Corning, Steuben Co., NY, d. 4 May 1867 in Shakopee, Scott Co., MN. He was buried in Valley Cemetery, Shakopee, Scott Co., MN. He m. Mary M. Bliss ca. 1849 in NY. She was b. 24 Sep 1820 in MA and d. 10 May 1888 in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN. About 1856 Dudley moved his family to Maine Prarie, Sterns Co., MN. He studied medicine as there was no doctor on the prarie and he practiced Homeopathy and was the only doctor in the area for many years. Later he and his wife moved to the Shakopee area where he died 4 May 1867. Mary died on May 10, 1888 at 3131 Lindley Ave. S. in Minneapolis. Both are buried at the Valley Cemetry, Shakopee, Scott Co., MN. Dudley lies in a grass-covered grave broken stone, Mary has no stone. All their children moved to the Los Angeles, California area about the turn of the century except Harriet. She remained in the Minneapolis area for many years [18].

4.20 Albert G. French, b. 1822, d. 1868, m. Melissa A. Barnard. She was b. ca. 1830 in NY, d. in Painted Post, Steuben, NY, and they had one daughter, Charlot A. French, b. ca. 1848 in NY.

4.21 Marilla French, b. 1823 in NY, m. Samuel Young.

Children of Wareham and Sarah (Johnson) French, 3.14

4.22* Schuyler French, b. September 20, 1813 Otsego County, New York d. Greene Twp., Trumbull Co., OH, marriage: June 15, 1835 to Mary Jane Bostwick b. February 25, 1818 Connecticut d. February 25, 1818 Greene Twp., Trumbull Co., OH [14].

4.23 Cornelia French, b. 8 Jun 1803 in Geauga, OH, d. 4 Aug 1842, m. Moses Hatch on 11 May 1820 and had 1 son, Warren Dewaine Hatch [27].

4.24 Samuel S. French, b. 2 Oct 1816, d. 21 Apr 1897 in Farmington, OH, m. Amelia Belden [27].

Children of William and Lois (Fuller) French, 3.17

4.25 Susanna French was born about 1805. Susanna m. Charles P. Everett on 27 Jun 1822 in , Geauga, Ohio [27].

4.26 Moses French was born about 1806. Moses m. Jane Eddie on 29 Jan 1828 in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio [27].

4.27 Lucy French [27].

4.28 Calvin French was born 1817. Calvin m. Lorana Walton on 15 Nov 1839 in Geauga Co., Ohio [27].

4.29 Luther French was born on 7 Mar 1818 in Plainsville, Ohio. He died on 23 Jan 1896 in Sutton, Nebraska [27]. Luther married Polly Emeline Littlefield on 26 Apr 1849 in LeRoy, Dodge, Wisconsin [27].

4.30 James French was born ca. 1820 in Painesville, Geauga, Ohio [27].

4.31 William F. French was born in 1825 in Vermont [27].

4.32 Martin French was born about 1831 in Vermont [27].

4.33 Eliza French [27].