History and Research
John Cravens French emigrated to America ca. 1780-1795 as a
stowaway on a ship from his native Galway, Ireland. He
lived in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA, Smyth Co., VA. John was b. ca. 1775 in
Galway (or Galleham), Ireland, d. before 1830, m. Elizabeth (Goodyhew?). She
was b. 1770 in either Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA or in Maryland, d. 23 May
1859 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA. John was from Tannersville, Tazewell
Co., VA, which was in Washington Co. and possibly in Russell Co. at one time
[8]. They had 3 children: Matthew (b. 1796, d. 23 Dec 1859), Elizabeth, John C.
m. Mary Prater, and Julia (b. 1815). This chart does not connect with FFA Chart
#12 and verified by Virginia Wermuth who has written on book on Chart #12.
There were two John French men and two Matthew French men in each line. Ref
[11] states Òthere is NO verifiable evidence that Elizabeth Goodyhew was the
mother of Matthew French or any other French.Ó
First Generation
1.1* John C. (Cravens?) French, b. ca. 1775 in Galleham?,
Ireland, d. before 1830, m. Elizabeth Goodyhew? She was b. 1770 in either Poor
Valley, Tazewell Co., VA or in Maryland, d. 23 May 1859 in Poor Valley,
Tazewell Co., VA [1].
Second Generation
Children of John C. and Elizabeth (Goodyhew?) French, 1.1.
2.1 Matthew French, b. ca. 1796, d. 23 Dec 1859 in Poor
Valley, Tazewell Co., VA [1]. Matthew was a wagonwright, blacksmith, woodcutter
and farmer [12]. He had only one male family member to support him. He acquired
land through several grants and bought some land. Albert developed what Matthew
accumulated and expanded it a little more as time went by. There is evidence
that there was interaction with the Prestons, Buchanans, Floyds and other
families in the area. An interesting circumstance arose with Samuel Larkin
(Taylor's) (Julia's daughter's husband) entry into the army under Gen Floyd. He
entered as a common soldier and rose very rapidly promoted to the rank of
Colonel [12]. Albert Pendleton French was the oldest son of MatthewÕs sister
Julia [11].
2.2 Elizabeth French, b. ca. 1807, m. Elijah Call. They had
children: Martha Call who m. Malachi C., Caudill Call, and Amanda Call [1].
Elizabeth d. ca 1880 [12].
2.3* John C. (Cravens?) French, Jr., b. ca. 1811 in Giles or
Smyth Co., VA, m. Mary (Polly) Prater, b. 1806 in VA, d. 13 Oct 1884 in
Thessalia, Giles Co., VA [1]. The 1850 Census
lists John as 39 years old and a farmer, born in VA. This Census also lists his
wife Mary as 44 years old, also born in VA.
2.4* Julia Ann French, b. ca. 1815 in MD or VA, d. 9 May
1857 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA. Julia had six children with the French
surname from a death certificate showing info given by brother Matthew French
in 1849, Tannersville, Tazewell Co., VA [3]. Another record says Julia was a
niece to Matthew, DAR, at Giles Co., VA [3]. The family legends are that Julia
had children by several different men. One named Call, one named Floyd, possibly
a Crabtree, and finally by William Allison whom she married [1]. See Report below.
2.5* Joseph French, b. ca. 1807 in VA, m. 17 Dec 1846 in Greene Co., IN to Elizabeth Foley.
She was b. ca. 1825 in IN. According to the census, he was a farmer [7].
Third Generation
Children of John C. and Mary (Prater) French, 2.3
3.1 David J. French, b. 1832 in VA, d. 28 Feb 1873 in Smyth
Co., VA, m. Laetitia (last name unk), b. ca. 1833 in VA [1]. The 1850 Census
lists David as 18 years old, a laborer, born in Smyth Co., VA. Ref [11] states
that David m. Sarah Felton (b. ca. 1835) on 5 Apr 1866 in Tazewell, VA.
3.2 Mary French, b. 1833 in VA. The 1850 Census
lists Mary as 17 years old and born in Smyth Co., VA.
3.3* Dorcas (or Darcus) Louise (or Louisa) French, b. 5 or 7
Mar 1835 in Smyth Co., VA, d. 7 Feb 1895 in Thessalia, Giles Co., VA, m1.
William E. Golding, b. ca. 1833 in VA, d. 1863 in VA. They had children John
(b. 1855), Mary (b. 1856), Nancy, and Sarah (b. 1860). William Golding was
killed in the Civil War [11]. She m2. Samuel Raynes and had children Viola (b.
1864), William (b. 1868), Virginia (b. 1870), Lucy (b. 1876), and Maggie (b.
1879) [1] [11]. The 1850 Census
lists Darcus as 16 years old, born in Smyth Co., VA. Ref. 12 says they also had
child America Frances Raynes on 16 Sep 1865.
3.4 Richard R. French, b. 1837, m. E. M. C. T. Evitt, b.
1840 [1]. The 1850 Census
lists Richard as 13 years old, born in Smyth Co., VA.
3.5 Rachel French, b. ca. 1839 [1]. The 1850 Census
lists Rachel as 11 years old, born in Smyth Co., VA.
3.6 Malinda Adaline French, b. 18 Nov 1840, m. Gregory Bise
[1]. The 1850
Census lists Malinda as 9 years old, born in Smyth Co., VA.
3.7 Emaline J. French, b. ca. 1844 (or 12 Sep 1841[10]), m.
John McGee [1]. The 1850 Census
lists Emaline as 6 years old, born in Smyth Co., VA.
Children of Julia Ann French, 2.4. These children seem to
have retained the surname French.
See Report below. The children of
this family cannot be considered French ancestors according to DNA because
their father did not have the surname French. Therefore, the genealogy stops
with this generation.
3.8* Albert Pentleton French, b. 27 Sep 1836 in Poor Valley,
Tazewell Co., VA, d. 5 Jul 1910, m1. Susan Close (or Susan Fulton Clear in
Smyth Co., VA [12]), b. 1837, m2. Louisa Neal, b. 1846 in VA [1]. Record of
Albert and Louisa appear in the 1880 census of Tazewell Co. [2]. Of his death,
and life, is this fragment sent courtesy of Alex Luken [15]: "Tazewell
Republican; Thursday, 14 July 1910: News of the sudden death of Mr. A. P.
French at his home near Tannersville was received here on Friday last, the
immediate cause of his death being heart trouble. Mr. French was of a very
venerable age, an excellent citizen and his numerous friends throughout the
county will hear with profound sorrow of his death" [11]. Amongst all the
confusion about Julia Ann and, for myself, the parentage of Albert Pendleton
French... In the 1880 census, an Elizabeth is listed in Albert's household as
his mother [13]. Albert is an ancestor of [12]. With AlbertÕs first wife, he
had children John and Julia. With AlbertÕs second wife, he had children Susan,
Tennessee, Fannie, Ella, George, Georgia, and James.
3.9 Letitia Adeline (or Adaline) French, b. 24 Mar 1838 [8]
in Tazewell Co., VA, d. 7 Jan 1929 [8], m. Henderson Ratliff, b. 24 Mar 1838,
d. 19 Feb 1864 [1] or d. 1907 [8] in Tazewell Co., VA. Letitia is an ancestor
of Ref [14].
3.10 Darcus French (female), b. ca. 1839 in Smyth Co., VA
[1].
3.11 Laura Jane French, b. ca. 1840 in Tazewell Co., VA, d.
23 Mar 1921 in WV, m1. James Mitchell Stafford, b. 16 Apr 1824 in Giles Co.,
VA, d. 30 Jan 1895 in Lynn, WV. They had children John Albert Hoge, William
Bascomb, Amanda S., Charles E., George T., and Ralph Monroe. Laura m2. Thomas
Samuel Taylor after 1890, b. 21 Nov 1838 in VA, d. 22 Jan 1914 in Thessalia,
Giles Co., VA [1]. Laura is an ancestor of Ref [1].
3.12 Nichatie Cherokee Tennessee French, b. 24 Apr 1845 in
Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA, d. 7 Mar 1901 in Thessalia, Giles Co., VA, m.
Thomas Samuel Taylor, b. 21 Nov 1838 in VA, d. 22 Jan 1914 in Thessalia, Giles
Co., VA, and had children Walter, Albert, Bertie, Mary Ann, India Florence,
Marvin, Mattie, Bayard, and Vera. NichatieÕs husband, Thomas Taylor, then
married NichatieÕs sister, Laura [1].
3.13 Annie Mae French, b. 23 May 1848 in Poor Valley,
Tazewell Co., VA, m. James Henry Robertson on 14 May 1871 in Giles Co., VA [5].
James was b. 1850, d. 14 May 1871. The 1850 Tazewell County, VA, census shows
Anna was born in Maryland [5]. She d. 2 Dec 1898 in Giles Co., VA [5]. They had
children Aubrey Brooks Robertson, James Arthur Robertson, Olive? Robertson,
Victor Hoge Robertson, Marvin? Robertson, Rose Viola Robertson, Albert Boston
Robertson, Frederick Stuart Robertson, Anna Laura Cherokee Robertson, Tyler
Sutton Robertson, Early Lee Robertson, and Fannie Varina Robertson [1] [6].
Rose Robertson (4) m. Robert Cicero Carr Sr. and had Robert Cicero Carr, Jr.
(5), and the line continues with Pamela Rose Carr (6) who m. Jerry Kerschner
[5].
3.14 Sarah Emaline French, b. 27 Jun 1850 in Poor Valley,
Tazewell Co., VA, d. 13 Feb 1935 in Little Valley, VA, m. Madison Love Osborne,
b. 9 Mar 1851, d. 25 Aug 1927 in Little Valley, VA [1].
Children of Julia Ann French and William Allison, 2.4.
3.15 David Allison, b. Jun 1852, d. Sep 1853 in Poor Valley,
Tazewell Co., VA [1].
3.16 Mary Allison, b. 14 Jan 1853 [1].
3.17 (dau) Allison, b. 9 May 1857, d. 9 May 1857 [1].
Children of Joseph and Elizabeth (Foley) French, 2.5
3.18 Margaret French, b. ca. 1847 in IN [7].
3.19 William French, b. ca. 1846 [7].
3.20 Elizabeth Jane French, b. 1849 in IN and d. 1938 [7].
She m. 3 Apr 1864 in Greene Co., IN to William R. Fulk. (Elizabeth was the
great-grandmother of Ref [7]) Their children were: Emma A. Fulk, Rankin Fulk
(Ref [7]Õs grandfather who m. Cora Asbury in IN), Gertie May Fulk, Emery Fulk,
and Burgess A. Fulk.
Fourth Generation
Children of David J. and Laetitia French, 3.1
4.1 Mary E. French, b. 1860 [1].
4.2 Samuel French, b. 1863 [1].
4.3 Francis French, b. 1865 [1].
4.4 Albert French, b. 1868 [1].
Children of Albert and Susan (Close) French, 3.8
The children of this family cannot be considered French
ancestors according to DNA because their grandfather did not have the surname
French. Therefore, the genealogy stops with this generation.4.5 John Rutledge
French, b. 27 Nov 1860 [1], m. Mary J. Blackwell who was b. ca. 1867 [6].
4.6 Julia Ann French, b. 1862 [1].
Children of Albert and Louise (Neal) French, 3.8
The children of this family cannot be considered French
ancestors according to DNA because their grandfather did not have the surname
French. Therefore, the genealogy stops with this generation.4.7 Susan Virginia
French, b. 1867 [1].
4.8 Tennessee French, b. 1869 [1].
4.9 Fannie E. French, b. 1871 [1].
4.10 Ella B. French, b. 1873 [1].
4.11 George Augustus French, b. 28 Dec 1875 in Tazewell Co.,
VA [1], son, who was the twin of Georgie [6] [11]. Buried at the Crabtree
Cemetery, Tazewell Co., VA [11]. He m. Marie Adeline Lawrence ca. 1900. She was
b. 3 Dec 1881 in Tazewell Co., VA [11]. They had daughter Verina Elizabeth
French, b. ca. 1903 [11].
4.12 Georgie French, b. 1875, daughter, who was the twin of
George, accordinging to the 1880 Tazewell Co., VA Census [6].
4.12 James Neal French, b. 1878 [1].
Children of Letitia A. French and Henderson Ratliff, 3.9
The children of this family cannot be considered French
ancestors according to DNA because their grandfather did not have the surname
French. Therefore, the genealogy stops with this generation.
4.13 Julia Belle Ratliff, m. William N. Lambert [8]. Their
daughter was Ann Elizabeth Lambert (5), who m. James K. Grisso [8]. Their
daughter was Sarah Elizabeth Grisso (6), who m. Thomas H. Ely [8].
Reports
The family legends are that Julia French (2.4 above) had
children by several different men. One named Call, one named Floyd, possibly a
Crabtree, and finally by William Allison whom she married [1].
John Buchanan Floyd Data
C O N F I D E N T I A L
Not Verified by any means
2.4* Julia Ann French, b. ca. 1815 in MD, d. 9 May 1857 in
Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA, m. (perhaps not on paper since all her children
retained the surname French) John Buchanan Floyd who
was b. 1 Jun 1806 in Blacksburg, Montgomery Co., VA, d. 26 Aug 1863 in
Abingdon, Washington Co., VA [1]. Julia had six children with the French
surname from a death certificate showing info given by brother Matthew French
in 1849, Tannersville, Tazewell Co., VA [3]. Another record says Julia was a
niece to Matthew, DAR, at Giles Co., VA [3]. Together they may have had 7
children between 1836-1850; however, there is documentation that
in 1830, John B. Floyd m. Sally or Sarah Buchanan Preston. No children are
mentioned. Another
record shows that John B. FloydÕs father, John Floyd, m. Letitia Preston in
1779 and that their son, John B. Floyd, b. in 1806, m. Sarah Buchanan Preston,
daughter of Francis Preston and Sarah Buchanan Campbell, on 1 Jun 1830 in
Washington Co., VA. No children are mentioned for this son in this document either.
John Buchanan Floyd was the governor of Virginia. Smithfield
Plantation, an 18th century landmark, was the Williamsburg-style home and
birthplace of John B. Floyd. The house has been restored and is open to
visitors. The plantation is in the New River Valley. DraperÕs Meadow was the
first permanent English speaking settlement west of the Alleghanies. It was
founded on land granted to Colonel James Patton in 1748. In July of 1755, a
group of Shawnee Indians raided the settlement and killed all but four of the
settlers. In 1772 Colonel William Preston, a frontier surveyor, settled on
DraperÕs farm and established what is now known as the Smithfield Plantation.
On 4 August 1778 William and Jane Black donated 38 acres of land that later
eventually became the town of Blacksburg, which since then, has grown to be one
of the largest towns in Virginia. James Patton Preston, a Virginia governor,
was born on this plantation, as well as Virginia Governor John Buchanan Floyd.
1850 Tazewell Co. Census [15]
38 23 23 FRENCH MATTHEW 50
M FARMER VA
39 23 23 FRENCH ELIZABETH
40 F MARYLAND
40 23 23 FRENCH ELIZABETH
89 F MARYLAND
41 23 23 FRENCH JULIA A 35
F MARYLAND
42 23 23 FRENCH ALBERT 14
M VA
1 23 23 FRENCH LETTILIA 12
F VA
2 23 23 FRENCH DARCUS 11 F
VA
3 23 23 FRENCH LAURA JANE
8 F VA
4 23 23 FRENCH AMANDA 7 F
VA
5 23 23 FRENCH MARTHA 7 F
VA
6 23 23 FRENCH NICATI 5 F
VA
7 23 23 FRENCH ANGELEAN 3
F VA
8 23 23 FRENCH SALLY 1 F
VA
9 23 23 FRENCH ISAAC
JOHNSON 18 M FARMER
1859 Tazewell Co. Death Records
Elizabeth French, May 23,
1859, Poor Valley, age 89, (parents) Stephen &
Eve French, (pob) Poor
Valley, (inf) daughter.
Matthew French, (d) Dec.
23, 1859, Poor Valley, age 69, (parents) John &
Elizabeth French, (pob)
not given, (inf) sister.
Matthew French, (d) Dec.
23, 1859, Poor Valley, age 63, (parents) John G. &
Elizabeth French, (pob)
Poor Valley, (inf) Sister.
Index of Ref [11]
French, Albert Pendleton b: 27 APR 1836 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA d: 5
JUL 1910 in near Tannersville, Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA
French, Amanda
b: JAN 1843 in Tazewell Co., VA
French, Angeline Mae b: 23 MAY 1848 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA d: 2
DEC 1898 in Giles Co., VA
French, Betty Elizabeth b: ABT 1860
French, Darcus Louisa b: 5 MAR 1835 in Smyth Co., VA d: 7 FEB 1896 in
Thessalia Methodist Cemetery, Giles Co., WV
French, David J. b: 1831
French, Dorcas Louisa b: ABT 1839 in Tazewell Co., VA d: 7 FEB 1895
French, Dorcus
b: ABT 1839 in Tazewell Co., VA d: 7 FEB 1895
French, Elizabeth b: ABT 1808 d: ABT 1880
French, Ella Blanche b: 3 MAR 1873 in Smyth Co., VA d: 15 OCT 1944
French, Emaline J. b: 12 SEP 1841
French, Emily
b: 12 SEP 1841
French, Emma Irvine b: 17 SEP 1858 in Clark Co., KY d: 28 AUG 1951 in Winchester, Clark
Co., KY
French, Fannie E. b: 9 FEB 1871
French, George Augustus b: 28 DEC 1875 in Tazewell Co., VA d: 9 MAR 1957 in
Tazewell Co., VA
French, Georgia Arminta b: 28 DEC 1875
French, James Neal b: 20 MAR 1878 in Tazewell Co., VA d: 28 JAN 1960 in Tazewell Co.,
VA
French, John C. b: ABT 1811
French, John Craven b: ABT 1780
French, John Rutledge b: 27 NOV 1860
French, Julia Ann b: 1815 in MD or VA d: 9 MAY 1857 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co.,
VA
French, Julia Ann b: ABT 1862
French, Laura Jane b: 1840 in Tazewell Co., VA d: 23 MAR 1921 in Giles Co., VA
French, Letitia Adeline b: 24 MAR 1838 in Tazewell Co., VA d: 7 JAN 1929 in
Tazewell Co., VA
French, Louisa
b: 5 MAR 1835 in Smyth Co., VA d: 7 FEB 1896 in Thessalia Methodist Cemetery,
Giles Co., WV
French, Malinda Adaline b: 18 NOV 1840 d: 21 JAN 1914
French, Martha
b: JAN 1843 in Tazewell Co., VA
French, Matthew b: 1800 d: 23 DEC 1859
French, Nichati Cherokee Tennessee Florida b: 24 APR 1845 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA d: 7
MAR 1901 in Thessalia, Giles Co., VA
French, Nichati Cherokee Tennessee Floyd b: 24 APR 1845 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA d: 7
MAR 1901 in Thessalia, Giles Co., VA
French, Sarah Ann b: ABT 1810
French, Sarah Emaline b: 27 JUN 1850 in Poor Valley, Tazewell Co., VA d: 13
FEB 1935 in Little Valley, VA
French, Susan Virginia b: 27 JAN 1867
French, Tennessee b: 30 AUG 1868
French, Thomas George b: 30 AUG 1896 in Tazewell Co., VA ? d: 23 APR 1936
in Tazewell Co., VA
French, Verina Elizabeth b: ABT 1903
Bibliography
Numbers in square brackets [ ] are bibliography notations.
FFA stands for French Family Association.
[1] FFA Member Carol Anne Henderson Godwin, 2217 Citation
Court, Matthews, NC 28105-4072, cgodwin@achievetampabay.org,
good as of 2008.
[2] Arlene Bell, 431 Homeplace Drive, Salem, VA 24153-7158,
540-387-9250 (as of 2008).
[3] FFA member Sondra French Selph, P.O. Box 3184, Fort
Pierce, FL 33448.
[4] FFA member Sylvia Tongson, Rt. 6, Box 186, Paris, TX
75462.
[5] Pamela R. Kerschner, 600 Kentmorr Road, Stevensville, MD
21666. (410) 643-2093. email kerschne@friendly.net
(Jerry Kerschner) (old email).
[6] Email from Pamela R. Kerschner, mailto:kerschne@friendly.net, 4 Oct
1996 and 16 Oct 1996.
[7] FFA member Billie Bea Rudy, 46606 Jonathan Circle,
Utica, MI 48317, billieb@ix.netcom.com, email good as of
2008.
[8] FFA member Sarah E. Ely, 443 Fox Hills Rd., Box 36,
Douglas, GA 31535-5098. mailto:tely@mail.sgc.peachnet.edu
(old email)
[9] Jerry French, mailto:efrench@umr.edu
(old email).
[10] Ancestry.com, http://trees.ancestry.com/owt/person.aspx?pid=76095518.
[11] Pat M. Stevens IV, pat@patmstevens.com,
website for the Stevens and Allied Families: http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=stevensp&id=I08482.
Email good as of 2008.
[12] Jerry French, an acquaintance of [11], 1505
Independence Rd., Rolla, Missouri, 65401, 2002. poor_valley@hotmail.com. Email good
as of 2008. In Mar 2008, he wrote the following: ÒI looked over the information
you sent. I am astonished and disappointed that the efforts of some of the
"researches" have lead them astray from the truth. Gordon French (the
only surviving male bloodline I believe) and I have done considerable research
on the John C. French family in past years including interviews and many hours
in Virginia courthouses as well as the normal data gathering. A considerable
amount of our research is in conflict with the chart information I
certainly hope you will extend the courtesy of reviewing our information before
this chart goes public.Ó
[13] Cathy Farnham, catjas@neo.rr.com,
good as of 2008. She would like more real sources. Her information is from the
website of a John Stafford. Cathy hasnÕt done a lot of research on the French
line.
[14] Tom Ely
[15] Alex Luken, the 1850 Tazewell Co. Census.
[16] McDowell and
Wyoming Co., WV Families and Individuals (data not yet entered)
