History
and Research
Chart
#179 begins in NJ in the 1750s and then migrates to the town of Middlebury,
Tioga Co., PA. No data further back has been found to date, but this line
remained basically in Pennsylvania and New York. See Middlebury, Tioga Co.,
PA History 1883. From there, the family moved to Northumberland Co., PA and
to Owego and Horseshead in Chemung Co., NY. But some members of the family
returned to Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. Other members of the family moved to
Port Alleganey, McKean Co., PA and to Roulette, Potter Co., PA. Others moved to
Olean, Cattaraugus Co., NY; Steuben Co., NY and Shamokin, Bradford Co., PA.
Other townships in NY: Erin, Wellsville, Elmira,Troopsburg, East Aurora, and Buffalo.
Other townships in PA: Fishing Creek, Wellsboro, Little Marsh, Delniar, Port
Alleganey, Blossburg, and Clara.
The men
in this line were mostly war soldiers, farmers (honey, lumber), Justices of the
Peace, town clerks, auditors, school directors, school teachers, general store
keepers, writers, bookkeepers, and glassmakers. They were Methodists.
Surnames
You may
notice that some of these names are also seen on FFA Chart #1, #2, and #5, but
these names are not seen until the 4th Generation.
French,
Churchill, Donshea, Hopper, Tryon, Martin, Hazen, VanGorder, Gildersleeve,
Willis, Willetts, Perrin, Secor/Sicaird, Titus, Colley, Waller, Field, McNair,
Boucher, Monk, Shaff, Smith, Williams, Palmer, Brown, Calgrove or Colegrove or
Colgrove, Niles, Andrews, West, Willoughby, Morey, Donshea or Dunshie, Howlett,
Doane, Hawley, Luce, Deer, Roupe.
First Generation
1.1
NATHANIEL FRENCH.
1.2 MARY E. FRENCH, b. ca. 1761, d. 6 Aug 1880, buried in the
French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., NY. This cemetery is referred to
by the local people as the ÒAllenÓ cemetery [1]. She lived to be 119 years, 7
months, and 6 days old. No one knows if Mary was a French by birth or by
marriage.
1.3*
JEREMIAH FRENCH, b. 1759 [1] or 1762 [23] in NJ [20] [22] or 1765 [2] or 1762
[3], m1. Margaret VanGorder, d. 4 May 1846 in Erin, Tioga Co., NY [1] at an
elderly age. Although the exact date of Jeremiah's birth has not been
established, the Census for Revolutionary and Military Services as Returned
Under the Act for taking the Sixth Census, Owego, Tioga County, NY, 1840, lists
Jeremiah's age as 81 [2], which would suggest he was born in 1759. Margaret was
the dau. of Jacob/Johannes/John VanGorder of Dutch descent [2], and was also
born in NJ [20]. Jeremiah m2. Hannah Gildersleeve, b. 1770 [1], d. 2 Oct 1843
at age 73 [2].
Jeremiah
served as a Private from Sandyston (or Sandys Township), Sussex Co., NJ in the
Revolutionary War, enlisting in 1778; Pensioner's application number S43570
[2]. In The Official Register of the Officers and Men of New Jersey in the
Revolutionary War, prepared by the State of New Jersey Adjutant General's
Office in 1870, page 599, Jeremiah French is recorded as having served in
Captain Westbrook's company, Third Battalion, Sussex, also Continental Army
[2].
After
being mustered out of the Army, Jeremiah removed to Shamokin, Northumberland
County, PA [2]. Jeremiah may have lived in Connecticut, Rhode Island and
Massachusetts prior to 1778. In 1778 Jeremiah resided in Sandyston, Sussex
County, New Jersey, and in Northumberland Co., PA in 1790. From 1800 to 1846
Jeremiah lived in Tioga, Chemung and Steuben Counties, New York [2]. In the
1790 Census, Jeremiah is listed as having one son over sixteen, two sons under
sixteen and two daughters under sixteen [1].
Jeremiah
French had served through the Revolutionary War and then traveled up the
Susquehanna from his father's farm, near Shamokin, in Bradford County, where he
soon married Miss Margaret VanGorder and took her to a farm on the Chemung
River, north of Elmira, NY [5].
Jeremiah
died in Erin on the 4th inst in the 97th year of his age. This would have meant
he was born in 1749, which is probably not true. He was in and fought through
the Revolutionary War in the army of General Washington. He was in the battles
of Monmouth, White Plains, Brandywine, and was in the army when Cornwallis
surrendered. (Source Tri -County History and Genealogy Site by Joyce Tice) [6].
Second Generation
Children
of Jeremiah and Margaret (VanGorder) French, 1.3
2.1
FRENCH, a son [1], b. before 1774, perhaps died young.
2.2
FLORA FRENCH [1], b. after 1774, m. Ernest Monk and resided in Middlebury
Center, Tioga Co., PA.
2.3*
MOSES FRENCH, SR., [1], b. ca. 1783 perhaps in Chemung or Steuben Co., NY, m.
Nancy was b. ca. 1784, d. 21 Jun 1855 at age 71 [1] or 9 Sep 1846 in Middlebury
Township, Tioga Co., PA [2], moved from Chemung Co., NY to Middlebury, Tioga
Co., PA. There were several French families living on French Hill, along with
Ernest Monk and his wife Flora French, the sister of Moses and William. Nancy
is buried at the French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., but it is unknown
where Moses Sr. is buried. French Hill was first settled by Moses French in
1823. His brother William French came to French Hill in 1834. Both were sons of
Jeremiah French, a Revolutionary War soldier. Besides these two sons, there
were daughters. These pioneers erected log houses, cleared land, and made homes
for themselves that were quite comfortable. In addition to farming, Moses
raised honey. The 1850 census records place Moses at age 67 with a birthdate
about 1783.
2.4
SARAH/SALLY FRENCH, b. 1786 in PA [2].
2.5*
WILLIAM FRENCH [1], b. 3 Jun 1790 in Northumberland Co., PA, m. Esther Martin
ca. 1816-1817, dau. of Gideon and Tammer (Hulett/Hewlett) Martin, d. 11 May
1881 in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA. He was a lumber farmer and resided
most of his life in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA [2]. He was member of the
Methodist Church [2]. Esther Martin was b. 11 Mar 1792 in RI, and d. 18 Oct
1865 and is buried on French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA,
with William [2]. She was the daughter of John Gideon Martin and Tammer Hulett
[2]. William and Esther moved from Steuben Co., NY between 1830 and 1850. This
cemetery is referred to by the local people as the ÒAllenÓ cemetery [1].
Photo
of William French from the book "The Passenger Pigeon of
Pennsylvania" written by his grandson, John Churchill French. From Roots
web, Tri-Counties Gen. by Joyce Tice.
William
French was something of a genius. He was a cooper, a hunter, a crackshot, and a
great worker. When he needed cloth, he built a loom in which to weave it. He
built a spinning wheel, spun the yarn and woe the cloth. When he needed a
barrel, a washtub, or a sap bucket, he made it. He also made a keeler to wash
dishes in and a piggin for buckwheat batter. When he needed a threshing
machine, he made that. He also worked in the field all day without a hat and he
never ate butter. He never used a dog on hunting trips; he simply took the
track of a deer and followed it. William was also a talented vocalist; many of
the songs he loved are recorded in the book, "North Pennsylvania
Minstrels", by Henry W. Shoemaker, with contributions by John Churchill
French. He spent his remaining years in Middlebury. William French died in
1881, just a few days before his 91st birthday.
Esther's
father is mentioned in the article regarding his great grandson, John Churchill
French in the book "The History of Roulette Pennsylvania" by Robert
R. Lyman, Sr., 1967. The article lists Esther's father's name as John J. Gideon
Martin and further states that John J. Gideon Martin instructed Isaac Lyman as
a boy in border warfare in the Lake George area of New York and gave him the
title of Major. Isaac Lyman kept the rank of Major during the Revolutionary
War. In the book entitled Genealogy of the Lyman Family in Great Britain and
America, author unknown, Isaac Lyman's fourth wife is listed as Sarah French. IGI
lists Sarah as Sarah Franch. John C. French mentions John Gideon Martin in his
book "The Passenger Pigeon of Pennsylvania as follows: Seneca John Titus -
" In his youth he was taught to read and the tactics of scouting for an
army by John Gideon Martin, scout of Oriskany, and the surrender of
Burgoyne." John Gideon Martin, an Irishmane, came to America about 1765,
and settled in the New England State. He was a scout at the Battle of Oriskany,
and was with Arnold and the 800 Massachusetts troops who drove the enemy back
to Lake Ontario. After that, he served as a scout with General Sullivan when he
swept the Seneca Lake country with sword and torch. John and his wife, Tammer,
came to French Hill with their son-in-law, William French. He lived there until
his death in 1845. There is no monument to mark his grave, but he is buried in
the French Hill Cemetery.
Children
on Jeremiah and Hannah (Gildersleeve) French, 1.3
2.6
JEREMIAH FRENCH, JR., b. 1792 in Owego, Tioga Co., NY, d. 16 Nov 1847 [2], only
one year after his father died in 1846. He may have married a Charlotte
VanGorder in Tioga Co., NY [1].
Third Generation
Children of Moses and Nancy French, 2.3
3.1*
MOSES FRENCH, JR., b. ca. 1817 probably in Horseshead, Chemung Co., NY [1], m.
Rosanna (or Rosina) Shaff who may be died young and he later remarried. Moses
French, Jr., his wife and three daughters appear on the 1850 Census for
Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA; and again with his wife, three daughters
and three sons on the 1860 Census for Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
Residing in the same household as Moses French, Jr. is William M. French, age
29. (1860 Census). Moses d. in 1887 and is buried in the Union Cemetery in
Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [1] and Rosanna d. in 1902 and is buried with him at
the Union Cemetery.
3.2
WILLIAM M. FRENCH, b. 1831 in Steuben Co., NY, m. Catharine Smith, b.
Wellsville, NY [7].
3.3
ESTHER FRENCH, m. Williams [1].
3.4
JANE FRENCH, m. Palmer [1].
3.5
NANCY ANN FRENCH or MARTHA FRENCH [23], b. 1828, m. John C. Brown [1], a son of
Gilbert Brown, and had children Gilbert b. 1853 who m1. W. Locey, m2. Mary
Dibble; Clarissa b. 1855; Ella b. 1859 m. Roe; Merritt b. 1859; Clarence b.
1857; Rodolphus b. 1862, all children lived in Tioga Co. [23].
Children
of William and Esther (Martin) French, 2.5
3.6*
NATHANIEL NEHEMIAH FRENCH, b. 24 Jul 1818 in Horseheads, Chemung, Co., NY, m1.
Margaret Shaff. Margaret was b. 1816 in NY [2], d. 1851 in PA [2]. He m2. Olive
Churchill Samson on 5 Sep 1852. She was b. 2 Jun 1823 in Elmira, Steuben Co.,
NY and d. 10 Dec 1887 in Roulette, Potter Co., PA. Nehemiah d. 21 Mar 1906 in
Roulette, Potter Co., PA and was buried on 24 Mar 1906 at the John Lyman
Cemetery in Roulette, PA. He was buried with his second wife. Nehemiah was a
lumber farmer and a member of the Methodist Church [2]. As a young adult, in
lived in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co, PA, then settled in Roulette Co. and
Potter Co., PA. He also lived in Fishing Creek, PA [2]. Nehemiah was a member
of the Methodist Church. Nehemiah followed his father in the lumber farming
industry. He had three children by his first wife, Margaret Shaff. Olive
Churchill Samson, his second wife, had only two children who survived infancy,
John and Esther. Margaret Shaff was the daughter of John Shaff and Annie or
Annas McCarty. John Shaff was b. 1777 in Saratoga Springs, NY, d. 13 Nov 1871
in PA, was a farmer, resided most of his life in Middlebury Center, PA. His
father was William Shaff, b. ca. 1758 perhaps in Germany [2]. Nehemiah French
went by this name throughout his life, however, his name appears as Nathaniel
Nehemiah French on his marker and in his obituary he is listed as Nathaniel
Nehemiah.
Nehemiah
inherited his father's love of music and was in his own right a gifted
vocalist. Many of the songs he loved are collected in the book "North
Pennsylvania Minstrels", by Henry W. Shoemaker, with contributions by John
Churchill French.
Nehemiah,
Margaret and their children Martha Rosanna, Sarah D. and William H. appear on
the 1850 Census for Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
3.7*
WILLIAM FRENCH, JR., b. 1825 in Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY [2]. He m1. Louisa,
m2. Annette A. Niles, and he d. 17 Nov 1867 [2].
3.8
MORIAHOR MARIAH FRENCH, b. 1832 [2]. Ref [1] says she was b. ca. 1836 in PA and
age 18 in the 1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA.
3.9*
JOHN WESLEY FRENCH, b. 13 Jan 1835 [1] [2], served in the Union Army during the
Civil War, m. Ann Roseathea Calgrove/Colegrove/Colgrove on 7 Sep 1861 in
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA. She was b. 1845 and d. 1929 [2]. John d. 1913 in
Little Marsh, PA [2] and is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery in
Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. John Wesley French was in Co. D, 16th PA. V.I.
during the Civil War. He suffered gunshot wounds during his service in action
on 16 Jul 1863 and also suffered from Typhoid Fever and jaundice. John received
an honorable discharge May 17, 1865. John served as a Justice of the Peace,
town clerk, auditor and school director of Chatham Township, Tioga County, PA
[9].
3.10
LOUISE E. FRENCH, b. 1840 [2]. Ref [1] says she was b. ca. 1840 in PA and age
10 in the 1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA.
3.11
CATHERINE/LUCRETIA FRENCH, b. 1844 [2], in PA, age 6 in the 1850 Census of
Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, m. _______ Palmer [2]. She d. in 1921 and
is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Middlebury Township.
Fourth Generation
Children
of Moses and Rosanna (Shaff) French, 3.1
4.1
NANCY A. FRENCH, b. ca. 1842 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, d. at age 4
[1], 9 Sep 1846 [1] and buried at the French Hill Cemetery.
4.2
ELIZABETH FRENCH, b. ca. 1845 in PA [1].
4.3
CHRISTINA/CHRISTIANA FRENCH, b. ca. 1847 in PA [1].
4.4
JANE FRENCH, b. ca. 1849 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA [1], m. Erastus
Niles who was b. 8 Mar 1846 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA. They had 2
daughters, Marion and Angie [1]. Erastus Niles family history is well
documented and includes Peter Niles, who married Sarah French, 1777, Braintree,
Massachusetts; and Ebenezer Niles, who married Mrs. S. French, after 1808,
probably in Braintree, Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Braintree is the location
of FFA Chart #5.
4.5
JEREMIAH FRENCH, b. ca. 1853.
4.6
WILLIAM FRENCH, b. ca. 1854.
4.7* WALTER E. FRENCH, was b. 9
Sep 1854 in Tioga Co., PA, spent his childhood in Middlebury and then lived in
South Corning for 40 years, and died at the home of his son Clarence J. He m.
Flora A. Andrews on 9 Sep 1881 [8] or on 23 Feb 1879 at Keeneyville [8] or
Delniar, PA. They had another son, Frances J. Walter d. 11 Jun 1937 in Corning,
NY [8] at age 82. They two daughters who died young and two who lived to
adulthood [8]. Flora was b. 8 Mar 1862 in Troupsburg, NY and d. 24 Aug 1910 [8]
in Lawrenceville, PA at age 48. Photo and articles below of Walter and his wife
provided by [8]. Gravestones
and Obituaries.
Photo of Walter E. French [8].
4.8
SARAH FRENCH, b. ca. 29 Dec 1861 [8], m. ______ West of Little Marsh, PA.
4.9
CHARLES A. FRENCH, JR., b. ca. 1864, d. 1939 [8] of Binghamton, NY.
Children
of Nathaniel and Margaret (Shaff) French, 3.6
4.10
WILLIAM H. FRENCH, b. ca. 1840. He is listed in his father's 1906 obituary as living
in Colorado.
4.11
MARTHA ROSANN FRENCH [1] or Martha Rosamond French [2], b. 1841 [2], m. Elisha
Willoughby who was a Civil War veteran [1]. Elisha is buried in the John Lyman
Cemetery in Roulette, Potter Co., PA [1].
4.12
SARAH D. FRENCH, b. ca. 1843 in Middlebury Center, PA [1] [2], m. William R.
Morey, Jr. ca. 1858, and moved to Minnesota. She d. ca. 1869 in MN [1]. William
R. Morey Jr., was b. 11 Feb 1840 in Troupsburg, Steuben Co., NY. He was a
farmer and d. in 1900 in MN. Their son was Eugene Morey, b. in MN in 1866.
Children
of Nathaniel and Olive (Churchill Samson) French, 3.6
Photo of John Churchill French writing "The Passenger Pigeon"
in Roulette, Potter Co., PA, 1919
4.13 FRENCH,
daughter, died young (from second wife).
4.14*
JOHN CHURCHILL FRENCH, b. 13 Aug 1856 in Port Alleganey, McKean Co, PA [2], d.
6 Nov 1934 in Roulette, Potter Co., PA and is buried at the John Lyman Cemetery
in Roulette, Potter Co., PA [10]. He authored several books on Pennsylvania
wildlife and folklore. He m. Effie Deans Donshea [1] [11] or Effie Dunshie [2]
on 16 Apr 1884 [2] in East Aurora, Erie Co., NY. She was b. 4 Oct 1862 in NYC
and d. 3 Feb 1930 in Blossburg, Tioga Co., PA [1]. He was the son of Olive
Churchill who was the granddaughter of Patience Gildersleeve and Lemuel
Churchill [1].
As an
infant, John and his family moved to the head of Fishing Creek, PA, and in
1865, moved to a farm east of Card Creek [10]. John attended Alexander
University in Ohio, a business school in Painesville, Ohio, and completed his
formal education at a Spencerian College in Cleveland, Ohio. John taught school
in Fishing Creek, Columbia Co., PA for a period of time and was paid $16.00 a
month with room and board [10]. Prior to John's marriage to Effie, John worked
as a bookkeeper in Pittsburgh, PA and later, as a bookkeeper in Buffalo, NY
[10].
John
was one of the organizers of the Roulette Oil
Company in 1877 [10]. John operated a general store from 1885 to 1888 with
his half brother Joseph A. Samson. The store was located in Larabee, PA and was
known as J.A. Samson and Company [10]. In 1888, John started a wholesale lumber
business, the Olean Hardwood Company, in Olean,
NY. Effie was the secretary and treasurer of the Company. John sold out to
B. H. Parkhurst in 1893 [10].
John's
health began failing after he was mauled by a bear. The last forty years of his
life he was an invalid, spending the last nine years of his life almost totally
bedridden [10]. During this time, John was Justice of the Peace for several terms
in Roulette, Potter County, PA.
It was
also during this time that John began his extensive writing career, which
included writing a weekly column for the Altoona Tribune and writing several
books. John also collaborated on several books with his young
"cousin" Colonel Henry W. Shoemaker as well as contributing chapters
to other of Henry's books [10]. John inherited his father and grandfather's
love of music and was a gifted vocalist. Many of the songs that he loved are
listed in "North Pennsylvania Minstrels", by Henry W. Shoemaker, with
contributions by John C. French [10].
The
books known to have been written by John include: The Passenger Pigeon in
Pennsylvania; Rafting Days in Pennsylvania; The Heroine of Lake Shetak,
Minnesota; and the Black Bear of Pennsylvania (1921). As a folklorist and
naturalist, John wrote of Pennsylvania with great affection [10]. John was
noted for his incredible memory, a fact that his sons marveled at [10]. John
his wife Effie and their three children, Helen, John Jr. and Rose are listed on
the 1892 Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY Census [10]. The 1900 Olean, Cattaraugus
County, NY Census lists John and his wife Effie and their four children, Helen,
John Jr., Rose and Robert [10].
Josiah
Churchill was of Wethersfield, CT. The large group of Churchill settlers was
with the Susquehanna Company to the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania. During the
masacre at Forty Fort (presently the Wilkes Barre area of PA), Lemuel Churchill
and many other young people escaped to what is now Elmira, NY, after which they
proceeded to Sussex Co., NJ. John Churchill French is buried at the John Lyman
Cemetery in Roulette, PA [2]. Nehemiah's son, John C. French, dedicates his
book "The Passenger Pigeon of Pennsylvania" and writes of him in the
same book: "Two young men climbed Tuscarora Hill, north of the Cowanesque,
to find the "top of the world." That was in 1836 and they were about
17 years old. One was Nehemiah French, my father; and the other was John
Churchill, my mother's eldest brother." The story continues with the boys
meeting and old Indian, Chingachkun and then concludes, "The boys found
the top of the world, where the rivers start from."
4.15
ESTHER ELIZABETH FRENCH, b. 19 Apr 1862 in Clara, McKean or Potter Co., PA, m.
William H. Hazen on 20 May 1882 in Roulette, Potter Co., PA. One of William's
ancestors, Henry A. Hazen (perhaps his brother) wrote the "History of
Billerica 1653-1883" which concentrates on William French of Billerica,
Chart #2. Because Chart #179 begins in New York, this specific family
connection is not a link back to the 1600s. William Hazen's family history is
well documented and includes Thomas Hazen, b. February 27, 1657, m. Mary
Howlett, b. 1664. Mary Howlett was the daughter of Thomas Howlett and Alice
French. Alice French ties into Chart #1 from Ipswich, MA. William was born
February 21, 1842 in Stewardson, Potter County, PA, and died 1925 in Roulette,
Potter County, PA. Esther and William had one son, Warren H. Hazen, b. 9 Aug
1886.
Children
of William and Annette (Niles) French, 3.7
4.16*
NATHAN TOWNER FRENCH, b. ca. 1854. He married Mary Evelene Eggelston in May
1879. Mary was the dau. of Edwin H. Eggleston and Betsy Jane Howe [19].
4.17
FLORA FRENCH, b. ca. 1855.
Children
of John Wesley and Roseathea (Colgrove) French, 3.9
4.18
JOHN ELMER FRENCH
4.19
ETTA FRENCH, m. Fay C. Doane and had children Roland, Lyle, and Anna Beatrice
Doane.
4.20
MARY K. FRENCH
4.21
MABYN E. FRENCH
4.22
HENRY W. FRENCH
4.23
EDITH A. FRENCH, m. William Hawley and had dau. Dorothy Shremp Hawley.
4.24
TACIE I. FRENCH
4.25
BESSIE E. FRENCH
Fifth Generation
Children
of Walter and Flora (Andrews) French, 4.7.
5.1*
FRANCIS JOHN FRENCH, b. 9 Sep 1881 in Tioga Co., PA, d. 14 Jun 1978 in Corning,
NY (age 97), m. 29 Jun 1904 to Sara LoCelia Boyden. She was b. 29 Jan 1883 in
Milo, NY and d. 8 Feb 1962 in Corning, NY [8]. Sara was b. to Ella Moon at age
16 (believe Dansl and Lydia Moon were EllaÕs parents [8]), and was adopted by
Amanda and Addison C. Boyden at age 9 months [8]. Walter spent a great deal of
his young life near Keuka Lake (Italy Hill, Pen Yan, and Second Milo, NY)
working as a farm laborer. He spent some time in West Virginia in the lumber
industry and later on the Corning Glass Works as an inspector. He was an
accomplished woodworker and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a lifetime
member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He was also an avid coin collector [8]. In
1910 he was living in Asaph, PA [8]. Hands
of a Craftsman, Obituary
Photo of Francis John French (standing), his wife Sara LoCelia (seated),
their son Milton L. French Sr, and their daughter Hilda taken in April 1919.
Francis and Sara LoCelia Boyden French on their 50th wedding
anniversary on 29 Jun 1954. Francis John French at 95 years old. [8]
5.2 IVA
FRENCH, b. 5 Jul 1884 and d. 29 Jul 1884 (about 3 wks) [8]. She is buried in
the family plot at the Niles Valley Cemetery, PA [8].
5.3 BESSIE
M. FRENCH, b. 30 Sep 1885, d. 6 Mar 1892 (6+ years) [8].
5.4*
CLARENCE JESSE FRENCH, b. 3 May 1893 (born out of wedlock [8]), d. ca. 1967 in
PenYan, NY, m. Libby Jackson and had one child [8]. Clarence had an addiction
to alcohol and was somewhat shunned by the family. His wife Libby died very
early in their marriage [8]. They had a son, Robert, who was adopted by the
Jackson family in the New York City area [8]. In 1910 they were living in
Lawrenceville, PA [8].
Children
of John C. and Effie (Deans Donshea) French, 4.14
5.5
HELEN MARGARET FRENCH, b. January 20, 1885, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d.
June 28, 1912 (age 27), Whitefish, Montana. Helen was a young school teacher
when she contracted tuberculosis from a student. Helen and her mother Effie
stayed with Uncle Joe Samson in Whitefish, Montana with the hopes that the
drier climate would cure Helen of her illness. While in Whitefish, Helen became
engaged to a Mr. Applegate. Unfortunately, Helen died before she and Mr.
Applegate were married. She is buried at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette,
Potter County, PA [1].
5.6
JAMES HARVEY FRENCH, b. 1887, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d. 1887, Olean,
Cattaraugus County, NY. He was seven months old at the time of his death. He
was buried in Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY [1] [10].
5.7
JOHN CHURCHILL FRENCH, JR., b. February 13, 1888, Olean, Cattaraugus County,
NY; m. Laura Luce. John and his wife Laura remained childless. John and Laura
resided in Olean, NY and in Roulette, PA. John was appointed as Justice of the
Peace in Roulette, PA [10]. Death date unk. [1].
5.8
ROSEMARY WILLIS FRENCH, b. 2 Aug 1889, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d. May
12, 1946, Evanston, Illinois. She m. Irvin Edward Deer on 6 Aug 1913 in
Buffalo, NY. He was b. in Manor, Maryland. Rosemary had curly blonde hair,
bright blue eyes, and freckled easily. She was an active member in her
husband's church and in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is buried
at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY. Irvin Deer was a minister. They had 2
children: Helen Marie Deer, b. 24 Jan 1916, d. 10 Jan 1986, and James Willis
Deer [1].
5.9
ROBERT WILLIAM FRENCH, b. July 21, 1893, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d.
December 14, 1971, New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida [10]. He married
Florence Emma Boucher on 21 Jul 1923 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada [12] at the
Church of England, St. Matthew's Anglican Church. The marriage ceremony was
performed at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, by the Reverend W. E. White. She
was b. 14 Aug 1903 in Saint Martin Parish, Island of Guernsey, and died August
25, 1998 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Robert lived with his parents and
siblings at 110 Barry Street, Olean, NY [12]. As a young boy Robert and his
parents moved to the old French Farm located in Roulette, Potter County, PA.
Robert enlisted in the United States Army during World War I and attained the
rank of Corporal [12]. The Dominion Glass Company, Ltd., was Robert's place of
employment for forty-five years. Robert took an early retirement due to a
series of strokes. Robert was an Episcopalian until the last ten years of his
life when he became a Christian Scientist. Robert was a 32nd Degree Mason [12].
He is buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY [1].
Children
of Nathan and Evelene (Eggelston) French, 4.16
5.10*
NATHAN EDWIN FRENCH, m. Idessa Roupe. They had 3 daughters.
Sixth Generation
Photo of Four Generations: Baby Milton L. French, Jr. in the lap of his
grandfather, Francis John French. Next is his father, Milton L. French Sr., and
his great grandfather, Walter E. French [8]
Children
of Francis J. and Sara (Boyden) French, 5.1
6.1*
MILTON L. FRENCH, SR., b. 12 Jan 1908 in Wellsboro, PA, d. 7 Apr 1999 in
Corning, NY (age 91), m1. Dorothy Mary Tawney on 25 Oct 1931 in Corning, NY
[8]. She was b. 20 Feb 1914 in Williamsport, PA and d. 22/24 Dec 1935 in
Corning, NY [8]. Milton m2. Mary Jane Elliott on 5 Jun 1938. She was b. 15 Apr
1919 in Corning, NY and d. 9 Jul 1979 in Corning, NY [8]. Milton worked at
Corning Glass Works for a number of years and then worked as a homebuilder for
himself [8]. After a short time as a contractor, he went to work for
Ingersoll-Rand in the maintenance electrical department [8]. Milton was a
retired Electrician in Painted Post with over 20 years of service. He was a member
of the South Corning United Methodist church [8]. Obituary
6.2
HILDA C. FRENCH, b. 28 Jul 1916 in Wayne, NY, d. 21 Dec 2003 in Corning, NY
[8]. She m. Francis Amouti in Apr 1935 [8]. Hilda worked as a waitress for many
years of her life in Elmira, NY. She moved back to live with her father after
the flood of 1972 and stayed until she died [8].
Children
of Clarence and Libby (Jackson) French, 5.4
6.3
Robert W. French (Jackson), his mother Libby died early in their marriage and
Robert was adopted by LibbyÕs brother into the Jackson family of Long Island
[8].
Children
of Nathan E. and Idessa (Roupe) French, 5.10
6.5
MARY ANNETTIE FRENCH.
6.6
HARRIET VIOLA FRENCH.
6.7
EDITH CHRISTIEN FRENCH [24], lives in Syracuse, NY.
Seventh Generation
Children of Milton and Dorothy
(Tawney) French, 6.1
7.1*
MILTON L. FRENCH, JR. ÒBuddyÓ, b. 17 Aug 1934 in Corning, NY [8], m. Moira G.
Perry on 6 Jun 1959 in Corning, NY. She was b. 6 Sep in Slough, England [8].
Moira immigrated from Slough, England in 1959 [8]. Buddy was raised by his
motherÕs parents Frank and Clara Dailey when his mother died of Leukemia before
he was two years old. Milton went to work for Ingersoll-Rand right out of high
school for $45/wk. He likes hunting, fishing, and woodworking [8].
Photo taken in 1935 is the only photo left of Milton L. French Sr., Milton
L. French Jr. (baby), and Dorothy Mary (Tawney) French [8]. Below that is
Milton L. French Jr. and his wife Moira in Nov 2006 [8]
Children
of Milton and Mary (Elliott) French, 6.1
7.2* JAY
FRANCIS FRENCH ÒPeanutÓ, b. 23 Jun 1941 in Corning, NY [8]. He. m1. Alice, had
son Stephen and daughter Cindy, m2. Carol, had son Jesse. They live in
Jacksonville, FL [8].
7.3
SONDRA LOCELIA FRENCH ÒSis or ButchÓ, b. 8 Feb 1945 in Corning, NY [8]. She m1.
Vincent Stirpe of Corning, NY, and had 3 children: Karen, Katherine, and Jason
[8]. She m2. Michael Owdienko in 1982 of Corning, NY [8].
7.4*
WALTER JAMES FRENCH ÒTimÓ, b. 3 Jul 1948 in Corning, NY [8]. He m. Angelina
Sagaria and lives in Corning, NY. They have two sons, John and Michael [8].
Eighth Generation
Photo
of Four Generations: Baby Melvin Perry French, his father Milton L. French,
Jr., his grandfather Milton L. French, Sr., and his great grandfather Francis
John French [8]
Children
of Milton L. and Moira (Perry) French, 7.1
8.1
MELVIN PERRY FRENCH, b. 21 Sep 1962 in Corning, NY [8], m. Mel Zurai in Aug
2000 in K. L. Malaysia, and have dau. Aishah Marie, b. Aug 2001 [8]. They live
in Long Island, NY [8].
8.2
PAULA KAYE FRENCH, b. 27 Sep 1967 in Corning, NY [8]. She lived in St. Louis,
MO [8]. Paula d. 24 Jun 2007 at the age of only 39.
Children
of Jay and Alice French, 7.2
8.3 STEPHEN FRENCH [8].
8.4 CINDY FRENCH [8].
Children of Jay and Carol French, 7.2
8.5 JESSE FRENCH [8].
Children of Walter and Angelina (Sagaria) French, 7.4
8.6 JOHN FRENCH [8].
8.7 MICHAEL FRENCH [8].
Ninth
Generation
Children of Melvin and Mei (Zurai) French, 8.1
9.1 AISHAH MARIE FRENCH, b. Aug 2001 [8].
Bibliography
[1]
Marion Scherer, email: Cludy52@aol.com.
Marion sent the most data for this chart. See
her file.
[2]
Florence Spencer, 699 W. Fern St., Palmer, Alaska 99645, then moved to R.R. #1,
Box 416, Magazine, AK 72943. Other Frenches in Sussex Co., NJ: Mary French, m.
David Hoys, Sussex Co., NJ, both of Westfield Twp. 2 Oct 1796. Hezekiah French
of Sandyston, Sussex Co., NJ, 1781, with 02-01-03-00-00 in NH 1790. Aaron
French of Sussex Co., NJ, Sandyston, 1793.
[3]
Samuel French the Joiner, by Mansfield Joseph French, p. 30, Chart #11. (not
part of this line)
[4]
Dori Fulk. 117 Barnes Hill Road. Horseheads, NY 14845. sfulk@stny.lrun.com (old email)
[5]
"Passenger Pigeon in Pennsylvania", by John C. French
[6]
Elmira Gazette, March 12, 1846.
[7] History of Tioga County,
Pennsylvania, Biographical Appendix, Middlebury Township. W.W. Munsell and
Company, New York: 1883 page 25. Typed by Wilma Johns Sakowsky for the
Tri-Counties Genealogy Sites by Joyce M. Tice, JoyceTice@aol.com.
[8]
Milton L. French, Jr., mfrenchjr@verizon.net
[9] Biographies
of Tioga County Civil War Soldiers extracted from Presidents, Soldiers,
Statesmen, author unknown. Typed by John D. Campbell for the Tri Counties
Genealogy Sites by Joyce M. Tice.
[10]
The History of Roulette, Pennsylvania, by Robert R. Lyman, Sr., 1967, The
History of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter Counties, printed in 1890, author
unknown. The Potter Enterprise, obituary and news article Family correspondence
and oral history.
[11]
Marriages Abstracted from the Journal of the Reverand Richard M. Sandfaord,
Erie County, New York. NSDAR, Katherine Pratt Horton, Buffalo Chapter.
[12]
New York State Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics; Certificat
of Birth, Olean, Cattaraugus County, New York. Document, Honorable Discharge
from the United State Army. Document, United States Army Enlistment Record of
Robert W. French.
[13]
Erie Dispatch Herald, Wednesday, March 8, 1944. Certificate of Marriage, Church
of England, St. Peter's Anglican Church, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
[14]
Rosemary Willis French, b. 1889, research done on this line about between 1920
to 1946 when she died.
[15]
Peggy Ann Felix, peggy_felix2003@yahoo.com
[16]
Karen Mohr, mohr@buffnet.net (good
address as of 2007)
[17]
Marsha, BudEOmine@aol.com (old email)
[18]
Dee Zito, bdgzito@worldnet.att.net
(old email)
[19]
Keith Foster, Sr., kfoster@madbbs.com
[20] J.
Michael FrostÕs website on French, Frost, Gilchrist, and Related Families.
Jeremiah's place of birth is shown here as NJ, based upon the 1880 census of
Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA, in which Jeremiah's son, William FRENCH,
is shown as having been born in PA, and both of William's parents are shown as
having been born in NJ.
[21] J.
Michael Frost, frostinaz@cox.net
[22]
Elmira [NY] Gazette, Thursday, March 12, 1846 - Died in Erin [Chemung County,
NY] on the 4th inst., Jeremiah French, in the 97th year of his age. Mr. French
was in and fought through the Revolution War in the army of General Washington.
He was in the battles of Monmouth, White Plains, Brandywine, and was in the
army when Cornwallis surrendered.
[23] Christine
Karns, chriswest@penn.com
[24]
Annette French Waterman, Afwaterman@aol.com
Maps
Middlebury Township
Graveyards or Cemeteries
Photographed
by Joyce M. Tice - Reprinted with permission - Copyright Joyce M. Tice
French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA
The French Hill Cemetery
Association was incorporated September 24, 1894 by A.D. Shaff, N.T. Shaff and
James Shaff. It is located in the northwest part of Middlebury Township, Tioga
County, Pennsylvania.. Source is "Journey to Day Before Yesterday with
Rhoda English Ladd". This cemetery is referred to by the local people as
the ÒAllenÓ cemetery [1]. French families located on French Hill are as
follows:
á
William,
Esther and their children William Jr., Mariah, John W., Louise E. and Lucretia
appear on the 1850 Census for Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
á
William
French and his wife Esther (Martin).
á
M.
French died 1894 at the age of 63 years
á
Catherine
French Palmer, b. 1844, d. 1921, inscription - Mother
á
Nathan
T. French, b. 1858, d. 1929
á
Mary
E. French, wife of Nathan, lived to be 119
á
Nancy
French, d. 21 June 1855 at the age of 71 years, inscription - Wife of Moses
French, Sr.
á
Nancy
A French d. 9 Sept. 1846, 4 years old, inscription - daughter of Moses, Jr. and
Rosana French
Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA
á
John
Wesley French 1835-1913,
Comapny A 16th PA Calvary
á
Anne
E., wife of John, 1845-1929
(maiden name is Colgrove/Colegrove)
á
Charles
A. French 1864-1939
á
Eugene
French 1864-1944
á
Nellie
V 1880-1957
á
Nathan
French 1880-1950
á
Idessa
1884- .
French Hill Cemetery, Cameron, Steuben Co., NY
The French Hill Cemetery
in Cameron, Steuben Co., NY (just north of Tioga Co.) lists many Frenches from
an unknown French line.
Niles Valley Cemetery
The Niles Valley
Cemetery is about 30 minutes away from French Hill Cemetery and close to
Middlebury Center.
Photographed
by Joyce M. Tice - Reprinted with permission - Copyright Joyce M. Tice
Photo of
Niles Valley Cemetery sign from Milton L. French, Jr. [8]
á
Walter
E. French, his wife Flora Andrews, and their two infant children buried here.
John Lyman Cemetery, PA
The John Lyman
Cemetery is east of Roulette, Potter County, PA
á
FRENCH, Helen
N. spouse of John C., born 1885 died 1912 age 27 - R04-L08
á
FRENCH,
John C. spouse of Helen N., born 1856 died 1934 age 78 - R04-L08
á
FRENCH,
Nehemiah spouse of Olive, born 1818 died 3/21/1906 age 88 - R04-L08
á
FRENCH,
Olive spouse of Nehemiah born 1822 died 12/10/1887 age 65 - Maiden name -
Churchill - 2nd Wife - R04-L08
Vital
Records, Land Grants, and other Records
Pennsylvania State
Archives to the list regarding the Civil War Database of John W. French and
Reuben French. This link also includes searchable databases for the PA National
Guard Veterans Card File of 1867 to 1921, the Mexican Border Campain Veterans
Card File which begins on 18 Jun 1916, the WWI Service Medal Application Cards
in accordance with the Act of 21 Apr 1937, the Spanish American War Veterans
Card File of US Volunteers, the Revolutionary War Military Abstract Card File,
and the Militia Officers Index Cards of 1775-1800 [1].
