French Family Association

Mara French, P.O. Box 1109, Sutter Creek, CA 95685-1109. 209-267-0649 marafrench@mindspring.com

Photographed by Joyce M. Tice - Reprinted with permission - Copyright Joyce M. Tice

Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA
Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice

Chart #179, Jeremiah French, NJ, PA and NY

This chart updated by Mara French on 3/31/08. Numbers in brackets [ ] refer to the bibliography at the end of this chart. An asterisk (*) shows continuation of that line. Please send me any corrections or additions to this chart to mailto:marafrench@mindspring.com. Special thanks to Milton L. French and Marion Scherer for their contributions to this chart. Search for their contributions by using [8] for Milton and [1] for Marion. Revisions: 1999, 2007, 2008.

Contents

History and Research

Surnames

First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

Fifth Generation

Sixth Generation

Seventh Generation

Eighth Generation

Ninth Generation

Descendants of Jeremiah French from Marion Scherer

Bibliography

Maps

Graveyards or Cemeteries

Photos and Newspaper Articles of Gravestones and Obituaries

Vital Records, Land Grants, and other Records

Index of NJ Frenches from World Connect


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].