French Family Association

The Official Website of the Surname French

Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania

Chart #179, Jeremiah French, 1759
Shamokin, Northumberland Co., and Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA;
Erin and Owego, Tioga Co., NY;
Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY

This chart updated by Mara French on 5/6/11. 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 Mara French. Although this is not my family, I will be updating it from time to time. Refer to this chart by Chart #179. Refer to each family member by their number. Additions are greatly appreciated. You will be notified of the next revision.

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, 2009, 2011.

FFA Home Page

History and Background

Who Was Jeremiah French’s Father?

Who Was Jeremiah French’s Mother?

Men Named Jeremiah French in the U.S. before 1850

DNA Test Results for FFA Chart #179

DNA Test 197971 shows that as of 5/6/11, no other French family matches this family; therefore, it has not been put in a group of its own.

First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

Fifth Generation

Sixth Generation

Seventh Generation

Eighth Generation

Ninth Generation

Graveyards or Cemeteries

Vital Records, Land Grants, and other Records

Bibliography

History and Background

This family migrated from New Jersey to the town of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. Other members of the family moved to Port Allegany, McKean Co., PA and to Roulette, Potter Co., PA. Others moved to Olean, Cattaraugus Co., NY; Steuben Co., NY and Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA. Other townships in NY: Erin, Wellsville, Elmira, Troopsburg, East Aurora, and Buffalo. Other townships in PA: Fishing Creek, Wellsboro, Little Marsh, Delmar, Port Alleganey, Blossburg, and Clara.

Surnames for this line are Churchill, Donshea, Hopper, Tryon, Martin, Hazen, Willis, Willetts, Perrin, Secor/Sicaird, Titus, Colley, Waller, Field, McNair, Boucher, Monk, Shaff, Smith, Williams, Palmer, Brown, Colegrove, Niles, Andrews, West, Willoughby, Morey, Donshea or Dunshie, Howlett, Doane, Hawley, Luce, Deer, Roupe.

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.

Early Homesteads of Jeremiah French

1759 New Jersey – most likely Sandyston, Sussex County, but not proven

1774 Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA.

1776 - 1781 Served in military in NY, PA, and NJ (ages 17-22)

1781 - 1791 Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA (his father lived here). Traveled up the Susquehanna River near Shamokin to Bradford County, PA where he married Margaret Van Gorder. Moved her to a farm on the Chemung River, north of Elmira, NY. The Van Gorder home was on Towanda Creek, which is a tributary of the Susquehanna River in Bradford Co., PA.

1792 or earlier - 1840+ Owego, Tioga Co., NY. Amos Draper, an Indian Trader, was the first settler here in 1787. James McMaster was the first white settler in 1788. Tioga Co. was erected in 1791 from Montgomery Co.

1846 Erin, Tioga Co., NY (Jeremiah French died)

Map of New York (top) and Pennsylvania (bottom), which fit together at north/south borders

Who Was Jeremiah French’s Father?

We have a DNA tester for FFA Chart #179, so perhaps this lineage will be determined.

Considering Jeremiah French was born in 1759 in New Jersey, his father might have been born about 1740 or before in the U.S. or in England. His father’s name could have been Jeremiah or Moses or William, the names that Jeremiah gave his sons.

“A” Jeremiah French exists in England, born 28 Aug 1736 at St. Swithin, London Stone, London, England, the son of Henry and Sarah French. Jeremiah of FFA Chart #179 named one of his daughters Sarah, but no one is named Henry.

“A” Jeremiah French was born on 19 Oct 1739 at St. Martin Ludgate, London, England, the son of Jeremiah and Judith French. The name Judith was not used in FFA Chart #179.

No Moses French has been found in England during this time period, except the one talked about below under Earliest Moses French in the New World -- 1682.

Looking for a William French who was born about 1735 or who married about 1758, we find 7 who were born between 1724 and 1743 in London, but it would just be a guess to pick one. Instead, it is better to look for a William who married about 1758 or before in NJ, NY, PA, or England. We find:

William French, married 10 Oct 1755 to Phillis Baker at Deptford St. Paul, London.

William French married 7 Feb 1754 to Ann Robinson at St. Mary, Sunbury On Thames, Middlesex, London.

William French married 1758 to Ann Reading at Great Gidding, Huntingdonshire, England.

William French (2 of them) married in Massachusetts (and in no other state) during this timeframe. Most logical would be William French who m. Sarah Alexander on 13 Jul 1758 in Mendon, Worchester, MA, but then did they move to NJ the next year and have son Jeremiah?

There are 10 men who were married in 1758 and listed in ancestry.com, but they are all from Massachusetts, and no other state is shown. There are no other records available that are known.

Other men named French who lived in the Sandyston area of New Jersey ca. 1758, research from Ref. [25]. See more.

Henry French was a landholder to the north of Sandyston in Sussex, where he was a resident in 1793 in New Town.

Richard French at Germantown/ Oldwick, Hunterdon, NJ, 30 miles from Sandyston. In the 1780s he married Selletje and had children William and Ann in 1782/3, perhaps either FFA Chart #22 or FFA Chart #112 or FFA Chart #191.

Samuel French b. ca. 1718 at Goshen, Orange Co., NY, was in the Delaware valley (west border of Sussex) at least till 1753 - as he had a son Jacobus then. Samuel m. Helena Rosenkrans (More) in 1753, FFA Chart #191.

Noah French, b. 1754, who was a "scout/messenger" in the Revolution also seems to be in the area about the same time. FFA Chart #19. Moses and Noah may be brothers?

1714: Hunterdon County is formed from Burlington, consisting of the current lands of Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex, Warren, and part of Mercer County

1739: Morris County formed from Hunterdon, consisting of the current lands of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties

1753: Sussex County formed from Morris, consisting of the current lands of Sussex and Warren counties

Who Was Jeremiah French’s Mother?

Jeremiah’s daughters could have been Flora or Sally or Sarah. Perhaps he named these daughters after his mother. She would have been married probably ca. 1755-58. She could have been born ca. 1735-1740. At this point we can’t even find the names of Jeremiah’s daughters, let alone is mother.

First Generation

1.1* JEREMIAH FRENCH, SR., b. 1759 in New Jersey. He was not the immigrant because records show his father had a farm near Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA [1]. The fact that Jeremiah was born in New Jersey appears in the 1880 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, in which Jeremiah’s son, William is listed as age 90 born in PA, living with his grandson Nathan as head of household, and both William’s parents are stated as being born in New Jersey. At last we have a document stating that Jeremiah was born in New Jersey.

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. He is also listed as the head of household at this time. The only other name in this list from Owego, Tioga Co., NY, is Catharine Frank, age 77, in the household of John Frank.

Jeremiah was in the militia between 1776-1781 in NY, PA, and NJ, age 17-22. After being mustered out of the Continental Army in 1781 at age 22, Jeremiah removed to Shamokin, Northumberland County, PA [2], probably to visit his father who supposedly was still alive at that time, and had a farm near Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA [1]. By 1790, Jeremiah is the only French listed in Northumberland Co., PA, assuming that his father had died.

Susquehanna River

Towanda Creek, Bradford Co., PA

Marriage

Jeremiah traveled up the Susquehanna River from his father’s farm near Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA. He traveled to the eastern border of Chemung Co., NY, after 1781 where he met and married Margaret Van Gorder probably in 1782, just north of Elmira, Chemung Co., NY, perhaps in Horseheads. She was, supposedly only 17 years old; therefore, born in 1765 or thereabouts in NJ. We can estimate her birth date through the 1830 census of Owego in which it states that she was between 60-70 years old and Jeremiah was between 70-80 years old. At that time, Jeremiah was 71 years old. Margaret had to be born between 1760 and 1770; therefore, we are randomly picking 1765 until we have better facts. The 1810 census of Owego states that Margaret is 45 or over; therefore, she would have had to be born by 1765 or earlier.

Margaret was of Dutch descent [2] [20]. A William Van Gorder appears in the Sussex NJ Tax List in 1773-1774 [25] as one of the earliest of that family. Margaret died between the 1840 and 1850 census, as did Jeremiah who died in 1846.

Census Records for Jeremiah French

These family members are listed in the early census records according to their ages (in most cases, 0-10, 10-15, 16-25, 26-45, over 45). It wasn’t until the 1850 census that they were listed by name. Included in the chart below is only the household of Jeremiah French Sr., mostly of Owego, Tioga Co., NY.

Table of Census Records

Name	1790 PA	1800 Owego	1810 Owego	1830 Owego	1840 Owego
Jeremiah Sr., b. 1759	Age 31 - yes	Age 41 - yes	Age over 45 - yes	Age 70-80 – yes (71)	Age 81, died 1846
Margaret, b. 1765	Age 25 - yes	Age 35 - yes	Age over 45 - yes	Age 60-70 – yes (65)	Age 75
Moses b. 1783	Age 6 - yes	Age 16 – yes	Age 26 - yes	no	no
Sarah? b. 1786	Age 4 - yes	Age 14 – yes	Age 24 - no	no	no
William b. 1790	Born - yes	Age 10 – yes	Age 20 - yes	no	no
Jeremiah Jr. b. 1791	Not born	Age 9 – yes	Age 19 - yes	no	no
Flora?, b. 1793	Not born	Age 7 – yes	Age 17 - no	no	no

In the 1790 Census of Northumberland, PA, shows 2 free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William), 1 free white male 16 and over (Jeremiah Sr. who was 31), and 2 free white females of any age (his wife and oldest daughter Sarah?). There were no other free persons or slaves living at that time in the household. That includes Jeremiah’s father, so we do not know his whereabouts.

It might be interesting to know that in the 1790 census of the United States, only 488 head of households are named French, and no other family is listed as from Northumberland; therefore, we conclude that Jeremiah’s father died before 1790. He must have been about 50 years old, born about 1740. There was no census of New Jersey in 1790.

Those head of households listed for New York in 1790 are (none from FFA Chart #179):

William French, Harpersfield, Montgomery Co., New York
Samuel French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Peter French, Plattsburgh, Clinton Co., New York
Peter French, Hampton, Washington Co., New York (FFA Chart #11)
Peter French, Rensselaerwick, Albany Co., New York
Ruben French, Plattsburgh, Clinton Co., New York
Levi French, Wellsburgh, Clinton Co., New York
Jonathan French, Argyle, Washington Co., New York (he is from FFA Chart #6, my line)
Joseph French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Joseph French, Washington, Dutchess Co., New York
Joseph French, Hudson, Columbia Co., New York
Joseph French, Oyster Bay, Queens Co., New York
Joseph French, Middletown, Ulster Co., New York
John French, Otsego, Montgomery Co., New York
John French, Harpersfield, Montgomery Co., New York
John French, Rensselaerwick, Albany Co., New York
John French, Saratoga, Albany Co., New York
John French, Hoosick, Albany Co., New York (FFA Chart #11)
Jasper French, Whites, Montgomery Co., New York
Jeremiah French, Pawling, Dutchess Co., New York (FFA Chart #11)
Elijah French, Balls Town, Albany Co., New York
Benjamin French, Saratoga, Albany Co., New York
Benjamin French Jr., Saratoga, Albany Co., New York
David French Jr., Otsego, Montgomery Co., New York
David French Sr., Otsego, Montgomery Co., New York
David French, Cambridge, Albany Co., New York
Ebenezer French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Abner French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Ansil French, Rensselaerwick, Albany Co., New York
Ashel French, Mohawk, Montgomery, New York

Those head of households listed for Pennsylvania in 1790 are below. Only Jeremiah is from Northumberland. His father does not appear so far as we know, unless he was not the head of household and living with another family, such as one of his daughters.

Alexander French, Hopewell, Newton, Tyborn, and Westpensboro, Cumberland Co., Pennsylvania
Alexander French, Springhill, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Andrew French, Bristol, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Aron French, Washington, Pennsylvania
Charles French, Water Street East Side, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chrisr French, Water Street East Side, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Daniel French, Bedford, Pennsylvania
Danl French, Mixed township, York Co., Pennsylvania
Enoch French, Fannet, Hamilton, Letterkenney, Montgomery, and Peters, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania
Eres French, Armstsrong, Washington, Pennsylvania
James French, Bedford, Pennsylvania
Jeremiah French, Northumberland, Pennsylvania (FFA Chart #179)
John French, Bedford, Pennsylvania
John French, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jonathan French, Water Street East Side, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jno French, Portion taken from Washington, Allegheny, Pennsylvania
Robt French, Portion Taken from Washington, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania
Samuel French, Fannet, Hamilton, Letterkenney, Montgomery, and Peters, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania
Wm French, Hopewell, Newton, Tyborn, and Westpensboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Wm French, Portion taken from Washington, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania
Wm French, Portion taken from Washington, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania

In the 1800 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, the one free white male under age 10 (son Jeremiah Jr.). The two free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William). No free white male is listed under 26 as Moses was Jeremiah’s oldest son. The free white female under age 10 is Jeremiah’s youngest daughter Flora?, and the 1 free white female under age 16 is dau. Sarah? The free white female ages 26 to 45 is his wife. The free white male ages 26 to 45 is Jeremiah Sr.

The 1810 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, states that both Jeremiah and a free white female were over 45 years of age; therefore, they were both born before 1765. Also listed are 1 free white male age 10-15 (Jeremiah Jr.), 2 free white males age 16-25 (Moses and William), totaling 5 household members. Of the 723 head of households with the surname French in the U.S., no others were from Tioga Co., NY. No daughters are listed. The older daughter would have been about 24 years old and she could have been married, as well as the younger daughter who was 17.

The 1820 Census of Owego, Broome Co., NY states that Jeremiah and his wife were over 25, and they were living with 1 free white male, aged 16-25. I’m not sure why it says Broome Co. and not Tioga Co.

The 1840 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, states Jeremiah as a free white male between the ages of 80-90 (he was 81), living with a white female between 70 and 80 years of age, both of them unable to read or write. She was therefore born between 1760 and 1770.

The 1850 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, might list Jeremiah’s wife, but it does not. No female French is listed in the 1850 census as head of household in Tioga Co., NY. Jeremiah does not appear because he had died in 1846. Perhaps his wife lived with son Moses in 1850; Moses was then 67 and living only with his wife and son William in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. Jeremiah’s son William was Moses’ neighbor, age 60, living with his family and no one over 60 years old. Jeremiah’s wife could be living with a married daughter. That needs to be checked out.

In the 1840 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, Jeremiah was a free white male between the ages of 80-90, living with a white female between 70 and 80 years of age, both of them unable to read or write.

Military

Jeremiah was in these Battles:

White Plains, during the American Revolutionary War, on 28 Oct 1776, in NY, under General George Washington. Click here.

Brandywine, during the American Revolutionary War, on 11 Sep 1777, near Philadelphia, PA. Click here.

Monmouth, during the American Revolutionary War, on 28 Jun 1778 in Monmouth Co., NJ, in the Continental Army under General George Washington (see Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth below). Click here.

Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth

Rangers on the Frontiers, 1778-1783. Jeremiah French. Other men of the French family listed are: John French, Arthur French, Samuel French, William French (27 Jul 1833 in Washington Co., PA), Lott French, Benjamin French, Ralph French, Alexander French

The War in 1861. The firing on Fort Sumter and the President’s proclamation calling to arms were in April. The first company was raised at Athens in May, and reported at Harrisburg,  commanded by Captain William Bradbury, Company F, Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves. The following is a list of the men belonging to Captain Bradbury’s company: Captain, Wm. Bradbury; 1st Lieutenant, L. D. Forrest; 2nd Lieutenant, W. A. Meeker. Sergeants—1st, William S. Briggs; 2nd, Horace W. Perkins; 3rd G. F. Kinney; 4th, Myron Low; 5th, Marshall O. Hicks. Corporals—1st, O.D. Lyons; 2nd, George Perkins Rogers; + 3rd, George L. Gardner; 4th, Silas J. Fritcher; 5th, Samuel S. Baker; 6th, Jeremiah French; 7th, John W. Schouten; 8th, William Langford.+ Privates—Orlando Benson, + Patrick Burk, ++ Jason F. Bloodgood, William Boughton, Eben Brown, Edward Brigham, Enbulus Brigham, Thomas Barney, ++ Charles E. Brown, Franklin M. Cole, Samuel W. Cole, John P. Coleman, F.D. Campbell, Nathaniel Campbell, W. M. Chapman, Stephen Crayon, William Crayon, James Cooper, Benjamin M. Clark, Aaron Daily, James E. Demarest, Elijah DeCroff, Cornelius Driscoll, Dennis Drummy, Malcolm H., Droyce,++ Walter Farnsworth, Charley F. Fuller, John F. Flinn,++ Orison Forest, Lorin W. Forest, William Foran, Joseph French, S.G. French, Bennett French, Truman E. French, Owen Finlan, Alfred H. Forest, James R. Fox, Gordon Wellington,* Julius M. Hughes,# Michael Heavener, Sevellan Hicks, James E. Hall, Isaac Jones, Richard King, Horace Keeler, John Keyser, Orrin D.S. Kinney, C.S. Kinney, Fleming T. Lent, William Murray, John Munn, Tilden Munn, C.B. McNannon, Charles Merritt, Michael Moughan, Alfred D.C. Miller, D.T. McKean, William Nolte, Vincent Odell, A.J. Oret, John C. Pierce, Jacob E. Phelps, George M. Page, Isaac A. Rice, Murray M. Rogers, Mason E. Rogers,* Francis M. Sherman, George W. Spalding, John M. Schrymer, James Struble, Horace Struble, Aaron Stone, Daniel Smith, William Tanner, Perry C. Taylor, William N. Waldron, D.C. Wright, Francis E. Wheaton,* James H. Wilson, William Walker, Hezekiah Wallace. Musicians—Dighton Phelps, William H. Lawrence, Harry Smith.

According to the NJ State Library Website, Jeremiah is listed under the Official Register of the Officers and Men as a Private of NJ, page 197. He is also listed on page 599 as a Private of Hunterdon, NJ under Captain Westbrook’s Company, Third Battalion, Sussex of the Continental Army. He is listed as a Private of the Revolutionary War in NJ, Roll Box 59, stating his name as “Jerh French”.

1778 – Revolutionary War in NJ
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]. He was in the army when Cornwallis surrendered. (Source Tri -County History and Genealogy Site by Joyce Tice) [6].

From Marion Scherer:

Jeremiah French was a Private, Captain Peter Westbrook's 3rd Company, Colonel John Rosenkran's 3rd Regiment, Sussex Co., NJ. Militia, 1778; enlisted as a private, Captain William Helm's Co, Colonel Israel Shreve's Second Regiment, New Jersey Continental Line, May 10th, 1778, for nine months; was at battle of Monmouth, June 28th, 1778, discharge March 14, 1779; Private, Company commanded by Lieutenant John Johnson, New Jersey State Troops, 1779; Troops raised in defense of the frontiers of the state, under Act of June 2, 1779, to serve until December 15, 1779; Private in Captain James Bonnel's Company, New Jersey State Troops 1781, troops raised under Act of June 1, 1781, for service in Sussex County until December 1, 1781, during the Revolutionary War.

Jeremiah French made application for a Pension April 13, 1818, which was granted to him with his rank of Private on the New Jersey line, living in 1818 in Tioga Co., NY.

Death

Jeremiah d. 4 May 1846 in Erin, Tioga Co., NY [1]. From the Elmira Gazette, March 12, 1846 – Jeremiah French died in Erin on the 4th inst., Jeremiah French, in the 97th year of his age. Mr. French 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.)

Second Generation

Children of Jeremiah French, 1.1

2.1* MOSES FRENCH, SR., [1], b. ca. 1783 perhaps in Chemung or Steuben Co., NY, m. Nancy Dearborn who was b. ca. 1784. She d. 21 Jun 1855 at age 71 [1] in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Middlebury, PA [2].

The French Hill Cemetery Association was incorporated September 24, 1894, by A. D. Shaff, S. J. Roe, N. T. French, P. D. Shaff, John Brown and James Shaff. This cemetery is situated in the northwestern part of the township at what is known as French hill.

Moses and Nancy moved from Chemung Co., NY to Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA in 1823 and founded “French Hill.” There were several French families living on French Hill, along with Ernest Monk and his wife Flora French, the sister of Moses and William. 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 birth date about 1783. He lived in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, in 1850 with Nancy and son William (19).

Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1981

Journey to Day Before Yesterday

with Rhoda English Ladd

Off the main road, Route 249 between Keeneyville and Little Marsh, is a road that winds up around the hills into an area well known as French Hill. To the north is Farmington Township and to the west, Chatham Township. French Hill was named for the French family. There was French Hill School and French Hill Cemetery. In 1919 a series of stories was written by one calling himself “old Chathamer.” This early history is important because several persons are collecting data on this pioneer family. French Hill was first settled by Moses French in 1833. In 1834 his brother, William, came. Both were sons of Jeremiah French, a Revolutionary War soldier. This family moved from Northumberland County up the Susquehanna River to Bradford County, and later settled on the Chemung River near Elmira, where William French was born, June 3, 1790. Besides these two sons, there were daughters. These pioneers erected log houses, cleared the land, and made homes for themselves that were quite comfortable. In addition to farming, Moses French raised honey. He had two sons, Moses, Jr. and William. He also had daughters. His farm was located just below the school house (see Middlebury Township in the 1874 atlas). The farm in 1919 was owned by N.T. (Nathan Towner) French. Near this farm was the one owned by William French.

William French married Esther Martin, a daughter of Gideon and Tanner Martin. They had three sons, Nehemiah, William, Jr., and John W.; three daughters, Mariah, Louise and Lucretia. William French was something of a genius. He was a cooper, a carpenter, a farmer, 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 wove the cloth. When he needed a barrel, a wash tub 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 always worked in the field all day without a hat and he never ate butter. He never used a dog on his hunting trips; he simply took the track of a deer and followed it. William French died in 1881 just a few days before his 91^st birthday. The school house on French Hill was built in 1859. The French Hill Cemetery Association was incorporated 24 Sep. 1894 by A.D. Shaff, S.J. Roe, N.T. French, P.D. Shaff, John Brown, and James Shaff. It is located in the northwest part of Middlebury Township. Many stones no longer exist.

Some burials were without markers; the oldest stone that there is a record of, reads: “Nancy, wife of Moses French, died June 21, 1855 in her 71^st year and Nancy A., daughter of Moses and Rosanna French, died Sep. 9, 1846 aged 4 yrs 5 mos 11 das.”

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1982

Journey to Day Before Yesterday

with Rhoda English Ladd

Back to French Hill: John Gideon Martin, an Irishman, came to America about 1765 and settled in the New England states. 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, Tanner, 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 French Hill Cemetery.

One of our correspondents recently sent the following, taken from her great grandmother French’s diary. Great grandmother French would be Ann Roseltha Colegrove, who married John W. French, son of William French and Hester Martin. (Written prior to 1928) Grandma French’s parents came into Pennsylvania from Cortland County, New York, in 1837. Later they moved to Middlebury Township and located on Locy Creek. As a little girl Grandma French lived in a log cabin 18 x 28 feet long which her parents had built. The family got up into the loft by using a ladder. They had no stairs. There was but one bed; children slept on the floor. Among their foodstuffs there were barrels of wheat, buckwheat, and oats, as well as flour and cornmeal. The medical herbs and others akin to them were mayweed, senna, smartweed, boneset, lobella, peppermint, pennyroyal, hops, wormwood, poppy flowers, slippery elm bark. They also kept dried berries, flaxseed, and millet seed and onions. On the main floor there was a pork barrel and a deep trough in which they kept their Chinese asters, marigolds, batchelor buttons, grass pinks, mullen pinks stars of Bethlehem. The fruit trees were cherry, apple, and currant bushes. The oven for making bread was about 20 feet from the west side of the cabin, large enough for ten loaves of bread; and wood was burned in it. Once the bread was baked, there was enough heat left to bake pies.

Closely associated with the French family we find the name of Shaff. John Shaff, b. about 1776, was a son of William Shaff who came from Germany and fought in the Revolution. He lived in Saratoga Springs, NY. John Shaff m. Anne McCarty, and came to French Hill about 1839. They had at least 11 children: Margaret married Nehemiah French, and her sister Rosanna, married Moses French, Jr.: other children were Nancy, Stephen, Betsey, William, Jane, Angeline, Lucinda, Wellington, and John II. Need parents of John Shaff and Anne McCarty.

According to Wikipedia, the Battle of Oriskany, New York, was fought on 6 Aug 1777 and was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolutionary War.

2.2 DAU. FRENCH, b. 1786 in PA [2]. Her name could have been Sarah, Sally, Flora, Margaret, or something else. She is listed as age 14, an unnamed female, in the 1800 census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, as living with the rest of the this particular French family. She is not listed in the 1810 census with the rest of the family in Owego when she would have been 24 and perhaps married. Note from the FFA: “A” Sarah French was b. Apr 1772 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, who m. Abraham Kinney and had daughter, Sally Ann Kinney in 1817, but this entire information on Sarah could be incorrect, as well as her name. We only know that Jeremiah had a daughter about this age.

2.3* WILLIAM FRENCH [1], b. 3 Jun 1790 in Northumberland Co., PA. He moved to Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA in 1834. He lived in the Cowanesque Valley and had an old barn about 10 miles from Middlebury Center. On April 1880 William was walking in the Conwanesque Valley with his grandson John C. French who recalls his grandfather as being 88 years old; therefore born in 1792, but another record says he was born in 1790.

It was an old Indian clearing, where my grandfather was born and remained until 1834, when he removed to the Pennsylvania forest in Tioga County, and made himself a home for all his remaining years of life. He went to the Van Gorder home, on Towanda Creek, during May, 1810, for a brief stay with his mother’s people, and to work a while in a sawmill for Amos Bennett. There he first met his future wife, Esther Martin, daughter of veteran John Gideon Martin, the scout of Oriskany Battle, and at Burgoyne’s surrender

William appears in the 1850 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, age 60, born in PA, living with his wife Hester, age 58, and their children: Mariah 18, William Jr. 24, John W. 15, George W. 15, Tamer E. 10, and Luerstin 6.

In the 1870 census of Middlebury, William is 80 years old, listed as a laborer, born in PA, living with Nathan French (12) and Flora French (11), his grandchildren, and Annette French (35), born in PA, who was the head of the household. His wife had died. They lived next door to his son, Moses.

In the 1880 census of Middlebury where William is living with his grandson Nathan, it states that William is 90 years old, born in PA and that both of his parents were born in New Jersey. In 1880 William was a widower. This census record proves that this family came from New Jersy.

William d. 11 May 1881 (just a few days before his 91^st birthday) in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried on French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA. This cemetery is referred to by the local people as the “Allen” cemetery [1]. 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]. William moved from Steuben Co., NY between 1830 and 1850.

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.

The story of “Passenger Pigeon in Pennsylvania” by J. C. French in 1919 (William’s grandson) talks a lot about the life of William French.

Marriage

William m. Esther (or Hester according to the 1850 census) Martin ca. 1816-1817, born in Rhode Island on 11 Mar 1792, dau. of John J. Gideon Martin and Tammer Hulett/Hewlett. She d. 18 Oct 1865 and is buried on French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA [2], age 73 yrs. 7 mos. 7 da., “Not lost, but gone before, where we shall meet – to part no more”. John J. Gideon Martin also served in the Revolutionary War and was an agent for the Susquehanna Land Company [1].

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 Irish name, 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.

2.4 JEREMIAH FRENCH, JR., b. 1791 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, ca. 1820 [1].

2.5 DAU. FRENCH, b. ca. 1793. Her name could have been Sarah, Sally, Flora, Margaret, or something else. She is listed as age 7, an unnamed female, in the 1800 census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, as living with the rest of the this particular French family. She is not listed in the 1810 census with the rest of the family in Owego when she would have been 17. In the 1860 census in Sullivan, Madison Co., NY, is “a” Margaret French born in 1793 in New York, age 67, living with Ruth Cady (42) and Sarah J. Cadey (21), both born in New York. Looking at the 1850 census, Margarett French is listed as age 50, b. ca. 1800, living with Ruth Cady (age 33) and Charles Cady (age 12) in Sullivan, Madison Co., NY. Just shows you how “off” these census records can be. The 1850 and 1860 census records could be entirely the incorrect line for this family.

Third Generation

Children of Moses and Nancy French, 2.1

Horseheads, Chemung Co., New York -- BEFORE

Horseheads, Chemung Co., New York, 1860 -- AFTER

3.1* MOSES FRENCH, JR., b. 1817 probably in Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY [1], m. Rosanna (or Rosina) Shaff who may be died young and he later remarried. Rosanna was b. Dec 1821 in New York and is listed in the 1870 Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA census. Note that there was also an Augustus French, 1810-1873, of Painted Post, Steuben Co., NY.

Niles

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, in the 1860 Census. In the 1870 census, Moses (53), a farmer, was living with Rosanna (48) and their children Jere Mine (19), William (18), Walter (14), Charles (7), Elizabeth (15), Christinia (14), Jane (20), and Sarah (9), all born in PA, and living with the Niles family.

Moses d. Nov 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. In the 1880 census of Middlebury, Moses is 63, a farmer, living with his wife Rosana and son Charles who is 16.

Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA--Tuesday, November 29, 1887, Keeneyville, November 24, 1887---The funeral of Mr. Moses French was held in the French Hill school house last Sunday. Mr French died of jaundice. Elder Shirey officiated at the funeral preaching from te text, "I am the door,". The house was full, for Mr French had many friends. He had lived for 50 years on the farm where he died. He was over 70 years of age and leaves a widow and a large family of grown up children.

JOHN SHAFF, a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, born in 1776, was a son of William Shaff, who came from Germany to America and fought in the Revolution. John was reared in New York stated, and married Annis McCarty, who bore him a family of eleven children, viz: Nancy, widow of Darius Dickinson; Stephen C., a resident of Middlebury; Betsey, William, Margaret, Jane and Angeline, all of whom are dead; Rosanna, widow of Moses French; Lucinda, deceased; Wellington, a farmer in Lawrence township, and John H., a resident of Potter county. Mr. Shaff and family came to Tioga county in 1839, and located on a farm in Middlebury township. Here his wife died in 1857, and himself in 1871.

3.2* WILLIAM M. FRENCH, b. 1831 in Steuben Co., NY, m. Catharine Smith, b. Wellsville, NY [7]. Their post-office was in Keeneyville. William is in the 1880 census, age 49, living in Middlebury, Tioga, PA, stating that he was born in NY and married Catherine, who was 34 in the 1880 census. He was a farmer and they had 4 children: Hellen L., Eugene, Minnie L., Hattie, all born in PA. They were living next door to the Shaff relatives: Freeman Shaff, Eveline Shaff, Louise Shaff, Bertha Shaff, and Eska Shaff. Also, another Shaff family of 8 family members.

William French – this is William French, but I’m not sure which William French it is of this line.

3.3 ESTHER FRENCH, b. 1823 prob. in Chemung Co., NY, d. 1900 in Tioga Co., PA, m. Adam Williams [1] ca. 1847 in Tioga Co., PA. He was b. 1819 in Painted Post, Steuben Co., NY. She moved to Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA by 1870 and is in the 1870 and 1880 census. They had children Oscar M., Nancy Elvina, John J. James F., Louisa, and Jane A. Williams, all born in Tioga Co., PA [32].

3.4 JANE FRENCH, b. ca. 1825, m. Palmer [1] or Parmer [32].

3.5 MARTHA FRENCH [32], b. 14 Mar 1828 in NY, m. John C. Brown [1], and d. 27 Jan 1890. They had 6 children: Gilbert b. 23 Sep 1853 in Farmington, Tioga, PA and m1. W. Locey and m2. Mary Dibble, Clarissa b. Aug 1855, Clarence b. 1857, Ella b. 8 Apr 1859, Merritt b. 1861, and Rodolphus W. Brown, b. Jun 1862. All children lived in Tioga Co., NY [32].

3.6 NANCY ANN FRENCH [32].

Children of William and Esther (Martin) French, 2.3

3.7* NATHANIEL NEHEMIAH FRENCH, (called Nehemiah) b. 24 Jul 1818 in Horseheads, Chemung, Co., NY (or in Steuben Co. as his obituary states), m1. Margaret Shaff (sister of Rosanna Shaff) in 1840. Margaret was b. 1816 in NY [2], d. 1851 in PA [2], most likely in childbirth with her son Joseph A. French. He m2. Olive Churchill Samson on 5 Sep 1852. She was b. 2 Jun 1823 in Elmira, Steuben Co., NY, the dau. of William Tryon Churchill and Elizabeth Hopper. Her grandparents were Lemuel Churchill and Patience Gildersleeve. This is the Connecticut branch of the Churchill Family in America [1]. Olive was a direct descendant of Josiah Churchill of Wethersfield and his wife Elizabeth Foote [1]. Olive d. 10 Dec 1887, age 65, in Roulette, Potter Co., PA. Nehemiah d. 21 Mar 1906, age 88, in Roulette, Potter Co., PA and was buried on 24 Mar 1906 at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, PA. He died at the home of his oldest daughter, Rosanna French (Mrs. Elisha Willoughby) [1]. 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.

3.8* WILLIAM FRENCH, JR., b. 1826 in Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY [2]. He m1. Louisa A. West who died young, m2. Annette A. Niles who was born in 1835 PA and with whom he had 2 children. William d. 17 Nov 1867 [2] age 41. In the 1850 census, he was a farmer. After William died in 1867, and in 1870, Annete A. French was living in Middlebury as a widow with her father, William, age 80, and her children Nathan (12) and Flora (10). Louise A. West was b. in 1835.

3.9 MORIAHOR MARIAH FRENCH, b. 1832 [2] in NY. Ref [1] says she was b. ca. 1836 in PA and age 18 in the 1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA. She is the “M. French” listed at the French Hill cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA as dying on 2 Feb 1894 at age 63.

3.10* JOHN WESLEY FRENCH, b. 13 Jan 1835 [1] [2] in PA. He was a carpenter and Lainer in the 1800 census of Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, age 45. His wife, Ann R., was then 35, born in 1845. Ref. [27] says this French family came into Pennsylvania from Cortland Co., NY, in 1837, and later moved to Middlebury township and located on Locey Creek. He 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], a native of Middlebury [27]. 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].

Ann was b. in Tioga Co, PA. She lived for 83 years (from 1845-1928) in Tioga Co., and in her later years, a few miles south, in Lycoming Co. She was only 16 when she married John. See Life of Ann Colegrove French written by Larry Stanley [27] in May 2010 that draws on an autobiographical sketch that she wrote ca. 1920, with appendices concerning John W. French and their son Elmer French.

Comrade John Wesley French enlisted as a private Sept. 10, 1862, in Co. D, 16th Pa. V.I.; he took part in several minor engagements and at the battle of Shepardstown, Va., he received a gunshot through both thighs, was captured, held as `prisoner in the hospital, same place about six weeks; was granted a furlough for thirty days, which was extended from time to time for five months; was transferred to Findlay general hospital at Washington, D.C., where he was held about two months; he had the measles in Camp Stoneman, Va., and sent to Giesboro hospital for three weeks when he was granted a furlough of thirty days; he then acted as ward master during which time he suffered with intermittent and typhoid fevers and jaundice; he received his honorable discharge May 27, 1865, at Harrisburg, Pa. Mrs. A. R. French is a charter member of Alfred Toles Corps, 28, and president of the W.R.C. at Little Marsh, PA; her brothers, H.L. Colegrove, served in Co. C. 7th Pa. V.G., and Co. D, 136th Pa. V.I. and Amos in Co. C, 7th Pa. V.C. Her uncles, George Fox and Amos Daniels, served in the U.W. army, War of 1812. The maternal grandfather of our comrade, Gideon Martin, served in the Revolutmonary War. Comrade French has been J. of P., town clerk, auditor, and school director of Chatham township, Tioga county, PA; he is also a member of Alfred Toles Post, 320, in which he is Past Adjt. and Quartermaster and his address is Little Marsh, Tioga Co., PA [27].

Little Marsh Lodge, No. 2,262, Knights of Honor was instituted July 1st 1880, by D. W. Avery, district deputy, with the following officers: John W. French, dictator; Phi) Close, vice-dictator; C. Beach, assistant dictator; J. E. Doane, reporter; John Youmans, financial reporter; Simon Spalding, treasurer; Benjamin Morse, chaplain; Warren McConnell, guide; Milo Trumbull, guardian; Philip Close, S. P. Beach and Orange Connelly, trustees. The lodge organized with 34 members. Several have taken cards of withdrawal in order to join lodges nearer them and also to institute new lodges.

3.11 GEORGE W. FRENCH, b. 13 Jan 1835 in PA, perhaps the twin brother of John, appears in the 1850 census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA. There is a George W. French listed in the 1860 Directory for Elmira, NY, as a mason [1].

3.12 LOUISE (or TAMER) E. FRENCH, b. 1840 [2] in PA. Ref [1] says she was b. ca. 1840 in PA and age 10 in the 1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA.

3.13 CATHERINE (or LUCRETIA or LUERSTIN) 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, and listed as “mother”.

179a

1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA

Fourth Generation

Children of Moses and Rosanna (Shaff) French, 3.1

4.1 NANCY A. FRENCH, b. ca. 1843 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, d. at age 4 [1], 9 Sep 1846 [1] and buried at the French Hill Cemetery, with the inscription “daughter of Moses Jr. and Rosana French. Not listed in the 1850 census.

4.2 MARY CHRISTINA/CHRISTIANA FRENCH, b. ca. 1847 in PA [1]. Not listed in the 1870 as living at home. She d. 2 Dec 1917 in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried at the Union Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32]. She m. James R. Dickinson on 2 Mar 1864 in Bennettville and had 9 children: Alice O., Jasper R., Frank, Anna, Walter, George E., Asahel Leroy, Nellie, and Clair Dickinson [32].

Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA - Wed., Dec. 5, 1917, Pg 4 -- Farmington, Dec 4 - News was received here Sunday [12/2/1917] of the death at Wellsboro of Mrs. James Dickinson, who was for many years a resident of this place. She was a daughter of the late Moses French, of French Hill, and is survived by three brothers: Walter of Corning, Charles of Wellsboro and Jerry of Potter County, and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah West of Chatham, and Mrs. Marion Niles of Niles Valley, also the following children: Mrs. Greeley Smith of Canton, NY, Mrs. William Brown and Mrs. John Smith of Corning, Jasper, Frank and Asa of Wellsboro; George of Leroy, NY and Clair of Albion, Erie County, PA, besides 16 grandchildren and three gr-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Keeneyville M E Church, Wednesday at 1pm.

4.3 JANE FRENCH, b. 13 Mar 1849 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA [1], m. Erastus M. Niles who was b. 8 Mar 1846 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA. Erastus was the youngest child of Erastus and Austania Niles and born on his present homestead in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, on 8 Mar 1846. They had 2 daughters, Marion P. Niles and Angie Niles [1]. Politically, Erastus Niles was a stanch Democrat, and is recognized as one of the prominent farmers of his native township. In the 1870 census Jane was still living at home, age 20, therefore she had not yet married.

Erastus Niles family history is well documented and includes Peter Niles, b. 20 Nov 1755 in Braintree, Norfolk Co., MA, who married Sarah French, 31 Oct 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.

Wellsboro Gazette, Tioga, PA-- Thursday, April 14, 1927 -- Mrs. Jane Niles, aged 78 years, died suddenly at her home in Niles Valley on Tuesday afternoon. She was the widow of the late Marion Niles, who died several years ago. Mrs. Niles was born in Middlebury township, March 13, 1849, a daughter of Moses and Rosanna French, and she had been a lifelong resident of that vicinity, where she is highly respected. Besides a daughter, Angie, at home, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Sarah West of Little Marsh, 3 brothers, Charles French of Binghamton; Walter French of Corning and Jerry French of Costello. Funeral services will be held from the house at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Rev. R. A. Fargo, officiating, burial in Niles Valley cemetery.

4.4* JEREMIAH FRENCH, b. Dec 1850 in Middlebury, Tiga Co., PA as listed in the 1860 and 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He is listed in the 1770 census in Hebron, Potter Co., PA as the son-in-law of Jane McNair (Mrs. Maretta Jane Tuttle). He m. Elnora M. Tuttle in 1874. She was 22 in 1880, and Jeremiah was 29 and working as a farmer. In 1900 Jeremiah was living in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY, age 49, with his wife Elnora 41, and their 7 children. In 1910 he was living in Sylvania, Potter Co., PA [32]. In 1927 he was living in Costello [32].

4.5 WILLIAM FRENCH, b. 1852 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA as listed in the 1860 and 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

4.6* WALTER E. FRENCH, was b. 9 Sep 1854 in Middlebury, 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. French, and is buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery near French Hill Cemetery with his wife Flora Andrews, and their two infant children. He m. Flora A. Andrews on 23 Feb 1879 in Delmar, PA. They had another son, Frances J. French. Walter d. 11 Jun 1937 in Corning, NY [8] at age 82. 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 Ref. [8]. In 1927 he was living in Corning.

When Francis John French was still alive, he replaced the original stone of his father, Walter E. French, shown above because of its condition. The Frenches are on one side of the stone and the Andrews on the other. The French side seems to be for a family plot as there are four small stones in front of this big stone. The small stones are one for each of the following: Walter, Flora, two children Iva and Bessie who passed away at a young age [8].

The 1860 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, lists Moses, 44, a farmer, with his wife Rosanna, 37, and their 5 children.

The 1870 census lists Walter as living with his parents and siblings, age 14, born in 1856 in PA, but this date appears to be incorrect by 2 years. Walter m2. Flora Andrus in Delmar on 23 Feb 1879, at Flora’s residence, by Elder Eggleston.

The 1900 census of Harrison, Potter Co., PA, lists Walter age 45, a day laborer, with his wife Flora A., 38, son John F. 18, and son Jesse C. 7.

The 1910 census of Lawrence, Tioga, PA lists Walter as 48, Flora as 48, and son Jessie as 17.

The 1920 census of Corning, Steuben, NY lists Walter’s son Frances John French, 38, a glass factory laborer, Celia his wife, 36, son Milton L., 11, dau. Hilda C. 3 5/12, and Walter E., 65.

Walter E. French [8]

ANDREWS Flora -- Wellsboro Agitator – August 31, 1910  Mrs. Flora A. French, of Lawrenceville died Wednesday morning, August 24, at 3:30, after an illness of over one year aged 48 years. She is survived by two sons, John F French, of Asaph. and Jesse C French, of Lawrenceville, two daughters Iva and Bessie M died some years ago. One brother, A D Andrews, is living in Lawrenceville and a half-brother, J. W. Potter, of Oleona and two half sisters, Mrs. Ernest Stricker, at Marsh Creek and Mrs. S. L. Finch, at Sunderlinville. Mrs. French was born in Troupsburg, March 8th, 1862. On February 28, 1879, she was married to Walter E. French, who survives her. When twelve years of age she came to Middlebury, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Darius Andrews. For twenty-three years she was a member of the Methodist church. Funeral services were held from the church at Niles Valley, on Sunday, August 28, Rev W. E. Windsor of Adams, N Y., officiated; burial at Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA.

Also buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery:

FRENCH Jerry E. -- Wellsboro Agitator - April 8, 1971  Jerry E. French Sr., 59, of 54 Wetmore Street, died Tuesday, March 30, 1971 in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital. Mr. French was a carpenter supervisor for the Patterson Lumber Co. here. He was born Jan. 21, 1912, in Delmar Twp., the son of Eugene and Rue Bockus French. Surviving are his wife, the former Jean Hotchkiss; a daughter, Mrs. Donna Haines, and a brother, Kenneth French, both of Wellsboro, and two grandchildren. The funeral was held Friday at Tussey's, 139 Main Street. Burial was in the Niles Valley Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Brasser officiated.

4.7 ELIZABETH FRENCH, b. ca. 1855 in PA [1], as per the 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

4.8 CHRISTINIA FRENCH, b. 1856 in PA, as per the 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

4.9 SARAH I. FRENCH, b. 29 Dec 1861 [8] in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32], as per the 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. She m. Philander A. West of Little Marsh, PA, on 23 Nov 1879 in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA. He was b. Mar 1852 in Middlebury, Tioga, PA [32]. They had 3 children: Flossie Jane West, Myrtle West, and Philander A. West, all born in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32].

Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA--Thursday, February, 11, 1954. Mrs Sarah I. West, 92, of Little Marsh, widow of Philander West died February 5, 1954 after an extended illness. She was born in October, 1862. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs Clifton Davis of Little Marsh; one son, Philander West of Middlebury Center; 5 grand children, 14 gr-grandchilden; 10 gr-gr-grandchildren and 1 triple gr-grandchildren. The funeral was held Tuesday and burial in Middlebury Center Union Cemetery at Keeneyville.

4.10 CHARLES A. FRENCH, JR., b. Jun 1864 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32], d. 1939 [8] of Binghamton, NY. He is buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He was 16 years old in the 1880 census of Middlebury. He is listed in the 1870 census of Middlebury as age 7, living with his family. In 1927 he was living in Binghamton [32].

Children of William M. and Catherine (Smith) French, 3.2

4.11 HELEN L. FRENCH, b. ca. 1863 in PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

4.12 EUGENE FRENCH, b. ca. 1865 in PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He d. in 1944 and is buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

4.13 MINNIE L. FRENCH, b. ca. 1867 in PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

4.14 HATTIE FRENCH, b. ca. 1869 in PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

Children of Nathaniel and Margaret (Shaff) French, 3.7

4.15 MARTHA (or MARTTEN) ROSANN FRENCH [1] or Martha Rosamond French [2], b. 1841 [2] in PA, m. Elisha Willoughby who was a Civil War veteran [1]. Elisha is buried in the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, Potter Co., PA [1]. Martha cared for her father in her home in Potter Co., PA, until he died.

4.16 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. She died before her father died in 1906 because she is not mentioned in his obituary.

4.17 WILLIAM H. FRENCH, b. 1846 in Middlebury Twp., Tioga Co., PA [32]. He is listed in his father's 1906 obituary as living in Colorado [1]. He may have been born in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA and then moved with his father to McKean Co. PA, and then to Potter Co., PA subsequent to his mother’s death [1]. He lived in Clara, Potter Co., PA in the 1860 census. By the time his father died in 1906, William was living in Colorado.

4.18 JOSEPH A. FRENCH, b. 1850/51 according to the 1860 census of Clara, Potter Co., PA. His mother most likely died when he was born or shortly afterwards. He died before his father died in 1906 because he is not mentioned in his obituary. No known marriage or heirs.

Children of Nathaniel and Olive (Churchill Samson) French, 3.7

4.19 FRENCH, daughter, died young, probably at age 2 (from second wife) [1]. May be buried on the family property in Roulette, Potter Co., PA [1]. She is not listed in the 1860 census of Clara, Potter, PA, with her parents.

4.20* JOHN CHURCHILL FRENCH, b. 13 Aug 1856 in Port Alleganey, McKean Co, PA [2], d. 6 Nov 1934, age 78, 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].

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 (in 1906 when his father died) and later, as a bookkeeper in Buffalo, NY [10].

Photo of John Churchill French writing "The Passenger Pigeon" in Roulette, Potter Co., PA, 1919. See “The Passenger Pigeon” on Joyce M. Tice’s website.

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 (or French?). 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 (see photo below). 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 massacre 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."

As a young family, John C. French resided in Olean, Cattaraugus Co., NY approximately from 1895 to 1902 when he and his family removed to Roulette, Potter Co., PA. There were at least two John French families in Cattaraugus Co., NY. The other John French was b. ca. 1763 and was at Williamstown, Oneida Co., NY on 3 Feb 1816 [1].

Olean, Cattaraugus Co., NY in 1882 at a time when John C. French was living here. Lumbering was the major occupation. http://www.rootsweb.com/~nycattar/towns/olean.htm

4.21 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. William H. Hazen was one of the pioneers who settled in Index, Washington. After several years, Esther and William returned to Roulette. After William Hazen's death, Esther moved to Glendale, Oregon. I believe that is where her only child Warren Hazen lived [1]. Esther is buried in Glendale, Oregon as is her son and his wife. Warren had no children. I located the cemetery and have the date of death for Esther, but not with me at present [1].

Children of William and Annette A. (Niles) French, 3.8

4.22* NATHAN TOWNER FRENCH, b. 1858 in Middlebury Center, PA according to the French Hill Cemetery. He m1. Mary Eveline Eggleston on 31 Jan 1860 in Spring Mills, Springwater, NY [33]. Mary was b. 1861, the dau. of Edwin H. Eggleston and Betsy Jane Howe [19]. Nathan T. French d. in 1929 (age 71) in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried at the French Hill Cemetery. Mary E. French d. 6 Aug 1880 (age 19) and is also buried in this cemetery [33], supposedly at age 119 (which is obviously incorrect per cemetery records). She delivered a child on 25 Jul 1880 and then died in August from complications of childbirth [33]. This was their only child. After Mary’s death, Nathan m2. Helen Burley and had son Rufus French, b. Feb 1887 in PA. Nathan is listed in the 1880 census of Middlebury (name spelled Frinch), age 21, with his wife Mary and grandfather William. Nathan states that his grandfather was born in NY and that William’s parents were both born in New Jersey. He is also living with his sister-in-law, Lucy Eggleston, who was 17 at that time. Nathan is listed in the 1920 census of Middlebury, age 61, with his wife Helen A., age 57. It states that Nathan’s father was born in NY and his mother in PA.

4.23 FLORA E. FRENCH, b. 1860 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, m. 1876 to Ernest Monks, d. 13 Mar 1925 at Hill, Montana. She was the daughter of William French and Louise A. West according to ancestry.com.

The newspaper “Wellsboro Agitator”, Tioga, PA - Wed., April 1, 1925, Pg 3  French Hill, March 28 - Mrs Flora French who has been in failing health for several months, died at the home of her son, Ernest Monks, on French Hill at 5pm March 13, 1925, aged 65 years. On Feb 19, 1876 she was married to F. E. Monks. To them was born four children - William Monks of Ulysses, Mrs. Lottie Winifred Monks Cummings of Tioga, RD, Ernest Monks of Middlebury Center and Mrs. Gladys Bryant, deceased, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive her. Mrs. French will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The funeral was held at the Keeneyville church, Rev. Mr. Engler officiating; interment in the Keeneyville Cemetery.

Bernard Roe was b. 1 Apr 1879 in Middlebury Twp., Tioga Co., PA, m. Lottie Winifred Monks on 30 Apr 1899. She was the dau. of Frank E. Monks and Flora E. French, b. 12 May 1883 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

Ernest Monks was b. ca. 1868 and listed as 2 years old in the 1870 Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA census, living with his parents, John and Mary Monks, and with his brother, Leon.

Another Ernest Frank Monks is listed as age 24, born 21 Oct 1885 in Tioga Co., PA, his mother was Flora E. French, born in PA, and his father was born in NJ. He m. Mertie S. Meaker in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. His WWI and WWII Draft Registration Cards are online at ancestry.com.

Mr. Ernest Monks  Chatham, October 22, 1885.--There was a sad accident near Shortsville last Wednesday about five o’clock p.m., by which Ernest Monks lost his life. Mr. John Monks owns a steam thresher and on Wednesday they threshed at Mr. P. G. Hurlbutt’s. In moving for the next job it was necessary to come down the Cloos hill towards Shortsville. While coming down the hill the horses became unmanageable and ran away. After running some 80 rods down the hill at full speed, the wheels struck a bank raised across the road for the purpose of turning the water and one wheel was broken off and went bounding on down the hill jumping from two to five rods at a bound crossing the creek road and landing in Crooked Creek. It is said on reliable authority that the engine jumped 30 feet at the time the wheel was broken off. This threw the young man from his seat and he struck on his head some 20 feet distant. His skull was crushed, killing him instantly. The horses dragged the engine some distance but were finally obliged to stop. Mr. Monks and another son were behind with the separator and did not see the accident. I believe no one saw the boy when he was killed. He was a young man of fine promise and was about 19 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Monks have the sympathy of their many friends in their bereavement. Reporter. (Tuesday, October 27, 1885, The Wellsboro Agitator, Wellsboro, Tioga Co, Pa.)

Children of John Wesley and Roseathea (Colegrove) French, 3.10

4.24 JOHN ELMER FRENCH, b. 18 Oct 1862, d. 12 Feb 1925. See Life of Ann Colegrove French written by Larry Stanley [27] in May 2010 that draws on an autobiographical sketch that she wrote ca. 1920, with appendices concerning John W. French and their son Elmer French.

Obituary of John Elmer French, son of Ann Colegrove French and John W. French

jefrench

One of the pioneer families of Middlebury Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, was that of William and Esther French and another one was that of Henry B. and Anna Colegrove. The youngest child of each family, John W. French and Ann R. Colegrove, were married in September 1861. The young couple began housekeeping on a little farm not far from Keeneyville and here on October 18, 1862, their first child John Elmer, was born. The father, however, had enlisted in the service of his country and the young mother returned with her little son to the home of her parents, where they remained until the close of the war, when broken in health and suffering from the effects of a gunshot wound the soldier returned. In 1868, he removed his family to a small farm which he had purchased in Chatham, and here they lived until Elmer was twelve years of age. For this little home he always cherished the fondest memories; to him it was and ideal spot and in letters and verse he often alluded to this “Happy Day Land” of his childhood.

In October 1885 he was married to Dora Wood, of Keeneyville, and to them was born one son, George E. His education was received in the public schools, one year at the Soldiers’ Orphan School and two terms at the State Normal School at Mansfield. When nineteen years of age he began teaching and for twelve years taught in the schools of Chatham and Middlebury; then he removed to Costello, where he taught five years and was two years principal of the Galeton High. Following this he was engaged by a large manufacturing firm as its representative and for a number of years he travelled through the Central and Western States from Ohio to Texas. In 1912 he became ill while in the West and returned to his home in Westfield, where he suffered a long illness, from the effects of which he never fully recovered.

In 1918 he came to Elmira to take a position in the offices of the Willys-Morrow Co. Six years later he accepted the position of bookkeeper for the Elmira Building Units Co., where he was employed at the time of his death. He was a member of the Elmira Council U. C. T. and of the Westfield F. and A. M. He united with the Methodist Church at Little Marsh when nineteen years of age and took an active interest in Christian work and for many years was leader of the choir. He also composed both words and music of many hymns for church use.

After an illness of only three weeks he passed on his rest on the morning of the annivesary of the birth of Lincoln, the one for whom his heart was full of devotion.

“Tho the voice of the singer
Forever is still,
His songs linger here
Mid memories dear
From the lips of the zephyrs,
The trees and the rill,
I hear them again,
I hear them again.”
From “The Little Brown Apple.”
By J.E.F

To those who have known him best, his memory will remain as a priceless benediction. A man of simple and refined tastes, he loved the smiling scenes of Nature, the comforts of home and the inspirations of friendship.

He was ever a student, and never missed an opportunity to learn something worth learning, feeling he might some time have need of just that bit of knowledge. Never content with merely memorizing facts, he meditated on, weighed and analyzed them. He not only did things, but he did them in the best way of which he was capable, originating ideas, methods and facilities; working with a tireless energy which characterized him in everything in which he took an interest. As a teacher, he was pre-eminently successful; giving directions with clearness and accuracy, and developing in the lives of his pupils high ideals that are imperishably associated with their recollections of him.

He was a skilled mechanic, having learned the carpenter's trade, and during his years of teaching when school was not in session he followed this occupation. In this he was painstaking and accurate, fashioning his work with his soul in his job as a "workman that needeth not be ashamed." He was an ardent lover of his country and wrote and sang words that kindled patriotism in many hearts. When travelling he always visited all places of historical interest and could describe them with the vividness and charm if the real story teller.

To his friends he was generous, constant and loyal, and many have felt that human touch upon the heart strings that has cheered and helped them through seasons of darkness when the spoken words of sympathy or a timely letter written has been to them "like apples of gold in the pictures of silver." And when in the pilgrimage of life he sometimes came to a place where the road was blocked, he kept his faith and courage and always found the way round.
His literary ability was of no mean quality, short articles and poems having appeared in various periodicals. the three following of his own bits of verse were read as part of the service on the morning when he was borne to his place of rest back near the old home in Pennsylvania he loved so well.

THAT LITTLE WHITE CHURCH
No other church in all this land,
To me is half so dear;
No other friends that I have known,
Can ever seem so near;
For in the days of hope and love,
How oft' I 've lingered there;
To join in fervent songs of praise,
Or bow in silent prayer.

In childhood days i saw this church,
Spring from verdant sod;
The pride of all who sought a place
In which to worship God.
I've heard the clanging of the bell'
That swings beneath the spire,
And here I've learned the Gospel Truth,
And here I've trained the choir.

'Tis here my mother loves to come,
Although she cannot see,
She hears the story once again,
And lisps a prayer for me.
While all deplore her bitter fate,
And hearts with pity swell.
She murmurs not, but clings to Him,
"Whodoeth all things well."

O! when my day of toll is o'er,
And all my sorrows past,
And I have laid me down to rest
In peace and joy at last,
May Heaven smile unpon this church,
And may the angels keep
Watch o'er this little flock and fold,
While I shall sleep and sleep.
(John Elmer French) J. E. F.

THE COMMON MAN
He wanted good food; and hastened to the field
To gather fruit; but found the withered vines
Plucked from the earth; and all the golden yield
Lay trampled in the dust. He saw signs;
Footprints of Greed; deep dented in the sand'
But did not understand.
He wanted clothes; and turned to find the flocks
That once did graze in pastures on the hill
Had perished; and nearby guilty rocks
Where bleached their silent bones, he saw there still
Footprints of Greed; deep dented in the sand;
But did not understand.
He wanted shelter; and where once the trees
Sprang majestic beauty from the fen,
He found but withered leaves; upon the breeze
Dark fog and odors rose. He saw again
Footprints of Greed, deep dented in the sands;
But now he understands.
J. E. F.

LIFE
Life -
"Tis but a breath,
A morning breeze,
A sighing wind
Among the trees -
Then all is calm.

Life -
'Tis but a thread
That spans between
The present and
The great unseen -
A slender cord

Life-
'Tis but a mist,
A summer shower,
A bursting storm,
A silent hour,
Then sweet repose.
J.E.F.

In looking through some papers in his room this little poem was discovered which doubtless was written a short time before his death.

WHEN I SHALL FALL TO SLEEP

"Twill not be long ere I shall fall to sleep.
And friend I love beside my bier shall weep;
But my poor soul will not be there,
To see their tears or hear their whispered prayer.

Whene'er that day shall come, let me not fear
To close my eyes, or long to linger here;
But give me faith to say, "God knowest best."
Then when I fall to sleep, I'll sweetly rest.

Upon my breast lay but a withered leaf,
A symbol of the end of life and grief;
Weave me no floral wreath of roses red;
A rose can bring no joy when I am dead.
J. E. F.

4.25 ETTA (ETTIE) FRENCH, b. 1866, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800, m. Fay C. Doane and had children Roland, Lyle, and Anna Beatrice Doane [27]. John and Ettie had three children: Roland Claire Doane (who married Olivia Herold - children, Roland C. Doane Jr., Robert French Doane., and Jeanne Doane Burford); Lyle Kibbe Doane (mariied Mary ___, one child Wilbur "Buster" Doane, killed in WW II); and my Grandmother, Anna Beatrice Doane Wolf (always known as Beatrice). Beatrice Doane married Joshua Levering Wolf (named for the 1896 Prohibition Party candidate, Joshua Levering - the Wolfs and Doanes were big supporters of the WCTU), and had two children: Frederick Wallace Wolf, and Phyllis Marie Wolf Stanley. Phyllis Wolf married Daniel Calvin Stanley (of Lock Haven, PA) and had three sons, Daniel C. Stanley Jr. (married Josiane Sweet - two sons: Daniel C. Stanley III, who married Maria Bottini and has one son, Edward Rufus Stanley; and Aaron Rufus Stanley who married Mary ___), Gary Frederick Stanley (married Ruby Rickard - one son Scott F. Stanley, who married and has a daughter Melissa Sue Stanley), and Lawrence Evan Stanley (me) (married Laura-Ann Hogan - two children: Christopher Gerard Stanley, who married Mindy Giesel and have a daughter, Adelyn Marie Stanley; and Jessica Phyllis Stanley Culligan, who married Sean Culligan and have two children, Ella Rose Culligan and Joshua Aiden Culligan [27].

Fay C Doane and Ettie French Doane

Fay C. and Ettie French Doane sitting on the porch of their Jersey Shore, PA home [27]

DOANE, FAY C.

Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, PA) November 27, 1943

Jersey Shore, Fay C. Doane, 74, Jersey Shore, died at his home at 5:30 o'clock Friday morning, Nov. 26, 1943, following a lingering illness. Born on November 17, 1869, Mr. Doane was formerly of Knoxville, but came to Jersey Shore 39 years ago to engage in the insurance business. He was a member of LaBelle Valley Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 232. At the First Methodist Church he was a member of the official board and he was a trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Doane celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 22, 1943. Surviving besides his wife, the former Etta French, are two sons and a daughter, Mrs. J. L. Wolf and Lyle K. Doane, of Jersey Shore, and Roland C. Doane, of Glenside. Also, a brother, Ira, of Montour Falls, N.Y. and five grandchildren. Funeral services will take place at the residence, 515 Burke Street, at 2 o'clock, Monday afternoon, with the Rev. W. W. Willard, Jr. officiating. He will be assisted by the Rev. John A. Stamm, Phillipsburg, formerly of Jersey Shore. Burial will be at Jersey Shore. Friends may call between 2 and 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon, and from 7 to 9 o'clock in the evening. Masonic rites will be conducted at 7 o'clock Sunday evening.

FRENCH, ETTIE

Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, PA) - November 3, 1952

Mrs. Ettie F. Doane, widow of Fay C. Doane, Jersey Shore, died Friday evening, Oct. 31, 1952, in the Masonic Home in Elizabethtown, where she had been a guest for two years. She was a member of the First Methodist Church and was active in all the church organizations. She taught a Sunday school class for 40 years. She was a charter member of the Fort Antes Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Doane was a charter member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, George W. Pepperman Post No. 36, which will hold memorial services tonight at 7 o'clock at the funeral home, 125 North Main Street. Surviving are two sons: Roland C., Glenside, and Lyle, Jersey Shore; three sisters, Mrs. Tacie Rassweiler, Beloit, Wis, Mrs. Edith Hawley, Rochester, and Mrs. Mabyn Cole, Rathburn, N.Y.; one brother, Harry French, Hollywood, Fla. She is also survived by five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the funeral home, 125 North Main Street, Jersey Shore. The Rev. A. Glenn Mower, will officiate. Burial will be in Jersey Shore Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 o'clock this evening.

First Four Generations

Four generations of women - L. to R. Ettie French Doane (standing); Ann Colegrove French (seated); Anna Beatrice Doane Wolf (standing); and Phyllis Wolf Stanley, the baby on Ann French's lap. The photo below shows an additional four generations - standing in the rear, Jessica Phyllis Stanley Culligan; Lawrence Evan Stanley; seated, Phyllis Wolf Stanley, and Ella Rose Culligan the baby on Phyllis Stanley's lap. These two photos show six generations of descent from John W. French [27].

Four Generations

4.26 MARY K. FRENCH, b. 1872 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800.

4.27 MABYN or MABIN E. FRENCH, b. 1876 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800.

4.28 BESSIE E. FRENCH, b. 1879 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800.

4.29 HENRY or HARRY W. FRENCH, b. 1883, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1900.

4.30 EDITH or ETHEL A. FRENCH, b. Oct 1883, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1900, m. William Hawley and had dau. Dorothy Shremp Hawley.

4.31 TACIE I. or J. FRENCH, b. 1886 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1900.

4.32 JIMMIE HUGH FRENCH, b. 1888, d. 1888.

Fifth Generation

Children of Jeremiah and Elnora M. (Tuttle) French, 4.4

5.1 ALTA S. FRENCH, b. ca. 1875 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32].

5.2 CHARLES M. FRENCH, b. Feb 1880 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32].

5.3* EUGENE W. FRENCH, b. 1881 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32], m. Rue B. Rundell ca. 1907. She was b. 25 Dec 1882 in Delmar, Tioga Co., PA. Eugene d. Aug 1916 and is buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32].

Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA-- Wednesday, August 30, 1916 -- Eugene French, an employee on A. S. Lent's farm below Wellsboro Junction, was killed by a New York Central freight train early yesterday morning, his body being found beside the tracks near the Keck celery washhouse when the men were on their way to work shortly before seven o'clock. French's head was severed from his body, his right leg was cut off and he was otherwise mangled in the most shocking manner. The remains were brought to the Evans undertaking rooms in Wellsboro. Mr. French is survived by his wife and four children, Mattie, Gladys, Jerry and Kenneth, besides several brothers and sisters. He had worked for A. S. Lent for several years. He was in Wellsboro Monday and was last seen at Wellsboro Junction about 3 o'clock yesterday morning, when he was in the Rogers restaurant at the Junction station.

Wellsboro Junction 1972

5.4 FRANK FRENCH, b. Dec 1884 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32].

5.5 FREDERICK J. FRENCH, b. 15 Feb 1887 in Coudersport, Potter Co., PA [32].

5.6 JAMES FRENCH, b. Sep 1889 in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY [32].

5.7 GLADYS FRENCH, b. Dec 1893 in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY [32].

5.8 MYRON E. FRENCH, b. Jun 1896 in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY [32]. He m. Genevieve Reed and had dau. Naomi L. French, b. 24 Jun 1930 [32].

Children of Walter E. and Flora (Andrews) French, 4.6

5.9* FRANCIS JOHN FRENCH, (known as John) 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 Ella’s parents [8]), and was adopted by Amanda and Addison C. Boyden at age 9 months [8].

The 1900 census of Harrison, Potter Co., PA lists him as age 45, with his wife Flora A. 38, and son John F., 18, and son Jesse C. 7.

The 1920 census of Corning, Steuben, NY lists Frances John French, 38, a glass factory laborer, Celia his wife, 36, son Milton L., 11, dau. Hilda C. 3 5/12, and his father Walter E., 65.

Photo 1: Francis John French (standing), his wife Sara LoCelia (seated), their son Milton L. French Sr, and their daughter Hilda taken in April 1919.

Photo 2: Francis and Sara LoCelia Boyden French on their 50^th wedding anniversary on 29 Jun 1954.

John spent a great deal of his life (about 1911-1912) near Keuka Lake in New York (Italy Hill, Pen Yan, and Second Milo) working as a farm laborer. See front and back of card below addressed to John French in Pen Yan, NY from E.N.J. in Ansonia, PA. Post card sent to the FFA by Ref. [8]. The signature on this card looks like ENJ – the N could be the family names “Niles”.

Camp

Camp 2

See front and back of card below addressed to John F. French in Pen Yan, NY from E. N. Jenoch? in Ansonia, PA. Post card sent to the FFA by Ref. [8]. The signature on this card looks like ENJ – the N could be the family names “Niles”. Ansonia, PA, is very near Wellsboro, Mansfield, Towanda, Tioga State Forest, and Westfield, Pennsylvania, just about 65 miles south of Penn Yan, Pennsylvania, at Keuka Lake.

Card

Card 2

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 an avid coin collector [8]. In 1910 he was living in Asaph, PA [8].

5.10 IVA FRENCH, b. 5 Jul 1884 in PA and d. 29 Jul 1884 (about 3 wks) [8]. She is buried in the family plot at the Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [8].

5.11 BESSIE M. FRENCH, b. 30 Sep 1885 in PA, d. 6 Mar 1892 (6+ years) [8], and is buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.

5.12* CLARENCE JESSE FRENCH, b. 3 May 1893 in PA (born out of wedlock [8]), d. ca. 1967 in Penn Yan, 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, Tioga Co., PA [8].

Children of John C. and Effie (Deans Donshea) French, 4.20

5.13 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].

5.14 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].

5.15 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], but he is buried at a cemetery in Olean with his wife Laura. Also buried there is William French; he remains unidentified [1]. Could he be William H. French, son of Nathaniel Nehemiah French and his first wife Margaret Shaff?

5.16 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]. Rosemary researched this French line from approximately 1920 to her death in 1946 [1].

5.17 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 Eveline (Eggleston) French, 4.22

French_Nate & Idessa

Idessa (Dess) Edith (Roupp) French and Nathan (Natie) Edwin French [36]

5.18* NATHAN EDWIN FRENCH, b. 25 Jul 1880 in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA [33]. His mother died the month after his birth [33]. Nathan m. Idessa Edith Roupp [33]. She was b. in 1884 and is buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, along with Nathan who died in 1950. In this same cemetery is Nellie V., 1880-1957. Nathan and Idessa had 3 daughters [33]. Nathan and Idessa lived in Mansfield, Tioga Co., PA at 53 Elmira St. [33]. He was a farmer.

U.S. WWI Draft Registration Card, 1918

New1

New2

U.S. WWII Draft Registration Card, 1942

Nathan E. (39) and Idessa (35) are listed in the 1920 census as living in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, with their 3 daughters: Mary A. (10) Hariett V. (8), and Edith C. (7), all born in PA.

Children of Nathan and Helen (Burley) French, 4.22

5.19 RUFUS E. FRENCH, b. 16 Feb 1887 in Middlebury, Tioga Co, PA. He is listed in the 1900 US census of Middlebury, age 13, the son of Nathan and Helen French. He is living with his parents and half brother Nathan E. French (18), and Faye Shaff (12) and Dennis Burley (77) who is probably Helen’s father.

His WWI Registration Card lists him as living at 178 17^th Ave. in Paterson, Passaic Co., NJ, born 16 Feb 1887 in Middlebury. He had a wife and 2 children by 6/5/1917 when this WWI Registration Card was filled in, FHL Roll Number 1754432.

He was a railroad station agent in Pompton Lakes, NJ, in 1917 just 3 years before this photo below was taken. He cannot be found in the 1920 census.

This circa 1920s view gives us a glimpse at small town train stations. This station, served by the Erie Railroad's Greenwood Lake Division, was replaced at an unknown date with the stone structure I recall when living here in the 1960s. Note the advertising poster for Babbitt's Soap, later to be known as 'Babb-O Soap'.

(Note: Another Rufus E. French was born on 1 Aug 1887 in Smith Ridge, Dickenson, VA – not to be confused with Rufus of FFA Chart #179). (Another Rufus Jackson French was b. Apr 1828, Rockingham Co., NC, m. Mary Angeline Apple on 28 Dec 1856 in Rockingham, d. 25 Nov 1906 in Rio Vista, Johnson, TX – not to be confused with Rufus of FFA Chart #179).

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, 5.9

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 of Milton L. French, Sr., Thursday, April 8, 1999, page 2C, from his son Milton L. French, Jr. [8]

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 Eugene W. and Rue B. (Rundell) French, 5.3

6.3 MATTIE E. FRENCH, b. 1908 in Delmar, Tioga, PA, d. before 1958 [32].

6.4 GLADYS I. FRENCH, b. 1909 in Delmar, Tioga, PA, d. before 1958 [32].

6.5 GERALD “JERRY” FRENCH, b. 21 Jan 1912 in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, d. 30 Mar 1971 in Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA. He m. Jean Hotchkiss.

6.6 KENNETH C. FRENCH, b. 11 Sep 1914 in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA, d. 8 Oct 1984 in Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA. He m. Althea McVannan.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA

Children of Clarence and Libby (Jackson) French, 5.12

6.7 ROBERT W. FRENCH (JACKSON), his mother Libby died early in their marriage and Robert was adopted by Libby’s brother into the Jackson family of Long Island [8].

Children of Nathan E. and Idessa (Roupe) French, 5.18

6.8 MARY ANNETTEFRENCH, b. 1910 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, and living in 1920 also in Middlebury. She lives in Syracuse, NY [33], married and has 2 children [33].

6.9 HARRIET VIOLA FRENCH, b. 1912 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, and living in 1920 also in Middlebury. She m. Camenga and had son Bruce Camenga who lives in Riverside, CA [33].

6.10 EDITH CHRISTIEN FRENCH [24] b. 4 Mar 1913 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, m. Waterman, d. 30 Jun 1970 [33]. Her daughter is Boneta (Bonnie) Sue Waterman, who m. Staughton [33].

Seventh Generation

Children of Milton and Dorothy (Tawney) French, 6.1

7.1* MILTON L. FRENCH, JR. “Buddy”, b. 17 Aug 1934 in Corning, Steuben Co., NY [8], m. Moira G. Perry on 6 Jun 1959 in Corning, Steuben Co., NY. She was b. 6 Sep in Slough, England [8]. Moira emigrated from Slough, England in 1959 [8]. Buddy was raised by his mother’s 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].

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 “Peanut”, 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 “Sis or Butch”, 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 “Tim”, 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. They live on 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.

IMGP4572

Three generations: Moira French, Aishah Marie French, Paula Kaye French, Paula’s friend John, Milton L. French, Amy (Mel Zurai) French and her husband Melvin Perry French.

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 (girl), b. Aug 2001 [8].

9.2 RIZQ ADAM FRENCH (boy), b. 10 Mar 2008 [8].

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 “Allen” cemetery [1]. Off the main road, Route 249 between Keeneyville and Little Marsh, is a road that winds up around the hills into an area well known as French Hill. To the north is Farmington Township and to the west, Chatham Township. French Hill was named for the French family. There was French Hill School and French Hill Cemetery. French families located on French Hill are as follows: Also see the Shaff family.

· 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.

· William French and his wife Esther (Martin).

· M. French died 1894 at the age of 63 years

· Catherine French Palmer, b. 1844, d. 1921, inscription - Mother

· Nathan T. French, b. 1858, d. 1929

· Mary E. French, wife of Nathan

· Nancy French, d. 21 June 1855 at the age of 71 years, inscription - Wife of Moses French, Sr.

· Nancy A. French d. 9 Sept. 1846, 4 years old, inscription - daughter of Moses, Jr. and Rosanna French

Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA

· John Wesley French, 1835-1913, Company A 16th PA Calvary

· Anne E., wife of John, 1845-1929 (maiden name is Colgrove/Colegrove)

· Charles A. French, 1864-1939

· Eugene French, 1864-1944

· Nellie V., 1880-1957

· Nathan French, 1880-1950

· 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. Second Photo of Niles Valley Cemetery sign from Milton L. French, Jr. [8]

· 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

· FRENCH, Helen N. daughter of John C., born 1885 died 1912 age 27 - R04-L08

· FRENCH, John C. spouse of Helen N., born 1856 died 1934 age 78 - R04-L08

· FRENCH, Nehemiah spouse of Olive, born 1818 died 3/21/1906 age 88 - R04-L08

· 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 contains the Civil War Database, 1861-1866, 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 Campaign 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].

Earliest Moses French in the New World, Immigrated from Sussex, England -- 1682

From “The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography”, website: http://www.archive.org/stream/pennsylvaniamaga29histuoft/pennsylvaniamaga29histuoft_djvu.txt

Also the following article from “New World Immigrants: a Consolidation of Ship Passenger Lists”, Volume 1, by Michael Tepper

Also from “Genealogical Gleanings in England”, p. 663, by Henry F. Waters, 1901, which would indicate that Moses French was from England.

Moses1

Moses2

The French family may have come from Westham, East Sussex, England and first immigrated into Pennsylvania and then immigrated to New Jersey. The ties in Pennsylvania connect Moses French in 1682 as a friend of William Wade who died while immigrating to Pennsylvania. The village in England in William Wade’s will, Alfurstone in Sussex, is actually spelled Alfriston and is in the District of Wealden, the same district where Westham is located, also mentioned in the will. William Wade immigrated on the ship “Welcome” with William Penn in 1682. Wade was from the parish of Hankton, Sussex, England, per the History of Chester county, Pennsylvania, by Gilbert Cope and John Smith Futhey. Also see http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/FRENCH/2005-03/1112140827.

William French, Immigrated in 1773 to Connecticut from Sheffield, Yorkshire, England

William French, a native of Sheffield, England, born October 8, 1752, came to America in 1773 and settled in Litchfield County, Conn. In 1775 he enlisted in the American army and served seven years and three months, being with Washington's army at Valley Forge and in many engagements. In 1785 he married Lucy Hatch of New Fairfield, Conn., who was born, 1759 in Scotland. He removed with his family from Connecticut in 1803 to Franklin township where his eldest son had located the year previous. Here he died May 8, 1814 and his remains repose in the old cemetery at Franklindale.

William French served seven years, was with Washington's army at Valley Forge and in many engagements. Three of his sons, Erastus, James and William B., were soldiers in the War of 1812.

The seven children of William and Lucy French were:

· William B French., born May 16, 1786 at New Fairfield, CT, in 1802 made a trip West on foot through the wilderness, arriving at Towanda. Going back on the hills near the line between Franklin and Monroe he purchased a possession right of Isaac Allen for $25. Returning East, he worked out until he had earned enough money to purchase a pair of oxen. Hitching these to a sled with an ax and auger he proceeded to his new home in Franklin. After making some improvements and putting in his first crops, he exchanged his oxen for a horse team, then went to Connecticut for the remainder of the family, moving them here in 1803. Mr. French gained considerable distinction as a hunter and trapper. About 1805, while in quest of his cows he found three young animals playing about a windfall and not knowing what they were, picked up two of the kittens when the mother, an animal the like of which he had never seen, pounced down upon him. He stood his ground well but was required to let one of the kittens go. Upon reaching Absalom Carr's, he found that his kitten was a young panther. After a while, he made an exhibiting tour across the country, carrying the animal upon his back. In the East he traded his menagerie for bear traps and other hunting paraphernalia. He afterwards had an adventure with a panther, which did not result as profitably to him as the first one did. He struck the track of the animal just before dark and followed it until darkness had fully set in when the game took refuge in a tree. It was too dark to aim with certainty, so he took the lock from his gun to strike a fire with the flint and by accident built the fire over it; the heat took the temper out of the lock and his design was defeated. He resolved to wait till morning and then make a new attempt on the game. But Morpheus soon engaged his attention and he fell asleep, the panther still over his head in the tree. When French awoke the next morning, the panther was not to be seen, having decamped during the hunter's sleep. Instead of returning home after his mishap, French took across the mountains to Wilkes-Barre to get his gun repaired. The family became alarmed and the neighbors turned out to make a search before his return. Mr. French was a soldier, War of 1812. He married, August 9, 1818, Nancy D. Avery of Granville, died August 13, 1865; Mrs. French died June 13, 1890 at a very advanced age. Their children were Eliza (Mrs. Ezra Carter), Juliette (Mrs. Thomas Dowd), Nancy (Mrs. D. W. Harvey), Harriet (Mrs. Timothy Dugan), Lucy (Mrs. David S. Miller), Melissa R. (died young), William W. and George W. [37]. The 1850 census shows William B. French (63) with N. French (48), W. W. French (16), G. W. French (12), and Francis S. French (8).

· James French served in the War of 1812, afterwards went to New York where he lived and married, following the printer's trade.

· Clarinda French married W. B. Whitney of Whitney's Point, N.Y.

· Francis F. French married Polly Smith.

· Sophia French married Ondius Carter.

· Lucy French married a Mr. Gough.

· Erastus French enlisted in the War of 1812 and was killed in an engagement with the enemy.

For more information on this line, see http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/12782224/person/704972860.

Bibliography

[1] Marion Scherer, email: Cludy52@aol.com. Marion sent the most data for this chart. See her file, last revised 5 Jul 2001. 4500 Overlook Drive NE, Unit 210, St. Petersburg, FL 33703. My material came from notes compiled by either my great aunt, Rosemary Willis French, Mrs. Irvin Deer or from her cousin. Aunt Rose researched from approximately 1920 to her death in 1946. Her cousin researched until into the 1970s. I am very fortunate that the daughter of this cousin was able to locate me through a geneaolgy posting of mine and we now are combining notes, photographs and heirlooms. We are also in contact with another French family cousin who is sharing with us as well. Has daughters in TN, Mountain View CA, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

[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., frenchmilton34@yahoo.com (good in 2011). 366 N. Hamilton St., Painted Post, NY 14870-1231, and wife Moira French, moiragwen@yahoo.com.

[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 (undeliveraable)

[17] Marsha, BudEOmine@aol.com (old email)

[18] Dee Zito, bdgzito@worldnet.att.net (old email)

[19] Keith Foster, Sr., kfoster@madbbs.com (undeliverable).

[20] J. Michael Frost’s 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 (undeliverable).

[24] Annette French Waterman, Afwaterman@aol.com, has photos of William French’s long rifle and powder horn. Both are now in a Museum in PA.

[25] Dick French, dickfrench37@gmail.com, email good in 2011, Carson City, NV.

[26] Steppler, Glenn A. "The Uniform of Lieutenant Jeremiah French 2nd Battalion, King's Royal Regiment of New York 1780-1783." Military Collector and Historian, 32 (Winter 1980), pp. 160-163. Website regarding Jeremiah French: http://www.history.army.mil/reference/revbib/loyalp.htm

[27] Larry Stanley, email: theorist1@hotmail.com (good in 2011).

[28] Journey to Day Before Yesterday, by Rhoda English Ladd.

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

[30] Website: http://www.archive.org/stream/censusofpensione00unit/censusofpensione00unit_djvu.txt

[31] Website: http://www.archive.org/stream/pennsylvaniaarc01librgoog/pennsylvaniaarc01librgoog_djvu.txt

[32] Shirley, shirleycorp@gmail.com (good in 2011). Website: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=040738-80&id=I36138.

[33] Bonnie Staughton, bonniess71@aol.com (good in 2010).

[34] French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA.

[35] History of the town of Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY.

[36] Phyllis Norton, pwinnorton@hotmail.com (good in 2011). 48 Norhill Dr., Rochester, NY 14625. 585-586-8265.

[37] Pioneer & Patriot Families of Bradford Co., PA, website: http://www.joycetice.com/heverly/h2p083.htm

[38] Ethel and Jeff French, FFrenchEJ@aol.com.

[39] Some genealogy online states that Jeremiah m2. Hannah Gildersleeve, b. 1770 most likely in Somerset Co., NJ [1], and she d. 2 Oct 1843 at age 73 -- data given by Ref. [2]. The Gildersleeve family came with the Brees(e) family from Somerset Co., NJ in the Spring of 1787 to Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY. Ref. [1] states that she contacted a Breese researcher several years ago and was told that they had no information on their Hannah marrying Jeremiah French. Because Hannah Gildersleeve was married to John Brees II on 30 Jan 1769 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ, she could have married later in her life to Jeremiah French, but this is in no way certain. John Brees II died on 24 Mar 1829 in Elmira (later Horseheads), Chemung Co., NY. Hannah Gildersleeve Brees died on 15 Jan 1844 in Horseheads. She would have had to marry Jeremiah French between 1829 and 1844. During these years, Jeremiah was living in Owego, Tioga Co., NY, not in Chemung Co., NY, so I highly suspect this marriage did not take place. See this webpage. Jeremiah’s first wife died in 1791. It would seem as though Jeremiah would need someone to care for his 5 young children from 1791 until adulthood. These children in 1791 were ages newborn, 1, 5, 8, and 17. A possible start would be to check the 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, and 1840 census to see if a female was living in the house about his age. Although these early census records could be far from being accurate, they are the only documents we have to go on at this time.

[40] Shirley, shirleycorp@gmail.com (email good in 2011), website: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=040738-80&id=I36138.

[41] The 1880 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, lists a David French, 32, farmer, and wife Dellia, 30, dau. Bertha, 6, and son Dwight, 4. All were born in NY and their parents were born in NY, except for Dwight who was born in PA. These are members of this chart, but more research needs to be done to place them.

[42] Fulton History newspaper, Owego, Tioga Co., PA, Tuesday, July 20, 1905. The names are correct, but the timeframe to tie into the early French family of this line is too late.

guests

MargaretVG

[43] Jeanette S. French, email: jfrench1@earthlink.net.

[44] Jeff French, email: frenchfamily@bresnan.net.

[45] Dave Dardinger, email: dedmod@msn.com.

[46] Jan McCabe, email: jmccabe@mymccabes.net.

[47] Jan Rieke, email: JRieke@msn.com.

[48] National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Patriot Grave Search website: https://memberinfo.sar.org/patriotsearch/search.aspx

Contents

History and Background

Early Homesteads of Jeremiah French

Who Was Jeremiah French’s Father?

Who Was Jeremiah French’s Mother?

First Generation

Marriage

Census Records for Jeremiah French

Military

Death

Second Generation

Marriage

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

Fifth Generation

Sixth Generation

Seventh Generation

Eighth Generation

Ninth Generation

Graveyards or Cemeteries

French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA

Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA

French Hill Cemetery, Cameron, Steuben Co., NY

Niles Valley Cemetery

John Lyman Cemetery, PA

Vital Records, Land Grants, and other Records

Earliest Moses French in the New World, Immigrated from Sussex, England -- 1682

William French, Immigrated in 1773 to Connecticut from Sheffield, Yorkshire, England

Bibliography