French Family Asociation

The Official Website of the Surname French

Famous Frenches

James Constantine French, 1826
Inventor of Vault Glass

Sandwich, Carroll Co., New Hampshire,
Auburn, Cumberland County, Maine
Union, Knox County, Maine
NYC and Chicago

Descendant of Edward French of Salisbury, MA

Main Street, Auburn, now Androscoggin County, ca. 1912

This chart was updated by Mara French on 12/4/11. Numbers in brackets [ ] show sources and refer to the bibliography at the end of this chart. An asterisk (*) shows continuation of that line. Send any corrections or additions to this chart to marafrench@mindspring.com. Revisions: 2011.

NOTE: This is only the first draft of this chart. Please make any corrections or additions to this chart – although this is not my family, I will be updating it from time to time. Refer to this chart by chart number Refer to each family member by their number. Additions are greatly appreciated. You will be notified of the next revision.

Contents

FFA Home Page

Appreciation

Foreword

James C. French, Inventor of the Vault Light

Edward French, Emigrant of this Line (England)

Edward French, Emigrant of this Line (America)

Sandwich, Carroll County, New Hampshire

Auburn, Androscoggin County, Maine

Early Ancestry

Edward FrenchÕs Son Samuel

First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

DNA Test Group 3 Test Results – old page

DNA Test Group 3 Test Results – new page

DNA Testing

Bibliography and Background Information

Appreciation

WeÕd like to thank Nancy Nicol for her time and effort in researching this line. It is always a delight to find another famous French and someone connected to that line. Thank you also to her daughter, Margot Hathaway Nicol Clifford for scanning in all these family photos and letters and sending them to the FFA.

Foreword

IÕve researched this line just about all I can from ancestry.com and from the internet. Additions need to come from family members or from local books or historians who havenÕt put their information online.

P.S. Although James French is not of my line, I will continue to do research on him as time permits. My line is FFA Chart #6.

Sandwich, Carroll County, New Hampshire

The earliest European settlers arrived in Sandwich in 1767. By 1830 Sandwich had grown to a population of 2700, which is higher than the current population. It is right on the border of Maine. By the end of the 1800s, much of the population had left Sandwich to live in cities to the west.

Sandwich has several hills of note, as Nathaniel mentions below. They are Sugar Hill, Burleigh Hill, and Great Hill, and in the town thereÕs a bookstore called ÒHill CountryÓ.

Auburn, Androscoggin County, Maine

From ÒHistory of Androscoggin County, MaineÓ, by Georgia Drew Merrill, p. 606-607, at a time when J. C. French was about 20 years old. He met his wife in Lewiston which is also mentioned. The Rice, Quimby, Pray, and French families are noted here. Look at the index to this book: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~meandrhs/history/merrillsandrosh.pdf.

The railroad reached Auburn in 1848, and the village began to grow rapidly. In 1849 it became a part of Lewiston Falls village. The formation of Androscoggin county in 1854, the location of the county seat at Auburn, and erection of the county buildings attracted business and professional men. The growth of the village was now assured and a nucleus formed for a great manufacturing and business city. The business houses in 1851 were: Stoves, hardware, etc., J. D. Davis & Co.; dry goods, groceries, etc., J. H. Roak & Co., Cobb, Bartlett & Co., G. H. Ambrose, B. Hersey, C. H. Rice, Clark & Mudgett; apothecaries, Rowe & Reynolds; blacksmiths, Albert Folsom, Strout & Stinchfleld; books, stationery, etc., McKenney & Hall, A. W. Hall; boots, shoes, etc., J. H. Roak & Co., G. H. Ambrose, Pray & French, Sumner Wood; furniture, Jesse Fuller; carpenters, Moore, John Wilson, Alfred Townsend, John Simpson; carriage-makers, Thayer & Perry, E. L. Townsend, A. W. Allen; civil engineer, W. A. Williams; clothing, G. M. French, Levi Gould; daguerreotypes, Henry Baldwin, Jr; dentist, D. B. Strout; express offices, Longley & Co. (G. W. Foss, agent), Winslow & Co. (A. Town, agent); harnesses, J. P. Longley, Lyman Wood; hats, caps, and furs, Charles H. Rice, Levi Gould, Sumner Wood, G. M. French; iron founders, Nathaniel French & Sons; machinist, J. C. French; marble works, H. R. Smith; masons, Elbridge Coffin, C. W. Kyle, B. Wentworth, Moses Wentworth, S. G. Alden, John Levett; musical instruments, Freeman Newell; painters, Herman Holt, Isaac Haskell, H. V. Daggett, Horace Bradford, Thomas Storah, H. C. Thayer; provisions, F. B. Cobb, James Goff, Jr, Knight & Vickery, Stephen Rowe, Joseph Lufkin; Elm House, J. C. Lane; Maine Hotel, J. F. Davis; Eagle Hotel, W. S. Young; restaurants, Ingalls & Son, Seward Goss, Jones & Hicks; surveyor, Thomas B. Little; tailors, S. A. Niles, C. Tribou, C. W. Whitney; tanners, Rigby & Miller; toll collector, Hanson Cook; watches and jewelry, McKenney & Hall, A. W. Hall; variety stores, R. Dexter, D. Stinson & Co.

The family related to this line are:

C. H. Rice who was in the dry goods and groceries business, Charles H.
Pray & French who were in the boots and shoes business
G. M. French who was in the clothing business; his name was George Marshal French, b. 1829, which indicates he was about 20 years old when the history above occurred.
G. M. French and Charles H. Rice who were in the hats, caps, and furs business
Nathaniel French & Sons who were iron founders (sons were J. C. French, George Marshal French, and Nathaniel French Jr.)
J. C. French was a machinist
The Hall family owned the dairy farm in Dixfield for eight generations

The history above happened ca. 1850 when these men were adults, or therefore, born before 1830; hence, of the second generation below. When it mentions ÒsonsÓ, those fathers were born before 1810; hence, of the first generation below. Charles H. Rice was b. 12 Nov 1818 in Bangor, Penobscot, ME, which shows that the French family met the Rice family in ME and not NH.

From ÒAuburn Early FamiliesÓ by David Colby Young

FRENCH C A - Born ??  married 1851,       Obit of Mrs F 11 Sep 1909 LEJ Persis Bridgham b 11 Jul 1822 d/o John & Elizabeth (Greenwood) Bridgham.  In 1881, the home at French Hill was buried then he went to North Auburn ME She was a desc of John Alden & Priscilla. She was a Universalist Church member Children:  Vesta   Further research by the FFA: Charles Austin French m. Persis Biadgham and had dau. Vesta F. French b. 19 Sep 1857 in Turner, Androscoggin Co., ME. This is from FFA Chart #3.

FRENCH Charles L - Born ??  married Eliza _________ Children:  Charles b 1 Jan 1848 in Auburn ME Lewis b 15 Sep 1851 in Auburn ME [VR Auburn ME 275]. Further research by the FFA shows Lewis F. French m. Bertha L. who was b. 1869, had son Bernard W. French, b. 1898 in ME who m. Celia C. and had dau. Jean in 1928. In 1930 they were living in Hallowell, Kennebec Co., ME. Also, Charles L. French was b. 1820 in ME, m. Eliza who was b. 1825, and had children: Mary C. French, Charles French, Lewis French, and Mellon French. They lived in Turner, Androscoggin Co., ME. Charles L. French states that his parents were both born in ME. This is also from FFA Chart #3.

French James C

French Nathaniel (the Auburn Municipal Court had its origin in the Auburn police court, established in 1869, and presided over by Nathaniel French from 1869 to 1873).

FRENCH William

FRENCH William - died 15 Oct 1881 ae 85y  (therefore, b. 1796), North Auburn New Cem 5m 8d married Sally _____ d 26 Mar 1884 ae 82y 7m 3d   Further research by the FFA shows that this William may have been b. 1799 in ME and that his parents were born in MA according to the 1880 census of Fayette, Kennebec, ME. He had lived in East Livermore, Androscoggin Co., ME, in 1870. In the 1880 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME, William was 84, b. 1796 in ME, married to Sallie, age 78, and both his parents were born in ME.

Early Ancestry

Edward French, FFA Chart #4, see his ancestry in America and in England. Edward was the emigrant of this line and he was considered one of the founders of Salisbury, MA, who received land in the Òfirst divisionÓ and bought land in 1642, was selectman, and a man of influence, first living in Ipswich, MA in 1633. He m. Ann Worcester and had 4 children [26].


Nathaniel French and Elizabeth Quimby had more children than just Harriett Newell French, see below:

Edward FrenchÕs Son Samuel

This line continues with Edward FrenchÕs 3rd son, Samuel. Harry Dana French did tremendous research on this line before he died in 1960. Roland Rhoades of the FFA paid to have all HarryÕs work copied which was in 7 huge boxes in the basement of the Concord, New Hampshire library. Roland sent these pages to Art Westneat, also of the FFA, who entered all the data into a database in early computer days, about 1985. He wrote a program in the BASIC language that sorted and printed the data line by line.

You can see this entire line here: http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTS/Chart004/index.htm and go down to where it says PDF Files of Edward French.

You'll find Nathaniel on p. 63. These pages from a dot matrix printer were all hand typed by Art Westneat who lives in WDC. He typed them from Harry Dana French's chicken-scratched pages, so we must also consider Art's interpretation and his typing skills. You can see what a tremendous job the entire thing is. I have not found an OCR program yet that can put these pages in digital format without hundreds of errors. If anyone knows of a good OCR program, please let me know by emailing marafrench@mindspring.com. It would almost be easier to retype them, but they are about 2,000+ pages.

First Art entered a file listing all the names in order and the birth dates, etc. It is not a Word file, but a database file. The program he wrote fetches the surname which he probably preceded with a symbol such as % and then fetches the next item in the database. After it fetches all these items, it prints it out, and then fetches the next line. So, there is never a real hardcopy of the entire file. The program is so old, he doesn't know how to write a program to fetch the whole thing and put it in Word. No one has ever checked his work against Harry Dana French's originals. Art devised town abbreviation codes to save space, because each person needed to be entered on a separate line, and then 1 line only. 

So, you can look at p. 63 and find Nathaniel at the bottom. The [Mrs. Libby] was Art's interpretation from Harry Dana French's handwriting. So does this mean she first married a man named Mr. Libby, or was it a nickname for Elizabeth? If she were b. in 1797 and had Harriett in 1818, she would have been 21 years old and could have had a marriage before that to a man named Mr. Libby. You'll see in the index on p. 184, there is a family named LIBBEY, and LIBBY is listed for Elizabeth on p. 63, and on p. 19 is an Ephraim Libby. On p. 19 it states that Ephraim Libby m. Judith Page, then it lists all his children using the surname LIBBEY. I would assume Harry Dana French copied it from vital records and that they had spelled the name differently. What I notice from this LIBBEY family is that they are all from entirely different towns than Elizabeth Quimby was from, those towns being Gilmanton, NH, and Brome, Quebec, Canada. We know that Elizabeth Quimby was not from those towns, so that is why I believe the Lizzy stands for Elizabeth. Long explanation, but was it worth it? 

So, getting back to p. 63 with Nathaniel, b. 1799 in SNW which stands for Sandwich, we notice he is in the 7th generation, the last child born because his father died in 1799. So, you need to read upwards and find all the other 7th generation children. 

First Generation

Children of Nathaniel and Martha (Jewell) French

The parents of these children were Nathaniel French and Martha Jewell. Nathaniel was b. 1757 and d. 1799. He had about 9 siblings who were, in part, Benjamin French who m1. Mercy Barker, and m2. Mary Hill; William French who m. Miriam Clough; and Elijah French.

1.1* Sargent French, b. 11 Sep 1781 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, m. Dorothy Foster and had 4 children: Samuel Foster French, b. 3 Mar 1803 in Tamworth, NH, Lydia French, b. 30 Jan 1805 in Tamworth, NH; Nathaniel Waldo French, b. 23 Nov 1807 in Tamworth, NH, m. Catherine J. Gates; Sargent, b. Aug 1814 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, m. Lydia Jane Garland. Sargent d. 1869, and his son Samuel Foster French (m. Caroline Fuller), listed the farm in Dixfield, Oxford Co., ME, for sale in 1871, two years after SargentÕs death.

SargentÕs wife Dorothy may have died and he may have remarried, as later census records show he was married to Polly. In the 1840 census, Sargent was living in Bradford, Penobscot Co., ME, with his wife and no one else. In the 1850 census, Sargent and Polly French were living in Bradford, Penobscot Co., ME. In the 1860 census, he was still living in Bradford with his wife. Polly died on 15 Feb 1868 and is buried at the Mills Cemetery in Bradford. Sargent d. 11 Sep 1866 and is also buried at Mills Cemetery.

1.2 Ezekiel French, b. 15 Aug 1783 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, died young.

1.3 Martha French, b. 30 Aug 1785 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, m. Jacob Jewell.

1.4 Anna French, b. 28 Apr 1788 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH.

1.5 Martin French, b. 1 Jan 1790 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH.

1.6 Ezekiel French, b. 29 Jul 1792 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH.

1.7 Dorothy (Dolly) French, b. 3 Dec 1793 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, m. John Severance and had 2 children: Sargent French Severance and Alvira Severance. Sargent Severance was b. 1822 in Sandwich and d. 6 Dec 1895 at age 73 in Sandwich.

1.8 Martha French, b. in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, m. Jacob Jewell and had 4 children: Hollis, Lydia, Otis, and Laura Jewell.

1.9* Nathaniel French was b. 23 May 1799 in Sandwich, NH (he was born 4 months after his father died on 16 Jan 1799), and d. 28 Jun 1876 at Auburn, ME, and is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 77 years, 1 month, 5 days. He was a man of great natural ability, a good mathematician, and noted for his excellent memory. He was a manufacturer and at one time owned a machine shop and foundry. He held several public offices, including that of trial justice. He was a man of influence and a member and deacon of the Congregational church. He m. 1817 to Elizabeth Libby Quimby, b. 25 Aug 1797 in Sandwich, NH, died while on a visit to Troy, NY, 18 Nov 1873, 3 years before Nathaniel.

In 1826 Nathaniel French removed from Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH to Bangor, ME, and lived there until 1846, after which he removed to Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME.

In the 1830 census of Maine, Nathaniel was 30 listed in Bangor, Penobscot, ME, living with 9 persons in the household: 1 male under 5, 1 male ages 5-9, 1 male ages 10-14, 1 male ages 20-29, 1 male 30-39 (Nathaniel), 1 female under 5, 1 female 10-14, 1 female 20-29, and 1 female 30-39 (his wife). His family was living next door to the Davis family.

1838-1843 -- From Ref. [25]: This shows that Nathaniel French was in Penobscot County, Maine, between 1838 and 1843. Charles A. French and the Quimby family are also in this book, as well as Ebenezer French. To predict their dates of birth would probably be ca. 1800. Ebenezer was b. ca. 1795 and d. 5 Nov 1875 in Bangor, Penobscot Co., ME. Charles A. French was b. ca. 1807 in Turner, Androscoggin Co., ME, the son of George French, b. ca. 1776, and his wife Wealthy French, who were both born in MA.

Notice immediately above where Dustan C. Quimby is listed after Nathaniel French. Dustan was the father of NathanielÕs wife, Elizabeth Quimby.

In the 1840 census of Maine, Nathaniel would have been 40. There is no listing of a Nathaniel French in Maine; only VT and NH.

1841 -- Nathaniel French signed the book "The Seaman's Friend" with the date 1841. He was living in Dixfield, Oxford Co., ME at that time.

In 1846 Nathaniel moved to Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME.

In the 1850 census on Ancestry.com Nathaniel French is listed as living in Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME (the county at that time before it became Androscoggin Co.), and he was b. ca. 1800 in NH.

In the 1860 census, Nathaniel and Elizabeth L. French are shown in Auburn, living with Harriet E. Thompson who was their niece, and also with Mary E. Rowe who was their daughter. Mary E. Rowe was b. 1830 in Maine, and married William W. Rowe. In the 1860 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME,

1869 -- Nathaniel French, Esq. of Auburn, ME. He is replying to an invitation to Celebrate the Centennial in Bangor, ME. In his letter, dated Sep. 4, 1869, he says he moved from NH to ME in 1826.

Nathaniel French was b. 1799 and died in Auburn, ME on 28 Jun 1876, buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery. He died at 77 years, 1 month, 5 days, which would put his birthday at 23 May 1799. The Honorable Elijah L. Hamlin at the bottom was b. 30 Dec 1798 in Livermore, Cumberland Co., ME; therefore, he was a contemporary of Nathaniel French. Elijah lived in Bangor, ME, in the 1860-1870 census records. Mount Hope is a very historic cemetery fashioned after the one in Cambridge, MA, Mount Auburn [1]. Also interred at Mount Hope besides Nathaniel French, Esq., is his wife Elizabeth (Libby) Quimby French.

1869-1873 -- The Auburn Municipal Court had its origin in the Auburn police court, established in 1869, and presided over by Nathaniel French from 1869 to 1873

The 1870 census shows Nathaniel, b. ca. 1799 in NH, living in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME, age 71, married to Elizabeth, who was b. 1798 in NH. They were living next door to the Sims and Rowe families, but no other Frenches.

1876 – Nathaniel French d. in Auburn, ME on 28 Jun 1876. This is a strange occurrence, because he apparently shows up 4 years later in the 1880 census, unless this death record is of another Nathaniel French in the same area.

In the 1880 census, Nathaniel and Elizabeth are living in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. In this all-important census, he is living with his wife, Elizabeth, b. 1798 in NH. Their daughter ÒisÓ Mary E. French, b. 1830 in ME, and at this time she was 20 and the oldest child living at home. Also living with them is Sarah B. French, who was b. 1835 in ME, age 15.

Harriet was the only child of this Nathaniel, b. 1799. Nathaniel was the last child born because his father died in 1799. He had many siblings: Martha, Dorothy, Ezekiel, Martin, Anna, Martha, Sargent. Their father was Nathaniel, b. 1757 and d. 1799.

Second Generation

Children of Sargent and Dorothy (Foster) French, 1.1

2.1* Samuel Foster French, Sr., b. 3 Mar 1803 in Tamworth, Carroll Co., NH.

2.2 Lydia French, b. 30 Jan 1805 in Tamworth, Carroll Co., NH.

2.3 Nathaniel Waldo French, b. 23 Nov 1807 in Tamworth, Carroll. Co., NH, m. Catherine J. Gates, d. 30 May 1876 in Lewiston, Androscoggin, ME. For many years they lived in Lunenburg, Essex Co., VT, where Nathaniel was a merchant and farmer. They had children George Foster French, b. 1830; Annette W. French, b. 1833; Samuel Gates French, b. 1840. See Ref. [36].

Family Letter written by Eliza A. Webb in Maidstone, Essex, Vermont to her niece, Martha Elizabeth Gates Wilson in Mower County, Minnesota:

Dated 26 Nov 1876:

 "You have doubtless heard ere this, of your Uncle FrenchÕs death, his remains were brought to Lunenburg, for interment, and Mrs. French, remained at her former home until October, she then went to Massachusetts, to spend the winter in Dr. Cushmans family   I was very sorry that I could not see her, but have understood that she was very sad, but said her husband was perfectly happy through his sickness, and died in peace."  

2.4 Sargent French, b. Aug 1814 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, m. Lydia Jane Garland. In the 1880 census of Bradley, Penobscot Co., ME, Sargent was living with his wife Lydia and son Herbert S. French and daughter-in-law Nina (Tasker) French. Earlier they had other children: Webster C. French, Emeline F. French, Roscoe French, Herbert S. French, and Delia M. French.

 

Children of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Quimby) French, 1.9

2.5 Harriet Newell French, (sometimes listed as Harriet E. Thompson), b. 11 Apr 1818 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, m. Joel D. Thompson on 17 Feb 1842. Joel was b. 25 Dec 1810 in Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., ME, and d. 21 Feb 1853 in Bangor, ME. See http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=REG&db=:2153361&id=I109839964. They had son Dwinel French Thompson, b. 1 Jan 1846 in Bangor, Penobscot Co., ME who m. Lena Saxton ca. 1871. The surnames Dwinel and Thompson are very prevalent in the French family. Harriet was born in NH about 8 years before her parents moved to Bangor, ME.

Harriet appears in the 1850 census of Bangor, Penobscot Co., ME, age 32, living with her husband Joel.

Because Joel died in 1853, Harriet appears in the 1860 census of Auburn, ME, living with parents, Nathaniel and Elizabeth French. Harriet d. 13 Nov 1893 in Troy, Rensselaer Co., NY, age 75. For further information on this family, see http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/404703/person/-821547658. She is living with her parents, Nathaniel and Elizabeth L. French, and with her sister Mary E. Rowe who m. William W. Rowe and had children William H. Rowe Jr., and Mary E. Rowe. Also living with them in 1860 was Louisa Babb.

Harriet appears in the 1870 census of Hanover, Grafton Co., NH, age 52, with her son Dwinel Thompson, age 24. There was a Nathaniel French living in Haverhill, Grafton, NH, in the 1870 census, b. 1818 in NH, living with his wife Maria H., and in the 1850 census, they were living in Hanover, Grafton Co., NH. Could he have been a twin to Harriet because they were both born in 1818?

Harriet appears in the 1880 census of Troy, Rensselaer Co., NY, living with her son Dwinel and his wife. Harriet is widowed.

Harriet d. 13 Nov 1893 in Troy (Lansingburg), Rensselaer Co., NY, age 75. She and Joel Thompson had another child, Alice, b. 1 Jun 1851 who died in infancy, 17 Apr 1855.

   Dwinel French Thompson

2.6* James Constantine French, b. ca. 1826-28 perhaps in Bangor, Penobscot Co., ME.

    J.C. and Anne French

Both of JamesÕ sons state in the 1900 census that he was born in VT and the 1880 census says he was born in NH. James, himself, states in the 1880 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ that he was 53 years old, b. ca. 1827 in NH, and that both his parents were born in NH. At this time, he was living with his wife and 7 of his children, see below.

James states in a letter he wrote to his wife in 1867 that he spent the first 20 years of his life in Bangor, Penobscot Co., ME (1826-1846) before moving to Auburn, ME, where he met and married Ann. One of his last letters to her was written from NY to ÒMrs. J. C. FrenchÓ in care of H. B. Barrett in Union, Maine on 13 Oct 1887.

The death certificates of his two youngest children (Lizzie and Albert) state that their father was born in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH.

Photo of J. C. French with wife Ann and children Richard R., James, and Ella M. French, ca. 1857

    Ann Maria and James C. French, ca. 1857

  

Ann Maria and James C. French ca. 1872, and Ann Maria French ca. 1902

Marriage

James C. French m. Ann Maria Rice on 26 Oct 1847 probably in Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME. James had lived prior to this marriage in Union, Knox Co., ME. She was b. in Lewiston, Androscoggin Co., ME, on 26 Apr 1828, the youngest child of Deborah Banister and Nathan Drury Rice, both born in ME [1]. James and Ann had eight children.

Ann Marie and James C. French with all their children, taken ca. 1872

Back Row Standing: Ella Marie (24), Harriett Eveline (13), Richard Rice French (20), James Banister French (18), Nathan Drury French (11).

First Row: Albert Nathaniel French (5), George Edwin French (8), Ann Maria Rice French (44), Elizabeth Deborah French (9), James C. French (44).

Rice Family

Richard Rice was b. 1730, m. Sarah Drury in 1755. Their son was James Rice, b. 1758, m. Sarah Perry who was b. 1760, and their son Nathan Drury Rice was b. 1784 in ME and d. 1860. He was the father of Ann M. Rice who married J. C. French. The Rice side traces back to Edmund Rice and Thomasina Frost who came from England in 1639 and settled in Wayland, MA [1]. Ann French's father, Nathan D. was president of the Portland and Kennebec Railroad. Nathan Rice's parents were James Rice b. 1758 (who moved from Framingham, MA to Union, Knox Co., ME) and Sarah Perry b. 1760 [1] [12].

Census and Other Records

James is in the 1850 census of Auburn, Cumberland Co. (later Androscoggin Co.), ME, age 34, living with his wife Ann and daughter Ella who was only 1 year old at that time. In this early census, James states that he was born in Maine.

1851 – The business community of Auburn grew tremendously.

C. H. Rice who was in the dry goods and groceries business
Pray & French who were in the boots and shoes business
G. M. French who was in the clothing business; his name was George Marshal French, b. 1829, which indicates he was about 20 years old when the history above occurred.
G. M. French and Charles H. Rice who were in the hats, caps, and furs business
Nathaniel French & Sons who were iron founders (sons were J. C. French, George Marshal French, and Nathaniel French Jr.)
J. C. French was a machinist

1855 First Spring Party on March 13, 1855 under the auspices of the New England Emigrant Aid Society lists J. C. French and G. B. French, both of Brunswick, Cumberland Co., ME. See http://www.skyways.org/genweb/archives/statewide/index/1stparty.txt.

James is listed in the 1860 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME, living with his wife Ann, and children Elly, Richard, James B., and Hattie E. They are also living with Nathaniel French, 19, and his wife Margarett Luana, 19. This Nathaniel French must have been related to this line in some way, but he was too old to be a child of James. Nathaniel was b. 1841 in Maine. He was not the Nathaniel French who is listed as Nathan S. French, also b. 1841 in Maine. Margarett Luana was b. in Ireland in 1841.

1863 – James is registered in the draft for the U.S. Civil War in the 3rd Congressional District as age 35, born in Maine, and unmarried. The fact that he states he is unmarried is puzzling. He was a resident of Union, Knox Co., ME. Also listed on the same page is Aaron C. French of Albion, Kennebec Co., ME, b. ca. 1833, and Adison French of Vienna, Kennebec Co., ME, b. ca. 1830.

Letter from James to Ann, 1867: from Ref. [1]: In looking through the family letters and I found one from James to his wife who is living in Union, Knox Co., ME, in 1867. He was living/working at that time in New York City. James states he has a room in Brooklyn where he is writing this letter and is working hard in the shop on Canal Street. James would have been 41. Bangor and Mount Hope are both in Maine. He writes:

"My Darling Annie

I hope some time in the distant future to go to Maine, wish to go to Bangor and take a look at the place where the first 20 years of my life were spent, visit Mount Hope, see people living there that I knew of...I would like to spend a few days in Union where I spent a number of years and a great deal of labor. Then a few days in Lewiston and Auburn, I do this in my mind once in a while, probably that's as near as I will ever get to it. I have some day dreams, but I wake to the realities of life pretty suddenly. I can't work as long without feeling used up, but I see men not as old as I am who can't do as much work as I do, so I feel quite proud of myself in this respect.

He closes by saying: I will not say love to you if I have not shown it during the years past - it would be nonsense to write it here...but I do write it all the same and say My Love to You, Affectionately, Your

                                    French Constantine JamesÓ

In the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, James is 44 and states that he was born in Maine. He was in Chicago and later in New York to promote his invention of vault lights, and he received his patent in Chicago in 1872 (see http://glassian.org/Prism/Patent/123688/page1.html).

In the 1880 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, James is 53 and states that he was born in NH and that both his parents were born in NH. His occupation was in vault light manufacturing. He was living with his wife and 7 children.

Invention

James Constantine French invented an improvement in vault lights in 1871 in Chicago and New York, where the witness was R. R. French (his son Richard R. French, b. 1852). See FrenchÕs Vault Glass. He received his patent on 18 July 1871. Although his son Richard was his partner, Richard did not stay long, but moved to Seattle, Washington.

Panic of 1873

The Panic of 1873 triggered a severe international economic depression in both Europe and the United States that lasted under 1879. The panic was caused by the fall in demand for silver internationally. The newspaper below shows a bank run on the Fourth National Bank at No. 20 Nassau Street in New York City, 1873, at the same location where James had his vault light company. This panic occurred shortly after the American Civil War.

Death

James C. French predeceased Ann. He was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY, and his tombstone is an obelisk. He died before 1900. Ann was not buried at this cemetery. 300,000 people are buried in Greenwood, quite a famous cemetery with tours. One of his last letters James wrote to his wife was written from NY to ÒMrs. J. C. FrenchÓ in care of H. B. Barrett in Union, Knox Co., Maine on 13 Oct 1887. The letter was written from JamesÕ vault company at 537 Canal Street in which he acknowledges her loving letter.

  Greenwood Cemetery

2.7 George Marshal French, b. 1829 in Portland, Cumberland Co., ME, d. 14 Aug 1895 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, where he perhaps worked with his brother James C. French in the vault light industry. He was a bookkeeper and married. G. M. French is mentioned in the article above along with J. C. French. George M. French is listed as b. 1829 in ME, living in the 1850 census of Lewiston, Lincoln Co., ME, the son of Marshal French who was b. ca. 1800 in ME. He was in the clothing business ca. 1850 in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. In the 1860 census of Lewiston, Androscoggin Co., ME, Marshal was 60 and living with the Clark family, in specific, Clara E. Clark who m. George A. Clark and was MarshalÕs daughter, b. 1832 in ME. In the 1850 census of Lewiston, Lincoln Co., ME, Clara E. French was 18 and living with her father, Marshal, age 50, who was probably widowed. Also living with Clara is George M. French, age 21, b. 1829 in ME; Harriet A. French, age 16, b. 1834 in ME; and Ellen J. French, age 16, b. 1834 in ME. In 1863, 1865 and 1866, Marshal was an Alderman of Lewiston, Androscoggin Co., ME.

Because James C. French moved to Chicago, IL, likewise George M. French above, and because James C. French mentions Lewiston in a letter he wrote to his wife, George M. French most likely was a brother of James C. French.

Furthermore, in ÒA Business Director of the Subscribers to the New Map of MaineÓ, J. C. French is mentioned as a machinist and Marshall French is mentioned as working for Agent Porter & Lincoln Mills, both in Lewiston.

2.8 Mary E. French, she was born 1830 in ME, about 4 years after her parents moved to Bangor, ME. Mary m. William W. Rowe as per the 1850 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. They had children William H. Rowe and Mary E. Rowe.

2.9 Clara Elizabeth French, b. 1832 in ME (most likely Bangor as her father Nathaniel lived there), appears in the 1860 census of Lewiston, Androscoggin Co., ME, living with her father, Marshal. She m. George A. Clark. In the 1850 census of Lewiston, Lincoln Co., ME, Clara E. French is 18 and living with her father, Marshal, age 50, who was probably widowed. Also living with Clara is George M. French, age 21, b. 1829 in ME; Harriet A. French, age 16, b. 1834 in ME; and Ellen J. French, age 16, b. 1834 in ME. She appears in the 1870 census of Portland, Cumberland Co., ME, age 36. She and George A. Clark, 40, are living with their children: George N. Clark age 14, Frank W. Clark age 12.

2.10 Sarah B. (Barrett?) French, b. 1835 in Maine (most likely Bangor as her father Nathaniel lived there), and most likely married by 1860. She is listed in the 1850 census of Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME, living with her parents, Nathaniel and Elisabeth French. Also living with them in the 1850 census of Auburn is James Mitchell, age 21, b. 1829 in ME – perhaps Sarah married him? Also living with them is Willard Davis, age 17, b. 1833 whom Sarah could have also married. The Davis family was closely connected to the French family as they moved to Seattle, WA, at the same time. By the 1860 census of Durham, Androscoggin Co., ME, Willard Davis had returned home living with his parents, Joseph and Sarah S. Davis. But by the 1870 census of Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, it appears that Willard Davis who was b. 1835 in ME had married Matilda whom was also living with him in the 1860 census. By the 1880 census, this Davis family was living in Fall River, Bristol Co., MA. On the other hand, searching for James Mitchell shows he did marry a woman named Sarah who was b. 1836 in Maine. In the 1880 census, they were living in Macon City, Macon Co., MO with 6 children: Herbert, Minnie, Lena, C., Ernest, and Harrie. It appears, though, that this Sarah had the middle initial ÒRÓ and not ÒBÓ. In other census records are a Sarah N. and a Sarah M. living with a Mitchell family, so this research is far from being correct.

2.11 Nathaniel French, b. Oct 1841 in Maine, m. Margarett Luana, lived in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME, in the 1860 census, with his brother James C. French.

Third Generation

Children of Samuel Foster French, 2.1

3.1* Samuel Foster French, Jr. (called Foster), b. Jan 1822 in NH (according to the 1870 census), m. Caroline Olivia Fuller in 1848 in Canton, Oxford Co., ME. Caroline was b. 23 Oct 1827 in Canton, Oxford Co., ME. Caroline was the daughter of Charles Fuller, b. 7 Sep 1794 and Mary Austin, b. 26 Oct 1799, both in Jay, Kennebec Co., ME. Charles FullerÕs father was from Newton, Middlesex Co., MA. In the 1850 census, Charles Fuller was living in Canton, Oxford Co., ME, and in the 1860 census, he was living in Mexico, Oxford Co., ME. Samuel F. French owned a farm in Dixfield, ME. The Old Dixfield Opera House is behind the town sign in the photo below.

See the story of their lives: http://www.kirklandheritage.org/Foundering-Fathers-4-5-3.pdf. Samuel, was a molder, died in 1906, and Caroline died in 1909. Both are buried at the Kirkland Cemetery in Kirkland, King Co., WA. Also see photos posted on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirklandviews/. Sam French's family were vault light manufacturers and he had the opportunity to join the firm, but opted instead to take his family to the great Pacific Northwest.

Caroline and Samuel French during the 1880s in front of her son, HarryÕs, home in Houghton, WA.

Samuel and Caroline French along with their adult son, Harry French, settled on the eastside of Lake Washington in 1872. The French family was from Maine and had been corresponding with a friend who had settled in Seattle and praised the potential of the Eastside. Mrs. French named their new home, Pleasant Bay.

The French family is considered HoughtonÕs first white settlers. Little has been learned about the earliest Native American inhabitants of the area, but Mrs. French reported seeing them as they rowed their canoes along the shore. The French house was built in 1874 at 10120 NE 63rd and was home to the French family for four generations. The house was moved to 4130 Lake Washington Blvd in 1978. The French family soon had industrious neighbors.

Samuel advertised his farm in Dixfield, Oxford Co., ME for sale in 1871 (2 years after his father had died) and they were on their way West after visiting the French's in Chicago in 1872 - where they remain today in the Seattle area. Harry was invited to join the J. C. French Company at that time. "Dick" was undoubtedly the son/ partner of James (R.R.- Richard Rice French), of James C. French and Sons [1] [10].

"S. Foster French came with his family, wife and son, Harry D. French, from Dixfield, Oxford county, Maine. They sold their property and started in March 1872, stopping awhile in Chicago on the way, and Harry went to work for his Uncle James French at Barrett and French on Michigan Avenue.

They waited several days in San Francisco for a steamer, came to Port Madison, then to Seattle, arriving in July. In August they came over to the east side of Lake Washington, bought A. A. Smith's homestead claim, paying $300 for abandonment, upon which Mr. French filed for himself. The family was not without means, and were well able to support themselves until they could raise crops from their land. The old cabin into which they moved their effects is still standing, and is the oldest building now remaining on the lake. The first school was afterward taught there by Mr. Dunlap, of Juanita, and the Congregational church was organized in the same. In 1874 Mr. French built the dwelling house where he now resides. At that time it was one of the finest houses in the county outside of Seattle. Improvements were steadily made from year to year. Strawberries and a fine orchard were planted as fast as possible. The improvements were among the finest in the county. " Also see http://www.kirklandheritage.org/george-kirk-clippings/Image15-16.jpg.

Census and Other Records

Family shown of Samuel French in Maine in the following census records: (some dates are incorrect in census)

1841 Diary from S. Foster French that records his voyage on U.S. sloope of war 'Cyane'. The date is 1838 and he left Boston on June 24 on an extended voyage returning to Norfolk, Virginia, May 16, 1841 [15].

  USS Cyane, 1846

1850 census – where was he in the 1850 census? This could be important. There is a listing of a Samuel French in the 1850 census of Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., NH, which states he was b. ca. 1822 in NH, and was living with Margaret French, b. 1829 who was b. in MA, and therefore more likely his wife and not his sister, but . . . this SamuelÕs wife was Caroline and not Margaret.

1860 census – Mexico, Oxford Co., ME, Samuel 38, and Caroline 32, living with children Henry (perhaps should be Harry) 10, Rebecca 7, Alice 4, and Samuel 1. Also in the 1860 census of Mexico were CarolineÕs parents, Charles and Mary Fuller, living in another residence right next door to each other. After their 3 youngest children had died or during the time they died, the family moved to Dixfield, Oxford Co., ME, where SamuelÕs father, Nathaniel, was living.

1870 census -- Dixfield, Oxford Co., ME, Samuel 48, Caroline 42, Harry D. French, age 20. Before 1870, the family suffered an incredible loss when 3 of their 4 children died: Rebecca and Alice and Samuel.

1870 Residents of Dixfield – see http://www.dixfieldcitizennews.net/1870/p2.htm.

1880 census -- Juanita, King Co., WA, Samuel was 58, living with his wife Caroline, and son Harry French, age 30.

1890 Directory – Seattle, Washington, lived at Washington Lake on the southeast corner Clara St.

1900 census – Kirkland, King Co., WA, Samuel French is 78, born in Jan 1822 in NH, living with his wife Carolina O. French is 72 (they married in 1848), their son Harry D. French, age 50, and HarryÕs wife Rosa P., age 33, and their daughter Olivia E. French, age 4.

1906 – Samuel F. French died and is buried at the Kirkland Rose Hill Cemetery at Kirkland, King Co., WA. His wife died in 1909.

1910 census – Kirkland, King Co., WA, Harry D. French 60, and his wife Rose P. Franch 43, with Olivia E. French, 14.

1920 census – Rose Hill, King Co., WA, Harry D. French 70, Rosa P. French 52, and Olivia 23.

1930 census – Houghton, King Co., WA, Harry D. 80, and Rosa P. 63, with the Davis family. Most likely the D. in Harry D. French stands for Harry Davis French.

Harry French and the Reverend Samuel Greene on what is now Lake Washington Boulevard and Marsh Park. FrenchÕs first cabin (right) was built across from the present Bay Shores Apartments. See http://www.kirklandheritage.org/Foundering-Fathers-Pictures-Text-3-2.pdf [10].

The First Church of Christ of Pleasant Bay, built in 1879 across from what later became Marsh Park on Lake Washington Boulevard. The building was torn down in 1974 [10].

 

From the left: Harry French, Caroline French and Sam French in front of HarryÕs home, built on NE 63rd in 1874. The two persons on the right are not identified. (French home was moved from NE 63 and Lake Washington Boulevard to 4130 Lake Washington Boulevard in 1978. It is still on property that was a part of the French homestead. The people on the right are probably Lucy Tuttle, adopted daughter of Samuel and Caroline Olivia Fuller French and Edward W. Stamp, LucyÕs husband [10].   

The photo beside it shows the French house, which was moved from 10129 NE 63rd Street o 4130 Lake Washington Blvd. in 1978. This house is on the Community Character Element list of Historic Buildings, Structures, Sites, and Objects. Only residential use is permitted in this house [28].

 [28]

French homestead in Kirkland, King Co., WA, photo taken by Kristin Hancock in 2011. Samuel French was one of only 5 families who were notable Houghton settlers, along with OÕConner, Curtis, Fish, and Marsh. See location on map above.

Death

Samuel Foster French d. 1906 in Kirkland, King Co., WA. His wife Caroline d. 1909.

 

 

Children of James C. and Ann Maria (Rice) French, 2.6

3.2 Ella or Elly Maria French, b. 1 Oct 1848 in Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME. She is listed in the 1850 census of Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME as age 1 and living with her parents. She lived with her parents in the 1860 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. Ella is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 21. By the 1900 census of Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY, Ella was widowed, but had married a man named Leigh. She had daughter Elizabeth D. Leigh, b. 1880 in IL. She was also living with her brother Nathan. EllaÕs husband was born in Canada.

   Ella Maria French, ca. 1857 and ca. 1872

  Ella M. French, ca. 1868, age 20

3.3 Richard Rice French (R. R.), b. 10 Jan 1852 in Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME, lived with his parents in the 1860 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. Richard is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 19. He is in the 1880 census as doing business with his father, both listed as Vault Light engineers. In the 1900 census of Proviso (Melrose Park), Cook Co., IL, Richard is 48 and living with his brother, James B., age 45, who was the head of the household. In 1900 Richard was single. He states that his father was born in VT and his mother in ME; he was a contractor of vaults. In the early 20th century, he moved west. In the 1910 census of Langell Valley, Klamath Co., OR, Richard was a hired man, single, working with the Devaul family on a dairy farm. In this census, he states that he was born in ME and his father in NH and his mother in VT. Richard never married.

  Richard R. French, ca. 1857 and ca. 1872

  Richard R. French in Chicago, IL

Richard wrote a letter to his mother on 3 Nov 1878 from The National Hotel in Syracuse, indicating the financial stress the family was under. The Panic of 1873 triggered a severe international economic depression in both Europe and the United States that lasted under 1879. The panic was caused by the fall in demand for silver internationally.

3.4* James Barrett French, b. Oct 1854 in ME, lived with his parents in the 1860 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. James is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 16. James is listed in the 1880 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, age 25, single, living with his parents and siblings, and working in vault light manufacturing. He is listed in the 1900 census of Proviso (Melrose Park), Cook Co., IL, with his wife, Ellen Kendall or Lanxou, whom he married in 1885. She was b. Jul 1854 in England. He states that his father was born in VT and his mother in ME; he was a contractor of vaults. He was also living with his brother, Richard R. French, age 48, b. Jan 1852.

   James B. French, ca. 1857 and ca. 1872

     

James B. French, and later in military regalia dated 1908

3.5 Harriett (Hattie) Eveline French, b. 1859 in ME, lived with her parents in the 1860 census of Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. Hattie is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 10. Hattie is listed in the 1880 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, age 20, single, living with her parents and siblings.

  Harriett Eveline French, ca. 1872

3.6 Nathan (Nathaniel) Drury French, b. 1861 in ME. Nathan is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 9. He is listed in the 1880 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ as the son of Jas. C. French of NH born in NH and Annie M. French born in ME. Nathan was a paint store clerk, single, age 19 on the 1880 census. Nathan is listed in the 1900 census of Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY as age 39, born in ME, living with his mother, age 72 (his father must have died), and with his brother, Albert. In the 1910 census, he was still living in Brooklyn, single, and with his sister Ella M. Leigh and her daughter, Elizabeth. 

     

Nathan Drury French, ca. 1872, and much later on in Brooklyn, NY, dressed as Santa Claus.

3.7 Elizabeth (Lizzie) Deborah French, b. 9 Sep 1863 in Union, Knox Co., ME. Lizzie is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 7. In the 1900 census of Bloomfield, Essex Co., NJ, she was married to George O. Adams, age 40, and also living with her niece, Elizabeth D. Leigh, the daughter of her oldest sister Ella. She d. 25 Mar 1919 at age 56 of Sciatica Pain, diabetes, hernia, and cancer in Jamaica, Windham Co., NY. On her death certificate, it states her father was James C. French and her motherÕs name was Rice. She further states that her father was born in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, or so does the person who wrote up her death certificate. She states that her mother was born in Auburn, ME.

  Elizabeth Deborah French, ca. 1872

3.8* George Edwin (Eddie) French, b. 30 Apr 1864 in Union, Knox Co., ME, d. 1927 [1]. He m. Gertrude Amelia Hurst in 1883, d. 8 Feb 1827. Eddie is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 6. George was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was the grandfather of Ref. [1]. George m. Gertrude Hurst. He is listed in the 1900 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, age 36, living with his wife and two of his children: Cora C. and Edwin G. George is listed in the 1910 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, with his wife Gertrude and 3 children. George is listed in the 1920 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, living with his wife Gertrude A. and their 4 children.

  

George Edwin French, ca. 1872 and in 1902 with his wife with their youngest child

Photo taken ca. 1902 of George Edwin French, (b. 1864) standing with his family: son George Edwin French II (b. 1895), mother Ann Marie Rice French (b. 1828), daughter Gertrude French (b. 1898), wife Gertrude Hurst French (b. 1865), holding daughter Katharine (b. 1901).

  George Edwin and Gertie Hurst

3.9 Albert Nathaniel French [1], b. 22 Jan 1867 in Union, Knox Co., ME. Is this Herbert French who was b. 6 Oct 1854 in Auburn, ME? Albert is listed in the 1870 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, age 4. Albert is in the 1900 census of Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY, age 33, single, living with his brother Nathan. Albert d. 18 Oct 1917, age 51, in Jamaica, Windham Co., VT of Arterio Schlerosis Mital Insufficiency. He states that his father was Jas. C. French born in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH, but the same person filled out his death certificate as did his sisterÕs death certificate.

  Albert Nathaniel French, ca. 1872

Fourth Generation

Children of Samuel Foster and Caroline Olivia (Fuller) French, 2.1

Before 1870, the family suffered an incredible loss when 3 of their 4 children died, Rebecca b. 1853, Alice b. 1856, and Samuel b. 1859, probably all in Mexico, Oxford Co., ME.

4.1 Harry D. French, b. 1848 in ME (most likely Mexico, Oxford Co., ME), d. 1937 and is buried at the Kirkland Cemetery in Kirkland, King Co., WA. He m. Rosa P. who was born in 1867 in Iowa, and d. 1956 and is buried next to Harry. RosaÕs parents were both born in England. Their only child was Olivia, b. 1897 in Washington. Olivia married a Davis? and had son David who had no issue [15].

  Harry D. French in Washington

Kirkland Views [10] describes the Samuel Foster French (b. ca. 1823) and his son Harry Dwinel French. Harry, b. 1851, the son of Samuel and Caroline Olivia (Fuller) French, buys a gun (the kind used by Union soldiers, the article says) from his cousin "Dick" French (see 3.6), b. 1852. Harry French purchased a "seven-shooter" from his cousin Dick French just prior to moving west. It was likely similar to this one, a single action, .32 caliber rimfire Moore Belt Revolver.
Photo Courtesy Kirkland Historical Society.

Harry Dwinel French came to the Washington Territory from Dixfield, Oxford Co., ME, in 1872 with his parents, Sam and Caroline French. That year his parents took over a 77.8 acre homestead land claim from Alfred Smith on the lakeshore, in today's Houghton. Harry helped Sam clear that land and then purchased his own 79.5-acre claim, adjacent to his parents, from John C O'Conner. In 1874 Harry constructed the first frame house on the Eastside, it was moved in 1978 to 4130 Lk Wa Blvd., but still stands (as of 2011). He married Rosa "Rosey" Jones in 1895. Daughter Olivia was born to the couple in 1896 and a son, not named, was born and died in 1903. From http://www.findagrave.com/.

Seattle ca. 1872, when the French family arrived from Maine to Houghton, WA

Harry French built a frame cabin for his family with later became Pleasant BayÕs (original name for Houghton) first classroom and its first Sunday school. Harry and other Houghton residents commuted to Seattle to work in YeslerÕs Mill either by rowing boats, by horse, or by daily ferry service. YeslerÕs Mill was the first steam-powered sawmill on Puget Sound, built in 1852.

    YeslerÕs Mill, ca. 1855, more

1910 census – Kirkland, King Co., WA, Harry D. French 60, and his wife Rose P. Franch 43, with Olivia E. French, 14.

1920 census – Rose Hill, King Co., WA, Harry D. French 70, Rosa P. French 52, and Olivia 23.

1930 census – Houghton, King Co., WA, Harry D. 80, and Rosa P. 63, with the Davis family. Most likely the D. in Harry D. French stands for Harry Davis French.

Harry D. French was a pioneer in Kirkland, Washington, and he together with Kirkland businessman and postmaster Edwin M. Church built the Masonic Lodge Building called the French & Church Building, a historic building located at 702 Market Street at the corner of Seventh Avenue in the historic commercial core of Kirkland, WA, in 1890-91. At the time it was built, it stood on the corner of Piccadilly and Market. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places listed as the Masonic Lodge Building.

The Masonic Lodge Building, also known as the Campbell Building and first known as the French & Church Building, is an historic building located at 702 Market Street at the corner of Seventh Avenue in the historic commercial core of Kirkland, Washington. It was built in 1890-91 by Kirkland businessman and postmaster Edwin M. Church with pioneer Harry D. French as part of the land boom following Peter Kirk's proposal of building a huge steel mill on the east side of Lake Washington. In 1922, the building was purchased by Kirkland Lodge No. 150 of the Free and Accepted Masons, which still occupies the building's upper level.

The building is notable for its sturdy brick construction and Victorian elements including a wooden cornice and window caps. It remains basically unchanged except for new aluminum frame windows installed by the lodge in the 1960s to replace the original wood double hung ones. On August 3, 1982, it was added the National Register of Historic Places. Also see newspaper clipping.

Death

Harry D. French d. 1937 and is buried at the Kirkland Cemetery in Kirkland, King Co., WA. Rosa P. French d. 1956 almost 20 years after Harry (she was 20 years younger than Harry) and is buried next to him. RosaÕs parents were both born in England.

 

 

 

4.2 Rebecca French, b. 1853 in Mexico, Oxford Co., ME, died between 1861-1870 and before her parents moved to Seattle, WA.

4.3 Alice F. French, b. 1856 in Mexico, Oxford Co., ME, died between 1861-1870 and before her parents moved to Seattle, WA.

4.4 Samuel French, b. 1859 in Mexico, Oxford Co., ME, died between 1861-1870 and before his parents moved to Seattle, WA.

 

Children of James B. and Ellen (Kendall) French, 3.4

4.5* James Barrett French, Jr., b. 13 Nov 1885 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, living with his parents in the 1900 census of Proviso (Melrose Park), Cook Co., IL, living with his parents, sister Henrietta, and uncle Richard R. French. James is listed in the 1930 census of New Trier, Cook Co., IL, living with Glada Roberts French and stating her mother as Mae Roberts. Glada was b. 1889 in Michigan, and her parents were born in Indiana.

James d. 20 Mar 1947 in Proviso (Melrose Park), Cook Co., IL. See http://www.melroseparkmemories.org/deathindex/viewRecord.php?id=5466.

He was a civil engineer in Joliet, Will Co., IL, during WWI. He was working in Chicago, and he lists his nearest relative as Glade Mae French living at the same address as he was, 503 ½ Maine St. in Joliet, which is a suburb of Chicago.

He was a civil engineer in Chicago. During WWII, he was living in Sitka, Alaska.

4.6 Henrietta L. French, b. 15 Jul 1887 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, living with her parents in the 1900 census of Proviso (Melrose Park), Cook Co., IL. Her birth certificate states that her father was James Barrett French born in Auburn, Maine and her mother was Ellen Kendall Lanxon, born in Cornwall, England. Henrietta French is listed as living on 802 S. First Ave., Maywood, IL, with James B. French. Henrietta received an A.A. Degree in 1907 at the Instructor Chicago School of Domestic Arts. James was her brother. She d. 7 Mar 1957 and is buried at Melrose Park in Chicago. Her mother was Ellen Luxon. Apparently, she never married.

Children of George Edwin and Gertrude (Hurst) French, 3.8

4.7 Cora Christine French, b. Apr 1884 in Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, is listed in the 1900 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, age 16.

4.8 Harry Edwin French (twin), died in infancy in 1887 in Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ.

4.9 Harriett (Hattie) Edwina French (twin), died in infancy in 1887 in Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ.

4.10 George Edwin French, or Edwin G. French, b. 30 Apr 1895 in Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, is listed in the 1900 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, age 5. In the 1910 census of Jersey City, Edwin is 14 and listed with his parents and siblings. In the 1920 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, G. Edwin French is 24 and living with his wife, Islah, his parents and siblings. Islah was b. 1894 in NC. George d. Oct 1965 at age 70 in New Jersey as per the social security death index. In the U.S. Sons of the American Revolution Membership Application, GeorgeÕs wifeÕs name is listed as Ethel Johnston.

  George Edwin French II ca. 1902

George registered for the U.S. WWI Draft in 1917 in Hudson Co., NJ. He was working as a stenographer for a bank in NY, single.

George registered for the U.S. WWII Draft in 1942. Perhaps George had a second marriage to Ethel French, b. 14 Sep 1904 in NJ, as both of them were on the ship Mauretania arriving in NY on 21 Sep 1934.

4.11 Gertrude French, b. 1898 in Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, living in the 1910 census of NJ with her parents, living in the 1920 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, with her parents.

 

Gertrude French ca. 1902, and Gertrude with her younger sister Katharine and their mother, Gertrude Hurst French, 1907

4.12 Katharine French, b. 1904 in Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, mother of Ref. [1], d. 1974 [1]. Katharine m. David Nicol in 1930 and had one child, Nancy Nicol, b. 1941 who had two children, David Hancock and Margot Hathaway and one grandson, William Griffin Hancock [1]. Margot Hathaway Nicol married a man named Clifford and she is responsible for scanning in all these family photos and sending them to the FFA. Katharine was living in the 1910 census of NJ with her parents, and living in the 1920 census of Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, with her parents.

  Katharine French

Fifth Generation

Children of James B. and Glada (Roberts) French, 4.5

These names were important in this family: John Hullinger and Charlton Whittmore. See http://www.melroseparkmemories.org/deathindex/viewRecord.php?id=5466.

5.1 Virginia French, b. 1912 and living in New Trier, Cook Co., IL, in the 1930 census. In the 1920 census, she is living in Joliet, Will Co., IL.

5.2 James Barrett French, the 3rd, b. 7 Jan 1913 in IL. In the 1920 census, he is living in Joliet, Will Co., IL. The Chicago Tribune of 8 May 1998 lists a James B. French as a retired automobile mechanic; this could have been his son. James d. 6 Sep 1989 at age 76 in Northbrook, Cook Co., IL.

5.2 Bill French, b. 19 Jun 1914, and living in New Trier, Cook Co., IL, in the 1930 census. He d. 29 Sep 1989, age 75, in Umatilla, Lake Co., FL. This information has not been verified as being the same person of this line.

5.3 Mary Elizabeth French, b. 15 May 1915 in IL. In the 1920 census, she is living in Joliet, Will Co., IL. She d. at age 87 on 25 Jul 2002 in Bloomington, Mclean Co., IL. This information has not been verified as being the same person of this line.

DNA Testing

Administered by Julia French Wood. For any questions regarding DNA, please email Julia at juliaFWood@aol.com.

A good source for research would be for a male with the surname French of this line to take the DNA test. It is a simple test that doesnÕt involve blood. A kit is delivered to your house with special brushes for you to take cheek swabs and the tip is injected into the tiny test tubes to be returned to the lab. After the tests that you ordered are completed, in about 4 weeks, you will be notified and can log in to your personal page at the company to view your results and your DNA matches. They may match up with one of the tests shown here: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/french/default.aspx?section=yresults. The FamilyTree DNA website gives a special lower price to those with the surname French. Read about those who approve of it: http://www.familytreedna.com/testimonials.aspx. To get the discounted price for our French DNA Project group, go to http://small-stuff.com/FRENCH/DNA/ and click at the left on "Join the French DNA Project" then place your order. Julia French Wood suggests the 37 marker test (Y-DNA37), but if you want to start with 25, you can upgrade to a higher test at a later date if needed.

Bibliography and Background Information

[1] Nancy Nicol, email: nancymnicol@gmail.com (good in 2011) or nancynicol@verizon.net or nancynicolart.com. Art website: http://nancynicolart.webs.com/. I belong to the Edmund Rice Association. I have a lot more about James' business, on Canal Street as well as Broadway, in NYC, and boxes of letters, correspondences between James and Ann, she stayed in Maine with their children. Nancy is a therapist and an artist. I inherited an antique plate that shows a very handsome man, dressed militarily, who looks very much like my French relatives, including my mother! On the plate, he is called 'Major-General J.D.P. French'. I have treasured this plate but had no idea where he fit in. Nancy has letters between James and Ann dated 1867-1873.

[2] Bering Sea Ecoregion, Strategic Action Plan, Part II, First Iteration, Dec 2004, website: http://www.pices.int/projects/Bering_Indicators/BS_SAP%20Pt2%20Dec04%20Final.pdf.

[3] Ancestry.com shows a Nathaniel French, b. 6 Mar 1761 in Keene, Cheshire Co., NH and age 89 in the 1850 census of Bethel, Windsor Co., VT. His parents names were Jonah and Melatiah French. He was living with his son, Nathaniel French, b. 1803 in NH; he was 47 in the 1850 census of Bethel and the head of household. Living with him was his wife, Judith, age 42, and son James French, age 21. In the 1860 census of Wheelock, Caledonia Co., VT, we see that James is still living with his parents, Nathaniel and Judith, and that his middle initial is ÒMÓ and not ÒCÓ. He is married to Ann E. and not Ann M. They have a daughter, Ellen, not Ella, born in 1860 in VT. This is not a close enough match to consider it this line.

Researching more on this line, Nathanial French was b. in 1800, age 50, in the 1850 census of Auburn, Cumberland, ME, living with his wife, Elisabeth, age 52, and 2 of their children: Mary E, age 20, and Sarah B, age 15. Mary was b. in 1830 and Sarah in 1835; therefore, they could have had a brother, James C. French, born in 1828. Researching further, Nathaniel was b. 25 Oct 1800 in Keene, Cheshire Co., NH, the son of Nathaniel and Hannah French. In the 1870 census of Wheelock, Caledonia Co., VT, Nathanial was 70 and living with James French, b. 1829 in VT, age 41, with his wife Ann, b. 1834 in VT, age 36. They are living with Ellen French, age 10, b. 1860 in VT. Nathaniel is living with his wife, Judith, b. 1809 in VT, age 61. Because there is so much switching between ME, NH, and VT in later census records concerning James C. FrenchÕs children stating where he was born, one could understand their confusion. But, no far, no cegar.

[4] From ÒThe centennial Celebration of the Settlement of Bangor, MaineÓ, September 30, 1869. (Penobscot County)

FROM NATHANIEL FRENCH, ESQ.

Auburn, Sept. 4th, 1869.

Gentlemen : Your kind letter, inviting me to meet with you on the 30th Inst, to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Bangor, has been received. It revives in my mind some interesting incidents of my life. In 1826 I removed from my native town, situated among the hills of New Hampshire, to Bangor. My neighbors said to me, that I was certainly going from home, as Bangor was on the verge of civilization. Soon after I arrived at Bangor, John Wilson of Brewer enquired of me how many bridles I brought with me. He said it was expected that one horse would soon be missing after a man arrived from New Hampshire. He said there would be no particular complaint made if only one was taken, but they were unwilling to have them carried off in pairs. He gave me to understand distinctly that one horse was a regular Danegelt tax, which Bangor and vicinity, had consented to pay to New Hampshire, provided it secured immunity from further depredations for one year.

As an offset from New Hampshire, when I returned to my native town, I was enquired of by a mechanic, (who said he thought of going to Bangor for employment,) if Bangor people lived comfortably. He said he had been informed, that they lived mostly on fish and clams. He further inquired if the white people and Indians associated together as neighbors, and intermarried. I was at a loss to decide which had the poorest opinion of the other. But New Hampshire and Maine people are now better acquainted with each other. Bangor in 1826 was an active business place, and had a healthy growth up to 1835, when the wild exciting times of speculation commenced, which for some two or three years so frenzied people with a desire to accumulate fortunes in a day, that ordinary business was deemed by many of little consequence.

During those times, I presume few persons in Bangor thought of looking for a better or more desirable place to live in, but soon after the speculation bubble burst, Bangor not only wilted, but was apparently in a state of paralysis, and judging from remarks made at the time, I presume it really appeared to some that Bangor was more the antitype of Jonah's Gourd, which came up in a night and perished the next night, than a place of permanent reality. But time, which tests and determines the inherent reality of things, in A. D. 1869 shows Bangor to be a decided reality, a beautiful and important city, second, I suppose, to only one in our State, and judging from the effort she is making to secure all the advantages her situation commands, by opening railroad facilities for doing an increased business, I suppose that you are expecting the next Centennial Celebration of Bangor will find her without a rival in our State, either in size or wealth.

Success to your enterprise 1 But be it remembered, that a city of spindles, situated on the Androscoggin River, has deposited its entry fee for the sweepstakes in the race of the next century.

I cheerfully accept your invitation, and intend to share with my old friends and acquaintances in the festivities of the occasion.

Very Respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

NATHANIEL FRENCH.

Hon. Elijah L. Hamlin and others, Committee.

(Because Nathaniel G. French mentions he moved from NH, his native town, to Bangor, ME in 1826, it is assumed that James C. French was born in Bangor, Penobscot Co., ME. Nathaniel d. 28 Jun 1876 in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME, and was buried at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor, Penobscot County, ME. He was born in 1829 in ME and was living in Lewiston, Lincoln Co., ME in the 1850 census. He could have been James C. FrenchÕs brother. Nathaniel was living in the 1860 census in Norway, Oxford Co., ME, married to Mary L., and had son Augustus F. French in 1859.)

[5] There is a Daniel Constantine in Bangor, Penobscot Co., ME, born in 1845. In 1860, he lived in Lewiston, Androscoggin Co., ME. This is exactly the time and place when James C. French married Ann Rice. The Constantine family was from Ireland.

[6] William French, b. 1795 in Loudon, NH, d. 29 Jan 1864 in Durham, NH at age 69, married, his parents were Samuel and Ann French. He was a U.S. Pensioner in Maine from 1831-1848.

[7] Ref. [1] followed Benjamin Sanborn French to Sanborn Hill Cemetery and found Benjamin Sanborn French, b. 1809, d. 1897 and wife Mary Upton French, b. 1811, d. 1900, buried there. To be the parents of James C, b. 1826, they would have been very young.. 17 and 15, respectively. It's possible, though. If James' mother is Polly (often the nickname for Mary, I think) perhaps her husband is Samuel, not Abel, b. 1783 d. 1831.

[8] James Constantine FrenchÕs father was living in ME or NH in 1826-28 when James was born. Perhaps the 1830 census could tell us something. His oldest child was born in Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME. In 1830, no one in Cumberland County is listed. There are 803 listings for a French, and the only counties listed for a French in Maine are Oxford, Somerset, Hancock, Kennebec, Waldo, Penobscot, Washington, and a few more. Cumberland Co. wasnÕt settled until after the French and Indian Wars in 1786. Auburn, itself, was incorporated on 24 Feb 1842, after the time when James lived there when his children were born in 1848. Originally part of Cumberland County, the town became county seat of Androscoggin County at its creation in 1854. No James is listed in the 1830 census of Auburn, Cumberland Co., ME. See Auburn, Maine. In the entire state of Maine in 1830, only 3 men named James French are listed.

Then, assuming he was born in NH, in the 1830 census a James French is listed in Sandwich, Stafford Co., NH (later on in Carroll Co.). This sounds very possible, because two of his 2 younger children (Lizzie and Albert) state that James their father was born in Sandwich, NH, on their death certificates. He would have had to have a son under age 5, and he has 2 males under 5, one male age 5-9, one male age 15-19, 2 males 20-29, 1 male 30-39 (probably the head of household), 1 female age 20-29 but none under that age, and 1 female age 70-79 who could be the mother of this generation of James French. Assuming that the head of household was JamesÕ father, he would have been born 1790-1800, and his wife would have been born 1800-1810. He may be alive in the 1850 census. The earliest European settlers arrived in Sandwich in 1767. By 1830 Sandwich had grown to a population of 2700, which is higher than the current population. It is right on the border of Maine. By the end of the 1800s, much of the population had left Sandwich to live in cities to the west.

[9] Searching ancestry.com, I find a James French, b. 2 Jul 1799 in Sandwich, Carroll Co., NH. His parents were Ezekiel French and Phebe Weed. Thru further research it is evident that this is the incorrect line.

[10] Kirkland Views, the historian of the article was Matt McCauley, and the author of the story, David Davis, said he was a French family descendant. Website: http://www.kirklandviews.com/archives/23406/

[11] Carol R. Austin, asamuel.ma.compiler@afaoa.org.

[12] History of Framingham, Massachusetts, 1640-1885.

[13] History of Union, Knox Co., Maine, from A Gazetteer of the State of Maine, by George J. Varney, 1886.

[14] Maine Genealogy: http://www.mainegenealogy.net/archives_search_results.asp?firstname=&lastname=French&spelling=starts&category=&viewtype=summary.

[15] David Davis, dandtdavis@earthlink.net (good in 2011). His email to Nancy Nicol, Ref. [1].

Hello Nancy,

It is always adds spice to life when the unexpected occurs and offers another look into the distant past. Who knows what might be found. Some years ago Arline Ely, the author of the book "Our Foundering Fathers" which is about the early history or the Kirkand area came to me and asked to 'borrow' some of the papers and pictures that  Harry French had produced during his lifetime. I produced a variety of this material for her use with the thought that it would be returned when she was finished. It was never returned but apparently most of the material found its way to the Kirkland Heritage Society where Matt and others went through the material and found much of what you and others have read. I must confess that I had not gone through this material and did not know much of what they had written. I still have other items from the past that might shed some further light on the past of the Frenchs. I shall attempt to dig through some of it. I do have some items that might help.

I have a diary from S. Foster French that records his voyage on U.S. sloope of war 'Cyane'. The date is 1838 and he left Boston on June 24 on an extended voyage returning to Norfolk May 16, 1841. Foster listed all the ports of call and when they arrived and departed but there was no information about conditions on the ship, what was seen in the ports of call or anything else other that when they arrived and when they left. Talk about the story untold. I also have a copy of  'The Seamans Friend' by R. H. Dana and inside the cover is the name " Nathaniel French" and the date Nov. 5 1841. I have no idea how these two items may be connected. I have another item, a book that inside the cover contains the name Harry D. French, Dixfield Maine Feb 9 1872. On the next several pages is found the date Oct. 23, 1845 and the book presented to C. Olivia Fuller by 'O H'. The book was presented to Olivia in 1845. However, it was used by Harry in 1872 when he left Dixfield to go west for it also contains names of many of the family friends that they left in Dixfield when they went west. It is hard to say if any of these names could be leads to information or not. There are quite a few of them. I also have quite a pile of letters written by C. Olivia to her sister Betsy Hayford in Canton Maine and some from Betsy to Olivia. I have not read them all. Perhaps somewhere there is further useful historic information but hard to find. I am sorry to say that I have no information as to Foster's parents or his date of birth so I can offer no direct help in this item. I do not even know if Foster had any brothers or sisters.  I shall continue to look.

As far as this branch of the French family is concerned, I am the end of the line. Harry had only Olivia and Olivia had only David and David has had no issue. However I am interested in anything that might shed light on these relationships. It would be interesting if we did turn out to be related.

Regards, David

[16] Mount Hope Cemetery Corp. and Crematory, website: http://listings.mthopebgr.com/grave/french-annie-m/4ae8485e-1000-4b1f-ae54-5478f6650423.

[17] I came upon something quite interesting – a chart that I had started perhaps 20 years ago and never finished (there is a Rowe in this line):

Chart #158, John Smith French, 1776. John Smith French (1), b. ca. 1776 in NH, lived in Norway, Oxford Co., ME until 1825, then Oxford, ME and in 1843 moved to North Woodstock, ME, d. 8 Apr 1858, m. Polly Libby on 5 Apr 1802; she d. 16 Apr 1857, and John d. 8 Apr 1858 Oxford, ME; Abigail French (2), b. 5 Jan 1803 in Norway, ME, d. 1894, m. Millett; Cyrus Millett (3); Frank M. Millett (4); Lottie Ola Millett (5), m. Howe; Norman E. Howe (6). Their children were Abigail, Enoch, Clarissa, Joseph, Mary, John S. Jr., Sarah, and Hannah.

John and Polly are buried at the Cole Hill Cemetery in Oxford Co., ME. She was b. 26 Jan 1779 and d. 16 Apr 1857. He was b. in 1779 and d. in 1858. See http://www.findagrave.com/ for a photo of their stone.

Other children of John Smith French (1) were Joseph French, b. ca. 1806, m. Lorana T. Edwards; Enoch French, b. 15 Feb 1807, m. Harriet Rowe; John Smith French Jr., b. 8 Oct 1814, m. Frances L. Edwards.

Here is the member involved in this line: HOWE, Norman E., #456. Family names: HOWE, MILLETT, LIBBY, GREENLEAF, BODDARD, THAYER. Connection: Two French connections: John French, Chart #5. John (1), Elizabeth (2), m. Jonathan Thayer 22 Jun 1679. Also connected to Chart #158, John S. French (1), d. 8 Apr 1858 Oxford, ME, m. Polly Libby; Abigail French (2), b. 5 Jan 1803 in Norway, Oxford Co., ME, m. Millett; Cyrus Millett (3); Frank M. Millett (4); Lottie Ola Millett (5), m. Howe; Norman E. Howe (6). Query: Need parents of John S. French, b. NH, lived in Norway, ME until 1825, then Oxford, ME and in 1843 moved to North Woodstock, Oxford Co., ME, d. 8 Apr 1858. His wife, Polly Libby d. 16 Apr 1857. Their children were Abigail, Enoch (b. 15 Feb 1804, m. Harriett Rowe), Clarissa, Joseph, Mary, John S. Jr., Sarah, and Hannah. FFA: Norway, ME is Chart #2, but we still canÕt find your connection.

Later research by the FFA in 2011: John S. French was b. ca. 1815 in ME and lived in the 1870 census in Oxford, Oxford Co., ME, with his wife Francis, and children William Henry (27), Clara F. (19), and Charles (14).

[18] Samuel French is a likely name for this generation, as the second generation Samuel French went by his middle name, Foster. There is a listing of a Samuel French, b. 1804 in Maine who was living in Chesterville, Franklin Co., ME in 1880. Another Samuel French is listed as born in Maine in 1791, married Mary P. Stowers, and resided in Stockton, Waldo Co., ME in 1880 when he was 89.

[19] Other Miscellaneous Information from the History of Norway by David Noyes, 1852:

On 17 Mar 1821 in Norway, Oxford Co., ME, the child of James French, Jr., died.
On 3 Sep 1827 in Norway, Oxford Co., ME, Mrs. French died of consumption, age 68.
On 25 Jun 1829 in Norway, Oxford Co., ME, Jacob French, age 40, died of a fever.
On 1 Aug 1836 in Norway, Oxford Co., ME, Mrs. Anna French, age 40, died of consumption.
On 7 Jan 1847 in Norway, Oxford Co., ME, the child of J. S. French died at 20 months old.

[20] Other Miscellaneous Information from Norway Maine Immigrants (1801-1851) by Charles F. Whitman, 1924:

Dr. John S. French immigrated to Norway, Oxford Co., ME, in 1821.

[21] Rozanna Dolloff m. J. C. French on 17 Mar 1819 in Rumford, Oxford Co., ME.

[22] In the 1850 census of Woodstock, Oxford Co., ME, is John French, age 70, b. 1780 in NH, and his wife Mary French, b. 1779 in NH, age 71. John had died by the 1860 census and Mary was living in Sandown, Rockingham Co., NH, with her son, Jonathan J. French, b. 1807 in NH.

[23] Quimby family: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=simplicity&id=I13944. Also: Joel D. THOMPSON (Joel THOMPSON5, Joel, Sgt. THOMPSON4, Cornelius THOMPSON3, Elizabeth FRYE2, Adrian FRYE1) was born 25 Dec 1810 in Lisbon, ME, and died 21 Feb 1853 in Bangor, ME. He married Harriet N. FRENCH 17 Feb 1842, daughter of Nathaniel FRENCH and Elizabeth QUIMBY. She was born 11 Apr 1818, and died 13 Nov 1893. See http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=REG&db=:2153361&id=I109839964.

[24] Benjamin French of Searsport, ME, b. 1825.

[25] History of Penobscot County, Maine, by Williams, Chase & Co., 1882.

[26] Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs, edited by Cuyler Reynolds.

[27] Margot Hathaway Nicol Clifford, daughter of Ref. [1], email: cliffordmargot@gmail.com.

[28] City of Kirkland, Planning and Community Development Department, www.ci.kirkland,wa.us, Memorandum 15 Jun 2011. Website: http://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Planning+Commission/Lakeview+Neighborhood+Plan+PC+$!26+HCC+Hearing+06232011+Web+Part+1.pdf.

[29] Thomas Allen French, b. 10 Jan 1838 in New Sharon, Franklin Co., ME, d. 20 Sep 1920 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, and buried at Rosehill Cemetery. He was a retired furniture or furnace salesman, living at 1123 N. Dearborn St. in Chicago, the son of Joseph French and Mary (Polly) Robinson, both born in Maine.

[30] Index to Heads of Families in the state of Maine in 1790: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~megs/Resources/MF1790_index.pdf. Included are 3 Frenches: Daniel (Turner, Androscoggin Co.), Josiah (Winthrop, Hancock Co. or Kennebec Co.), and Nathaniel (Belfast, Hancock Co. or Kennebec Co). For Daniel French, see Ref. [32].

[31] COY
Seeking information on Daniel Coy who d. in Readfield, Kennebec Co., Maine on 5 Oct 1849, bur. in the Case Cemetery in Readfield. Believe he was b. 1767. He m. Aphia French (b. 1776 in New Hampshire) in Winthrop, Maine, in 1789. They had children: Polly b. 1790; Mercy b. 1792; Daniel b. 1796; Aphia b. 1799; Sally b. 1800; and Huldah b. 1809. Daniel was in Hallowell at the 1790 census but was in Readfield for the 1800-1840 census. Aphia is listed in the 1850 census in Readfield and in the 1860 census in Winthrop. Would like birth and death dates and places of Aphia and birth date, birth place and parents of Daniel. Any information would be appreciated. Brenda Caldwell [posted 24 Nov 2006]

[32] A History of Turner, Maine, from its Settlement to 1886, by W. R. French (William Riley French). He was a reverend for 17 years. Website: http://www.worldcat.org/title/history-of-turner-maine-from-its-settlement-to-1886/oclc/698035/viewport. Daniel French removed from Taunton, MA (FFA Chart #3) to Turner, ME, in 1781. His wife was Sarah Sumner of Taunton. His children were Sally, who married Chandler Bradford; Daniel, who married Marion True; Philena, who married William Hayford, November 24th, 1785; Polly, who married John Pumpedlly or Pumpilly, September 11, 1788; Waitsill L., who married Anson Soule, January 21st 1792; and George, who married Wealthy Johnson, February 18th, 1799. Mrs. Sarah French died in Taunton, April 7th, 1776, after which he married the widow Sarah Turner in Turner, February 20th, 1788, by whom he had three sons, Riley who died in childhood; Charles who married Nancy Caswell, and after her death, Hannah Caswell; and Henry, who married Delana Leavitt. Daniel French died in 1813, and his widow in Jun 1845 at the age of 98 years. Daniel French was the first tanner in town.Other Frenches mentioned in this book: Phinela French, William H. French, Cyrus French who owned a saw mill, George French, John French, Edwin S. French, Hartwell S. French. This family is from FFA Chart #3; no James C. French was found in this book, dated 1886.

[33] See http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=REG&db=:2153361&id=I109839964.

[34] Further more distant connections:

William French, b. 1796 in NH, d. 15 Oct 1881 age 85y, 5m, 8d, and is buried at the North Auburn New Cemetery. He m. Sally _____  who d. 26 Mar 1884, age 82y 7m 3d.

Marshal French, b. 13 Nov 1799 in Turner, Androscoggin Co., ME. His parents were George French and Wealthy French. He appears in the 1850 census of Lewiston, Lincoln Co., ME, the father of George Marshal French. He was in the clothing business ca. 1850 in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME. In the 1860 census of Lewiston, Androscoggin Co., ME, Marshal was 60 and living with the Clark family, in specific, Clara Elizabeth Clark who m. George A. Clark and was MarshalÕs daughter, b. 1832 in ME. In the 1850 census of Lewiston, Lincoln Co., ME, Clara E. French is 18 and living with her father, Marshal, age 50, who was probably widowed. Also living with Clara is George M. French, age 21, b. 1829 in ME; Harriet A. French, age 16, b. 1834 in ME; and Ellen J. French, age 16, b. 1834 in ME. In 1863, 1865 and 1866, Marshal was an Alderman of Lewiston, ME. In the 1870 census of Portland, Cumberland Co., ME, Marshall is living with the Clark family, and some other lodgers. Marshall died in Portland, Cumberland Co., ME, on 30 Jan 1877. This line is definitely part of FFA Chart #3.

MarshalÕs children:

Harriet A. French, b. 1834 in ME. She m. W. T. Webster and was living with her father, Marshal French, and her sister Clara in the 1860 census of Lewiston, Androscoggin Co., ME. Harriet A. Webster is living in the 1850 census of Lewiston, Lincoln Co. ME, with her father, brother, and 2 sisters. She is listed as age 16.

Ellen J. French, b. 1834 in ME (perhaps twin to Harriet).

Capt. James French, b. 26 Dec 1800, d. 25 Mar 1883, buried at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor, ME. He m. Annie who d. 31 Dec 1896 and is buried next to her husband. See http://www.gravestonerubbingsupplies.com/index.php/galleries/view/master_gallery/79. James was the son of Ezekiel and Phoebe (Weed) French, relatives of this J. C. French line of Austin, ME.

[35] Michael Frost, email: frostinaz@cox.net (good in 2012).

[36] Genealogical and Family History of the State of Maine, website: http://dunhamwilcox.net/me/me_bio_french.htm.