Jesse French was b. 28 Jun 1845 in England, and d. 7 May 1927 in New Castle, IN. Nashville was founded in 1779 and incorporated in 1806. Jesse French immigrated to New York City in 1849 when he was only 4. He is listed as born in Jul-Aug-Sep of 1845 in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, England in the BMD Birth Index of 1837-1915. Another source (U.S. passport application) said he was b. 23 Jul 1846 in Devonshire, England.

By 1857 his family was living in Nashville, TN, when son Henry A. French was born. By 1900 they lived in St. Louis, MO., and by 1920 in New Castle, Henry Co., IN. He was educated in public schools of Nashville, TN, and graduated from commercial college in Peoria, IL. He began his business career as a clerk in the office of Secretary of State, Nashville, TN. He then became assistant Secretary of State of Tennessee for 7 years; commenced mercantile pursuits as a dealer in sheet music and small musical merchandise at Nashville TN in 1872. In 1875 he became partner in the firm of Dorman, French & Smith.

Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, England

Jesse French m. Caroline “Callie” Lumsden on 2 Jan 1872 in Nashville, TN. She was b. 22 May 1851 in Ohio (as census records show). She d. 10 Feb 1919 in New Castle, Henry Co., IN. Callie’s father was John Lumsden, b. 23 Jul 1824 in Southampton, Hampshire, England, died 30 Apr 1898 in St. Louis, MO. In 1860-1880, he was living in Nashville, Davidson Co., TN, probably where the two families met each other. John Lumsden was a tanner before he founded the Starr Piano Company.

John Lumsden, married Lucetta Cristman in 1848

Census: 1860, in Nashville, Davidson Co., TN. Census: 1870, in Nashville, Davidson Co., TN, 1880. Census: 1900, in St. Louis, MO. They lived in Nashville during the Civil War. Little did Jesse know that in 1925, with the advent of the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville would become “Music City USA”. Jesse and Callie had 3 sons, John Lumsden French, Horace Edgar French, and Jesse Lumsden French Jr., all born in TN.

Who was Jesse French’s Father?

From the census records below, we see that Jesse’s father was Jacob French, born 1804, and his mother was Mary Ann (Ansell) French, born Feb 1813, both in England. Mary Ann was born just outside Stockingford in Warwickshire, England. Jacob, however, first came to America while he was single about 1834, but I could find only an entry for him in 1841. While in America and in the course of time, he took the oath of allegiance as a citizen of the United States. After remaining a number of years, he returned to England to marry the sweetheart of his youth, Mary Ann Ansell. The passport application of his son, Jesse French, states that Jacob returned in 1848. Jacob and Mary Ann had 5 children altogether in England, and then in 1849 immigrated to the United States to make their home in the new country. One child died on board, and another child died shortly thereafter. They had one more child in TN.

Jacob A. French d. before 1880 in TN. Mary Ann was living in Nashville, Davidson Co., TN in 1880 and in Memphis City, Shelby Co., TN in 1900, age 87, with her daughter Henrietta, age 55, next door to John C. and Oliver K. Houck, family connected with the Jesse French & Sons Piano Company. Mary Ann died in Murfreesboro (SE of Nashville), Rutherford Co., TN.

Passenger and Immigration Lists

· The New York 1820-1850 Passenger and Immigration List shows Jacob French arriving in New York from London on 29 Nov 1841 on the ship “Westminster”. It states that Jacob was 35. The account of the Westminster voyage, arriving on 30 Jul 1841, may be of a different voyage, because no French is listed.

· The next time Jacob immigrated to New York from Liverpool at age 42 on 19 Apr 1849 on the ship “China”. (see list below)

When referring to his mother, Jesse writes the following: “Words would fail me to write a culogy of mother, as I think she was one of the grandest characters I ever know, of fine physique, ever bright and cheerful, kind and generous to a fault, much of her life was given to helping the poor and afflicted. Very fond of poetry, she was never at a loss to recite some beautiful lines to comfort and cheer the sorrowing. An accomplished singer (just as father was) I cannot forget the hallowed influence upon us children of the songs they had so often sung together at the close of day.” With all this family musical talent, it is no wonder that Jesse was quite a clever rhymester and loved music.

A record of “a” Jacob French marrying in the Jul-Aug-Sep timeframe of 1841 exists in Edmonton, Essex, Herfordshire, Middlesex, England. No further information is given. This may or may not be the same marriage as this line.

The 1841 England Census shows Jacob, age 35, living in Stockland, Fordington Liberty, Dorset, England with his wife, Mary Ann, age 25. It shows their son, Samuel James French, age 2 (born in 1839). Jacob was a farmer.

Census Records

The 1850 census of New York shows Jesse French’s father, Jacob (age 46), living in New York Ward 10, New York, NY. Jacob is accompanied by his wife Mary A. (age 36) and children Julia (age 8), Henrietta (age 6) and Jesse (age 4), all born in England. It is unknown where eldest son Samuel was – he was b. 1839 and would have been 11 years old.

In the 1860 census of Nashville, Davidson Co., TN, Jesse’s future wife Caroline was 9, living with her parents John (31) and Lucetta (28), and her sisters Maria (4) and Alice (1). Her father was a farmer, born in NY ca. 1829. 12 Frenches are listed in the 1860 census of Nashville. Jesse French is listed as age 14, b. ca. 1846 in England, living with his parents (both born in England), Jacob (age 57) and Mary Ann French (age 46) and his siblings (all born in England, except Henry): Julia (age 18), Henrietta (age 16), Jepe / Jesse (age 14), and Henry A. French (age 2). Jacob was a printer. This definitely shows that the family immigrated between 1846 when Jepe (Jesse) (male) was born in England and 1858 when Henry A. was born in TN.

By the 1870 census, Jacob was 66 and living in Nashville Ward 8, Davidson Co., TN with his wife Mary A. French (age 56), and children Julia (age 28), Henrietta (age 26), Jesse (age 24), and Henry (age 12). At this time Jacob was a printer, and Jesse was a clerk. Again it clearly states that all children, except Henry, were born in England. Henry was born in TN.

In the 1880 census, Jesse was 40 years old living with his wife Callie, age 28, and their 3 children John, age 7; Horace, age 3; and Jessie, age 2 on Marks St., Nashville, Davidson, TN. They were married in 1872, just 8 years prior to this census. The census record indicates that Jesse and both his parents were born in Tennessee. Perhaps at age 40, Jesse wasn’t sure if he was born in TN or England, but 20 years later he indicates he was born in England, as evidenced below. Jesse’s father, Jacob had died by 1880 and his mother, Mary A. (age 68) is living with her daughter, Henrietta French (age 35), widowed, and working as a housekeeper in Nashville, Davidson Co., TN. Also living with her is her son, Henry A. French (age 22), and members of the Houck family: Julia C., J. C., A. K., and Jesse.

In the 1900 census, Jesse was living at 4133 Morgan St., St. Louis Ward 25, St. Louis, Independent City, Missouri. His office was at 1211 Vandeventer Ave. In this census, it states that Jesse was born in England and Callie was born in Ohio. It also states that Jesse was born in July 1846, and Callie in May 1851. It states that both of Jesse’s parents were born in England. Jesse’s brother, Henry A. French, remained in Nashville, age 42, born Dec 1857 in TN, married to Helen in 1886 (she was age 43, born Dec 1856), and their children: Henry A. (age 8, born Oct 1891), Jesse L. (age 5, daughter, born May 1895), Robert K. (age 3, born Oct 1896), and Helen E. (age 2, born Apr 1898). Helen, Henry’s wife, was born in NY, and all the Frenches were born in TN. They were living next to George Lumsden and his sister, Edith Lumsden. Henry was a musical instructor.

In the 1910 census, Jesse was 63, living with Callie L. in St. Louis Ward 23, St. Louis (Independent City), MO, without his children. Jesse’s brother, Henry A., was 53, still living in Nashville with his wife Helen L. (age 53) and their 4 children: Henry A. Jr. (age 18), Jessie L. (age 15), Robert K. (age 13), and Helen E. (age 11). Henry A. Sr. was a merchant in a music store, whereas Henry A. Jr. was a salesman in a music store, both working for someone else.

By the 1920 census (Jesse died in 1927), Jesse was living in New Castle Ward 5, Henry Co., IN, age 73, born 1847, a widow, living with 2 unrelated servants. He is listed as the President of a Piano Factory. Meanwhile, his brother, Henry A. is 62, born 1856, living in Civil District 11, Davidson Co., TN, a widow, living with his daughters Jessie (age 24) and Helen (age 21). Henry A. French Sr.’s son, Henry A. French Jr., had moved to Atlanta, De Kalb Co., Georgia, age 29, b. ca. 1891 in TN, m. Julia M. and had a young son, Henry A. French III, age 1, born in 1919 in Georgia. Henry Jr. was a manager of a music store.

In the 1930 census, Henry A. French III was 11, was living in Militia District 531, DeKalb Co., Georgia, with H. A. (age 25, born in TN) and Julia French (age 31, born in TX). H. A. French (Henry Angel French) was b. 19 Oct 1906, d. 5 Oct 1996, and last lived in Beverly Hills, Citrus Co., Florida. Henry A. French III was b. 20 Dec 1918, d. 31 Dec 2000, last lived in McLean, Fairfax Co., VA.

Jesse French’s Immigration, 1849

Jesse immigrated with his parents, Jacob and Mary Ann French, between 1846 an 1858 from England. Jacob was b. ca. 1803 in England. The 1850 census shows Jacob and Mary Ann French in New York Ward 10, New York, NY, and that Jacob was b. ca. 1804 in England. They were living in NY with their children: Julia (age 8), Henrietta (age 6) and Jesse (age 4). Jacob was 46, and a printer, and all of them were born in England. It does not list son Samuel who is on the ship passenger list.

The New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, list Jacob French arriving on 19 Apr 1849 in New York, departing from Liverpool, England, on the ship “China”. It shows Jacob French (age 42) on board with Mary Armido or Ansell (hard to read) (age 32) and their children: Samuel (age 9), Julia (age 7), Henrietta (age 5), and Jessy - Jesse (age 3). It also indicates that Mary French, an infant, died on board. John Atteridge was shipmaster. Mary’s name was first added to the list, later crossed out. Samuel must have died very shortly thereafter, as he is not listed in the 1850 census. Mary Ann’s surname could have been Aransolo – there was such a marriage in 1843 in Islington, Greater London, Middlesex, England.

The Emigrant Ship “Guy Mannering” sailed only a couple months after the “China”, also from Liverpool to New York. I cannot find anything on the ship “China”.

Jesse French’s Occupations

After leaving school, intending to follow the calling of his father, he started as a printer’s devil, and worked himself up to the position of chief clerk in a printing office. Between times he served as route carrier and mail clerk. When the Civil War broke out, young Jesse took a position in the United States Post Office at his hometown, Nashville, TN. His father and mother being compelled to go to England to settle an inheritance left young Jesse in charge of the home and family. The hard times brought upon the country by the Civil War and especially upon the Southern States, forced Jesse often times to most heroic efforts to keep the wolf from the door and care for his two sisters and younger brother. Afterwards, in went to Peoria, IL, and took a business and law course at the college. Upon his return to Nashville, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of State of TN. He served in that capacity for five years. His faithful serves and the ability displayed in his work in the State Department, prompted his friends to urge him to become a candidate for the office of Secretary of State, rather a bold undertaking at that time for a Union man in a southern community. Jesse lost the election by just one vote, which fact demonstrated his great popularity and the faith which his fellow citizens had in him. Although momentarily chagrined over the defeat, he was thankful for this apparent setback.

Jesse then struck out for himself as a businessman. His first venture was to buy out the sheet music and small goods department of Dorman and Holmes of Nashville in 1873, the year after he married. Three years later he was persuaded to take a one-third interest in the new firm of Dorman, French, and Smith, who sold mainly the Bradbury piano, made by their partner, F. G. Smith. Buying out Smith’s interest after a short while, the firm was changed to Dorman and French, and Dorman retired a year later. Jesse started chains of stores directed from his headquarters in Nashville. In 1885, the Jesse French Piano and Organ Company had a capital of $500,000; quite good for a man who had started twelve years ago with a capital of hardly $3,000. He then drifted into piano manufacturing. In 1902 the Krell-French Piano Company was incorporated with a capital of $550,000. Krell was President until 1905 when Jesse assumed the entire management as President when Krell left the company.

He transferred his headquarters to Lt. Louis, MO,. He was organized or took part in the Union Trust Company, the Liberty Mills, the Missouri-Lincoln Trust Company (having a capital and surplus of over $13,000,000), the Lincoln Trust and Title Company, and the Mercantile Metal Milling Company.

Jesse French’s Siblings

1. Samuel James French, born in 1839 in Stockland, Fordington Liberty, Dorset, England, died shortly after immigrating to NY. He was on the ship’s record in 1849.

2. Julia C. French, born 1842 in England, married John Cassell Houck in 1872 at age 30. In 1860, 1870, 1880 she lived in Nashville, TN, in 1900, 1910, 1920 she lived in Memphis, Shelby Co., TN. In 1920 she was living on Tate Street, Memphis Ward 11, Shelby, TN. She died before 1930.

3. Henrietta French, born 9 Jun 1844 in England, never married, living with John C. and Julia C. Houck in 1910 when she was 66.

4. Jesse French, born 1846 in England (himself)

5. Mary French, born 1848 in England, died 1849 aboard ship China while immigrating to NY

6. Henry Ansell or Angel French, Sr., born Dec 1857 in Tennessee (only other living male in this family). He m. Helen who was b. ca. 1856. Henry Sr. lived all his life in Nashville. He was a merchant in a music store. They had 4 children:

Henry Ansell French Jr. was b. 21 Oct 1891 in TN, m. Julia H. Mizelle who was b. 1899, and had son Henry A. French, b. 1919. Henry Jr. registered for the draft for WWI in Altanta, Fulton Co., GA.

Jessie L. French (dau.), b. 1895, no known spouse or children.

Robert Kershner French, b. 20 Oct 1896, lived at 1715 Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN. In 1930 lived in Wichita Falls, Wichita Co., TX, m. Ray – she was b. in 1905.

Helen E. French, b. 1898. She lived all her life in Nashville, at least until 1920 when she was 22.

Jesse French’s Wife, Callie Lumsden

Callie French, above left 1870, right two photos undated

Callie French, above left in 1897, right in 1896

Her father, John Lumsden, had a large holding and was one of the founders of the Jesse French Piano Company. He is listed in the 1895 St. Louis City Directory: John Lumsden, Vice-President of Jesse French Piano and Organ Company, 922 Olive, res. 4038 Westbelle Pl. Jesse French, res. Nashville, TN, was listed as President, and Oscar Field, res 3301 Morgan was secretary.

Jesse and Callie’s Children

The children of Jesse and Caroline French were:

Left to Right: Jesse French Jr., Horace Edgar French, and John L. French, photo dated 1896

1. John Lumsden French, b. Nov 1872 in TN, age 27 in the 1900 census of St. Louis Ward 25, St. Louis (Independent City), MO, his father born in England and his mother in Ohio. He is living with Lucetta Lumsden (his grandmother), age 71, b. Nov 1828 in Ohio, her father was born in Switzerland and her mother in Pennsylvania. Lucetta Lumsden was the wife of John Lumsden who was the father of John’s mother, Callie. She was living off the estate of her husband. John O. was a motor carriage manufacturer. It is assumed that by 1910, John was no longer living (sometime between ages 28 and 37 years of age). He would have been 38 years old in the 1910 census. He is also not listed in the 1930 census. Most likely no heirs. Lucetta Lumsden died in 1905.

John Lumsden French, left 1897, right undated

2. Horace Edgar French, b. 3 Apr 1877 in TN, d. 15 Jun 1968, m. Ellen May Fuller in New Castle, IN. She was b. 12 Oct 1875, d. 14 Oct 1949. In 1900, Horace E. French was 23, living in St. Louis Ward 25, St. Louis (Independent City), MO, with his parents, Jesse and Callie. By 1910, Horace is listed as H. Edgar French, living with his wife Nillie F. in New Castle Ward 5, Henry Co., IN, and their son H. Edgar G. French (age 2). He worked as a salesman in a piano factory, most likely that of his father. In 1920 H. Edgar was living in Boerne, Kendall Co., TX, age 42, with his wife Nellie (age 44) and their children: Horace E. (age 12), and Elizabeth (age 9). By 1930, Horace was 53 and living with his wife Nellie, age 54, and their children Horace (age 22, b. 1908) and Elizabeth (age 19, b. 1911) in New Castle, Henry Co., IN. This census states that Horace’s father was born in England. In 1930, Horace was the President of a piano company and his son, Horace, worked with him.

3. Jesse Lumsden French, Jr., b. 29 Jan 1879 in TN, d. 5 Aug 1958 in Canada, m. Helen “Nellie” Kennedy who was b. 12 Oct 1875, d. 14 Oct 1949. These dates may be in error because they match those of Horace’s wife. In 1900, Jesse L. French was 21, living in St. Louis Ward 25, St. Louis (Independent City), MO, with his parents, Jesse and Callie. In 1910 Jesse was 31, living with his wife Helen in New Castle Ward 5, Henry Co., IN, and their children: Caroline (age 6, born in MO), Jesse III (age 3, born in IL), Waller (age 2, born in IN). In 1920 Jessie was 40, living in New Castle Ward 5, Henry Co., IN, with his wife Helen, and their children Carolina (15), Jesse III (13), Walter (11), and John (3, born in IN). In 1930, Jesse Jr. is 51, living with his wife Helen (age 47, born in IL) and their son John (age 13, born in IN). Jesse Jr. was the V. P. of a Piano Factory. John, who was b. 19 Oct 1916 in New Castle, Indiana, d. in 1962 in Tallahassee, FL.

Obituary above from the Ocala StarBanner, dated 22 Jan 1962.

From Donna Kennedy Nichols (see 4. in Bibliography): Helen Kennedy, born in IL in 1880's, married Jesse French Jr., probably from New Castle, IN. They owned Jesse French and Sons Piano Factory. One of Uncle Jesse's brothers was Horace French who lived in New Castle. Uncle Jesse and Aunt Nell had at least 2 children: John French who did live in Tallahassee, FL and Caroline who married Richard Banta of Crawfordsville, IN. Jesse and Nell French lived in Ocala, Florida for many years. I have recently found some things belonging to my cousin Betty French Kelly, daughter of Horace, that I would like to give to a member of her family. It is a lace handkerchief she carried at her wedding in 1934. Her oldest son was Arthur French Kelly, born abt. 1940.

Contents