French Family Association

Famous French Architecture

The John French House,
Avon, MA, 1749

Updated by Mara French on 3/29/08

House of John French, Built in 1749, 147 South Street, Avon, MA 02322

Genealogy of John French of Braintree, MA, FFA Chart #5

The towns of Avon, Canton, and Stoughton are very near one another and the early census records include all three cities together. The Frenches in Stoughton are the same families as the Frenches in Avon where this house exists:

Four Generations:

1. John French, b. either 1612 or 1622, m. Grace Kingsley, FFA Chart #5, of Braintree, MA.

2. Dependence French, b. 7 Mar 1648, m. Rebecca Fenno.

3. John French, b. 10 Mar 1688/89, m. Mary Vinton. John was elected hogreave 1714. He was elected surveyor of highways 1725, fence viewer 1722, 1727, constable 1732, deereave 1757, and perhaps he was on the Fish Committee 1766. Went to Randolph very early, on Center St. near Cochato River, where his grandson, Wales French lived in 1857. He had a share in the mill & forge at Mill St.



Twin sons of John and Mary (Vinton) French:

4. John French, b. 25 Dec 1714, m1. Mary Fenno, m2. Christian Thayer (moved to Stoughton, Norfolk, MA). He was elected hogreave 1738 for the South Precinct. He lived at 1749 South Street in Avon, MA. All 3 children were born in Stoughton (Rebecca, Ruhannah, and John Jr.)

4. Dependence French, b. 25 Dec 1714, m. Mary Linfield, died in East Stroughton (Avon), Norfolk, MA in 1803. All 11 children were born in Braintree, but later moved to Stoughton. 

1790 Census

The 1790 Census of Stoughton shows Thomas French living with 2 males over 16, 6 males under 16, and 3 females.

It also shows John French living with 1 male over 16, 3 males under 16, and 4 females. Also, Dependence French living with 1 male over 16, 1 male under 16, and 9 females. Also, William (Willi) French, no entries. Also another John French living with 1 male over 16 and 2 females. Also, John French, Jr. living with 1 male over 16, 1 male under 16, and 2 females.

Description of House

The John French House of 1749 may be the oldest house in Avon. All of the rooms are period except the kitchen and baths. This original new England cape bleeds history dating to pre-revolutionary war era. There is plenty of room to expand and modernize if needed. The lot is nicely wooded and almost 2 acres. It sits 600 yards from the Olmsted designed Field Park with biking and walking paths, fishing and picnicking. Warm yourself with 3 working fireplaces.

 

Avon, MA 02322

Neighborhood:

Countryside neighborhood

List Price:

$339,900

Type:

Single Family

Type of Single-Family:

Detached

Style:

Colonial, Antique

Status:

Active

 

 

 

Acres:

1.90

Lot Size:

82,764

Basement:

Yes

Rooms:

7

Bedrooms:

2

Full Baths:

2

Half Baths:

0

Master Bath:

No

Fire Places:

3

Garage Parking:

Detached, Storage

Garage Spaces:

1

Year Built:

1749~

Year Round:

Unknown

Approx. GLA:

1,834

MLS#:

70652537

          

This property is for sale in January 2008. For more information, call Steve Baker 508-587-4477 or email stevebaker@jackconway.com. It appears that this property has sold by Feb 4, 20008.