French Family Association

The Official Website of the Surname French

Chart #14, James French of
Prince William County, VA
Overwharton, Stafford County, VA
and Montgomery Co. KY

Sixth Generation

This page updated by Mara French on 2/10/14. Numbers in brackets [ ] show the source material and refer to the bibliography. An asterisk (*) shows continuation of that line. Please send any corrections or additions to Mara French.

Contents

FFA Home Page

List of Chart #14 Slaveholders and Slaves

French Family Slaveholders of Mulatto and Black Slaves

Prince William County Court Papers

DNA Group 21 and Cross-Reference chart

Bibliography

Generations: Index 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Sixth Generation

Children of William French Sr. and Polly Taylor, 5.1

6.1 Jane French, m. 14 Dec 1813, d. 11 Jan 1836 and is buried at the Waverly Cemetery in Waverly, Lafayette Co., Missouri. She m. LeGrand Buford in 1828, in Franklin Co., KY [18]. According to the 1850 census of District 46, Lafayette, Missouri, Legrand G. Buford was b. ca. 1808 in KY, and probably married for a second time to Usebia and had son Simeon.

6.2* William French, Jr., b. 8 Mar 1817 in Franklin Co., KY, m. Martha Wingate, dau. of Isaac Wingate of Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY [18], d. 16 Oct 1894. At the time of his death, he was the oldest man born in Kentucky. Martha was b. 14 Nov 1825 in Franklin Co., KY (their son Sidney states that she was born in Maryland in the 1880 census, but the 1850 census says Kentucky), and d. 30 Jun 1919 in Franklin, age 94. Isaac Wingate was born in Virginia, and her mother, Jane Sneed, was also born in Virginia. Her death certificate was signed by Laura French in Frankfort, KY.

In the 1850 census of District 1, Franklin Co., KY, William was 33, a farmer, living with his wife Martha, age 21, and their 3 children. The oldest child was 5; therefore, Martha was only 16 at this birth. Children were Sidney French, age 5, Isaac C. French age 4, and Sally C. French, age 2. William’s parents were living next door with son Benjamin.

William and Martha French’s inscriptions on sides

The 1850 census of Franklin Co., KY, lists William French Jr. with 4 slaves. The slaves are listed before the 10 slaves that his father, William French Sr. of Franklin Co., KY, owns. For details on French’s Black and Mulatto slaves, freed servants after emancipation, and their descendants of today, see List of Chart #14 Slaveholders and Slaves.

Slave Name	Birth Date	Age in 1850	Sex	Race
Unknown	1828	22	M	B
Unknown	1829	21	F	B
Unknown	1845	5	F	M
Unknown	1827	23	M	B

6.3* John Wickliffe French, b. 5 Jun 1823 in KY, d. 31 Jan 1896, m. Amanda (Mandy) E. Chinn on 27 Jan 1851. She was b. 1831, d. 24 Apr 1895. They lived near the mouth of Elkhorn Creek where most of their children were born. Later they moved to North Fork, a small settlement in Franklin Co., now called Switzer. They lived in a small cabin near the front gate of the property until the large house could be built.

In the 1850 census of District 1, Franklin Co., KY, Amanda E. Chinn was 18 and lived with her parents Franklin Chinn 50 and Ann Amin 44, plus 6 siblings. The next year she married John.

In the 1860 census of KY, John was living with Amanda and 4 of their children: Kate, William, Franklin, and Alice.

In the 1880 census of Forks of Elkhorn, Franklin Co., KY, John was 56, a farmer, white, and both his parents were born in KY. Besides their many children, they also had a black farm hand, Dick French, age 21, b. 1859 in KY. Also living with them in 1880 was a black cook, Mary “Polly” Taylor, b. 1863, and her dau. Della Taylor, 6 months. Most likely Dick French was the father of Della Taylor.

In the 1900 census of Switzer, Franklin Co., KY, he was living with his 4 children (Franklin, Alice, Richard, and Benjamin) and 3 black servants: Cynthia Williams, a divorced mother, age 35 (b. 1865 after emancipation), with her two children: Jessie Williams, age 5 and Lillie M. Williams, age 2.

6.4 Richard C. French [18], b. 19 Sep 1825 in Franklin Co., KY, d. 17 Nov 1858 in Franklin Co, KY of consumption at age 34 on 17 Nov 1858 and is buried at the French Cemetery in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY. No heirs.

6.5 Possibly another son, Stephen S. French, was born on 13 Jun 1830 and died 6 Oct 1836 as he was buried at the French Cemetery in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY, as was the rest of this family, and he fits no where else but here. No heirs.

6.6 Benjamin F. French [18], b. 1 Sep 1834 in Franklin Co., KY, d. 11 Oct 1856 in Franklin Co., KY, age 23, and is buried at the French Cemetery in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY. Benjamin (15), a farmer was living with his parents, William (65) and Polly (57) in the 1850 census of Franklin Co., KY. No heirs.

Children of Richard French and Mary Taliaferro, 5.3

6.7 Judge James Hay French, b. 20 May 1823 probably in Montgomery Co., KY, d. 13 Feb 1900, buried at the French Cemetery in Montgomery Co., KY. He became prominent in both the civil and religious affairs of the community and state. He was influential members of the First Baptist Church in Winchester, KY, and zealous for her welfare. Judge James H. French was a deacon of the church, clerk of the Boone's Creek Association for two years and moderator from 1872 to 1881, with the exception of two years, and in all matters pertaining to the church, especially those of doctrinal and denominational importance his counsel was always sought. James H. is listed in the 1850 census of District 1, Montgomery, KY, living with his parents, age 26. By the 1860 census, he had 3 slaves of his own: all black males ages 60, 8, and 4; therefore, born in 1800, 1852, and 1856. The slave born in 1800 was inherited from his father, and the other 2 slaves were born after his father had died. For details on French’s Black and Mulatto slaves, freed servants after emancipation, and their descendants of today, see List of Chart #14 Slaveholders and Slaves.

On the Baptist History Homepage concerning the History of the Churches of Boone’s Creek, Kentucky, by S. J. Conkwright, 1923, several familiar names are shown: Judge Charles H. French, Judge James H. French, Mrs. Keziah Callaway French, Judge Richard French, Rev. Richard French, the Haggard family, and the Lulbegrud Church. Also, see the First Baptist Church of Winchester website.

French Cemetery

Buried at the French Cemetery in Montgomery Co., KY are Susannah French Farrow 1795-1866, James French 1756-1835, James Hay French 1823-1900, Joseph William French* 1826-1850, Kezia Callaway French 1768-1845, Kiohara French 1792-1851, Mary Tutt Taliaferro French 1805-1886, Richard French 1792-1854, Stephen French 1798-1827, Theodosia French Hood 1801-1186, and Livia French Smith 1806-unk.

*Joseph William French was b. 28 Jun 1826, d. 17 Jan 1850, unknown ancestry.

6.8* Charles Stephen French, b. 8 Jun 1828 in Montgomery Co. KY, d. 26 Jun 1905 in Winchester, Clark Co., KY [13]. He became prominent in both the civil and religious affairs of the community and state. He was influential members of the First Baptist Church and zealous for her welfare. Judge Charles S. French was a constituent member of the First Baptist Church and her first clerk, serving for twenty-one years, and was a deacon during the latter part of his life.

Marriage

He m. Margaret Hockaday Moore on 2 Jan 1855. She was b. 6 Apr 1832 in Clark Co., KY, and d. 1907. The photo below is from Trina Robinson [36] and shows a probable ambrotype of Charles Stephen French and his wife Margaret Hockaday Moore, ca. 1858. The French family owned multiple generations of the slave ancestors of Trina Robinson [36] in Kentucky. For details on French’s Black and Mulatto slaves, freed servants after emancipation, and their descendants of today, see List of Chart #14 Slaveholders and Slaves.

Ambrotypes of Charles Stephen French, circa 1858. His family owned multiple generations of my ancestors in Kentucky, his grandfather and father among them. 

Census

Charles S. is listed in the 1850 census of District 1, Montgomery, KY, living with his parents, age 21. In the 1870 census of Winchester, Clark Co., KY, Charles is age 42 and Margaret is 38, living with children Mary E. 13, Emily 11, William H. 9, Maggie 7, Thomas R. 5, and Rallie 2. In the 1880 census of Winchester, Clark Co., KY, Charles lives with his wife and 6 of his children.

Judge Charles S. French [13]

From the First Baptist Church of Winchester:
In October, 1880, Charles S. French presented his resignation as church clerk, which was accepted with reluctance, as shown by resolutions of appreciation of his long period of faithful and efficient service in this capacity, extending from the organization of the church until this time, which were in part as follows: “Resolved, That we accept with reluctance his resignation now tendered, simply because of the incompatibility of the duties of his position with other important obligations laid upon him.” His brother, Richard French, was chosen clerk to succeed him [13].

6.9 Mary E. French, b. 8 Mar 1834 in KY. She is listed in the 1850 census of District 1, Montgomery, KY, living with his parents, age 16. She m. William Timberlake and died on 19 Feb 1906 and is buried at the Winchester Cemetery in Winchester, Clark Co., KY. William Timberlake was b. 31 Mar 1827 and d. 4 Feb 1906 and is buried at the same cemetery. They had children Mary Sophia Timberlake (1852-1929) and Callaway French Timberlake Hoge (1863-1941).

6.10 Ann C. French, b. 1839 in KY. She is listed in the 1850 census of District 1, Montgomery, KY, living with his parents, age 11.

6.11* Rev. Richard French, b. 22 Mar 1842 in Montgomery Co., KY, d. 24 Apr 1914. He is listed in the 1850 census of District 1, Montgomery, KY, living with his parents, age 8. He became prominent in both the civil and religious affairs of the community and state. He was influential members of the First Baptist Church and zealous for her welfare. Rev. Richard French was clerk of the church for several years and was then ordained to the ministry. He is listed in the 1900 census in Winchester, Clark Co., KY with his wife Mary T. and 5 children. In the 1860 census of slave schedule in Kentucky, he had 3 slaves: all were black males, ages 55, 17, and 14; therefore born in 1805, 1843, and 1846, all of whom were probably inherited from this father. For details on French’s Black and Mulatto slaves, freed servants after emancipation, and their descendants of today, see List of Chart #14 Slaveholders and Slaves.

Ephesus Church

From the Baptist History Homepage, Ephesus Baptist Church, Clark Co., KY
We now come to speak of a pastor of this church, whose pastorate extended over a period of a quarter of a century, during all of which time there existed the most endearing, tender affection between pastor and people that it has ever been the good fortune for the writer to know. We speak of the pastorate of Rev. Richard French, of Ephesus Church.

Brother French was licensed to preach the Gospel in March 1890, by the First Baptist Church of Winchester, Kentucky, of which he was a member. The following April, he accepted a call from Ephesus Church to become their pastor. Upon the request of Ephesus Church, in August following, made to the First Winchester Church, asking for the ordination of Brother French as a minister of the Gospel, said request was granted. Brother French served this congregation with love and faithfulness as a preacher of righteousness, practicing what he preached, until November 3, 1913, at which time he offered his resignation, on account of failing health (he died 6 months later), in an affectionate communication to the church, in part as follows:

“On account of my health, I feel it my duty to present to you my resignation. I would have you know that this does not in any wise dissolve our relations fraternally, for my twenty-five years pastorate has endeared that church to me to such an extent that whatever you may do in reference to this matter will not lessen the attachment I entertain for you. The sweetest memories of past experience cluster around that old church with me, for it has been my privilege to go with you to the tomb with your loved ones, and mingle my tears with yours, from the little babe that nestled in the cradle, to the gray haired father and the devoted mother. In all these afflictions have my tears blended with yours in sympathy of the deepest and most profound. And nothing on earth could cut me loose from my devotion to you as a people, &c.”

There is also recorded a letter to Ephesus Church from Mrs. Richard French and children, dated May 6, 1914. This letter is so tender and affectionate in speaking of the bond of love existing between Brother French and the church, that after reading it, I pause to brush away a tear in memory of that good man, Brother Richard French. Hard, indeed, would be the heart that could not be moved by reading that letter. We give only a few lines, as space will not permit more.

Rev Richard French, born March 22, 1842; died April 24, 1914

      "The death of a Christian should be looked upon as a triumph over life's rugged pathway. ... In reviewing the life of our honored husband and father it seems to us that the hand of God has been with you. . . you called a man that had never been ordained; he prayed for guidance; you well know the results. You were his first people, his last people; his first love, and how tenderly and loyally he loved you until the end. . . . And as the end drew near, oh. The prayers he made in your behalf. There was that bond of sympathy and love that were never severed; that, was devotion in the highest sense of the word. When he thought of you it was with the tenderest love, that love that would make any sacrifice; that love, that would remain steadfast and true under all circumstances; that love, though death does part, yet we firmly believe only becomes stronger. We shall ever cherish the fondest affection for you and deep gratitude to you for the respect, kindness and love you manifested for our beloved husband and father."

On May 9, the church passed resolutions in expression of the love and high esteem in which Brother French was held by the congregation, which in part are as follows:

"Brother French became our pastor when God first called him into the active service as a preacher of righteousness. We called for his ordination as a minister of the Gospel, and we mourn for him at the close of a fourth of a century's continuous service in our midst. He has ministered unto our spiritual needs; he has united in bonds of wedlock many of our members; he has led to the knowledge of Jesus Christ under Divine grace our children and our children's children; he has buried our dead. Many are the precious memories of past association and now when in the end of his earthly race, when with the good fight, the finished course, and the kept faith, like a full sheath of ripened ears, he has entered into the harvest home of God's granery, be it resolved, &c."

During her seventy-five years existence as a church, Ephesus has been served by only fourteen pastors, as follows: Thornton I. Wills, Smith V. Potts, Nathan Edmonson, Ryland T. Dillard, W. B. Arvin, Thomas J. Stevenson, George Hunt, Ambrose D. Rash, J. Pike Powers, J. Dallas Simmons, Richard French, W. S. Taylor, F. B. Pierson and Linden Jones.

Death

Richard d. 1914 and Mary P. died in 1952, 38 years later; both are buried at the Winchester Cemetery in Winchester, Clark Co., KY.

6.12 William French, died in early. He is not mentioned in the 1850 census.

Children of William French and Martha L. Taylor, 5.10

Unearthed headstones at Merrimac Farm offer glimpse into Prince William’s buried past. Five graves have been clearly defined, all from before the Civil War, including William French, his wife Martha, and their daughters Elizabeth, Susan and Maria, their deaths ranging from 1823-1854.

6.13* William Taylor French II, b. 21 Nov 1813/14 in Prince William Co., VA, d. 8 Dec 1861 in Mt. Sterling, KY, m. Louisa Clay Thomas 15 Nov 1846, dau. of Benjamin F. Thomas and Juliet Howard in Loudoun Co., VA [16] [19] [1]. Their 4 children were raised by James and Ellen French according to the 1860 census of Sequin, Guadalupe, TX, because their father died when their youngest child was 3. Louise C. Thomas French was b. 1828 and d. 1894 and is buried at the Machpelah Cemetery in Mount Sterling, Montgomery Co., KY.

6.14 Maria Louise (or Lynaugh) French, b. ca. 1817 in Prince William Co., VA, died before 1854 and is buried at the Merrimac Farm in Prince William Co., VA.

6.15 Elizabeth French, b. 13 Sep 1819 in Prince William Co., VA, d. 26 Feb 1851 and is buried at the Merrimac Farm in Prince William Co., VA.

6.16 Martha Taylor French, b. 12 Nov 1821 in Prince William Co., VA, d. 15 Feb 1890 in Sedalia, Pettis Co., MO, m. Layton J. Hansberger and had son Layton Jacob Hansberger Jr. in 1850. Apparently, Martha moved to Missouri after her husband Layton died in 1874 as he is buried in Concord, Appomattox, VA. Their son died on 15 Dec 1916 in Long Beach, Los Angeles Co., CA. The 1850 census of Eastern District, Stafford, VA, shows a Layton J. Hansberger, b. ca. 1815, and his wife Martha T., b. ca. 1822, and their children William, Louise, Henry, and Layton.

6.17 Susana French, b. 20 Oct 1823, perhaps named after her aunt who died prematurely. Susana died of consumption on 6 Aug 1846 and is buried at the Merrimac Farm in Prince William Co., VA. Fragmented headstones have been unearthed and set in wooden frames that are aligned with their footstones. Several of the latter have been erected in their original positions, and overgrown vegetation has been removed from the area. Visitors walking the Cedar Run trail at Merrimac may now glimpse into the woods and notice the signs of an old, sacred place and the air of history. See Unearthed headstones at Merrimac Farm.

Children of James French and Sarah Scarborough Butler Henry, 5.11

6.18* Marcellus French, b. 14 Feb 1831 near Warrenton, Fauquier Co., VA [40], m1. Elizabeth (Bettie) Henrietta Logan, dau. of Senator Richard Logan of Halifax Co., VA, on 28 Oct 1857; she was the mother of all his children. Marcellus m2. in 1912, when Captain French was 81, Miss Margie Medley, who survived him. She was born in 1869 and d. 21 Aug 1941 and is buried at the Halifax Town Cemetery in Halifax, Halifax Co., VA. Marcellus d. 13 Dec 1919 in Halifax (formerly known as Houston), VA, age 88. He moved to TX in 1852 and lived there for 6 years. Marcellus returned to VA in 1861 and entered the Confederate Army as a Captain, d. 13 Dec 1919 in Houston, VA [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Marcellus when his father died 27 Aug 1850. He had a free African American servant, Kit Bowman [31] [60]. Marcellus French was a hobby genealogist but he lost many of his records in a fire in the early 1900s [63]. 

Photos of Marcellus and Elizabeth

Born in Fauquier County, Virginia, to James French and Sarah Scarborough French.

In 1852 French moved to Texas, where he became the first judge of Atascosa County.

French also became a 1st lieutenant in the Texas Rangers, before resigning to serve as a captain in the Alamo Rangers in 1857 during William Walker's filibuster in Nicaragua. After he escaped with his life from a steamer explosion, he was captured by the British and returned to the United States.

He returned to Texas and to the Rangers, and was appointed a lieutenant in the Army upon Texas' secession.

When Virginia seceded from the Union, he returned to Virginia and enlisted in the Richmond Howitzers in July 1861.

In May 1862, he transferred to Scott's Battalion where he served as a scout. He was wounded on August 27,1862 at the second battle of Manassas.

In November 1862, he transferred to the 35th Virginia Cavalry Battalion, Company F. When the company's commander was killed at the battle of Brandy Station, he took command of the company and was appointed its captain in October 1863. He served with the Army until it surrendered at Appomattox. He moved to Pittsylvania and Halifax Counties, Virginia, (Meadsville) where he became a farmer. He married Elizabeth Harietta Logan on October 28,1857, and they had five children, died in Halifax County.

Children are Sarah, Charles, Logan, Junius and Julia.

Bio By: Paula Lucy Delosh

Burial: Saint Johns Episcopal Church Cemetery, Halifax, Halifax County, Virginia, USA

While living in Halifax Co., VA, Marcellus lived at Woodlawn, which is being restored.

Woodlawn belonged to the Henry Embry Cole, who had 12 children. His daughter, Mary Margaret Coleman, was b. 12 Sep 1798 and married Richard Logan, and they had 7 children. Their daughter, Elizabeth Logan, married Capt. Marcellus French.

Marcellus French’s Patent in 1898 of a Balloon torpedo:

Marcellus French as Chief Justice and his brother James H. French as Sheriff of Atascosa County Courthouse in Texas.

An outline from The Handbook of Texas Online:

FRENCH, MARCELLUS (1831–1919). Marcellus French, legislator, was born on February 14, 1831, in Warrenton, Virginia, son of James and Sarah Butler (Henry) French. In the spring of 1857 French was one in a group of adventurers that attempted to invade Costa Rica. The mission resembled William Walker's invasion of and short-lived control of Nicaragua. The expedition ended disastrously, and French moved to Texas to be near his brother, James Henry French of San Antonio.

French married Elizabeth H. Logan on October 28, 1857. Later that year he began his only term in the Texas House of Representatives for Bexar County. At the outbreak of the Civil War,^qv French left Texas and joined the Confederate Army. He served as the captain of Company F of the Thirty-fifth Virginia Cavalry until the end of the war. Marcellus French stayed in Virginia after the Civil War and died in Houston (later called Halifax), Virginia, on December 13, 1919.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Family Search, "Marcellus French," accessed August 24, 2006. "Filibustering Trip San Juan River 1857-Walker Connection," Genealogy Forum (http://genforum.genealogy.com/nicaragua/messages/471.html), accessed August 24, 2006. Shiflets and the Civil War (http://www.shifletfamily.org/), accessed August 24, 2006. William S. Speer and John H. Brown, eds., Encyclopedia of the New West (Marshall, Texas: United States Biographical Publishing, 1881; rpt., Easley, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1978).

Below is the first map of Halifax County, Virginia, in 1899 drawn by Marcellus French of Halifax County, Virginia, where he died in 1912.

Marcellus French, above, at 81 years old on the terrace in Fenton, 1912. He d. Dec 1919 in Houston, Halifax Co., VA.

Danville, Va., Dec. 22 - Death has just removed from Virginia a character who years ago was well known, but who, during his latter days, lived in seclusion in Halifax county. He was Capt. Marcellus French, who died last week near Houston, aged 88 years.

Born in Fauquier county, he went West in early manhood and lived through that picturesque period which has afforded a fertile field for novelists and scenario writers. he was sheriff of a Texas county and captain of a company of Texas Rangers. Before the Civil War he joined Gen. William Walker on his filibustering expedition to Nicaragua and was General Walker's Minister of War during the brief existence of the Cabinet.

When the Civil War broke out, Captain French mounted his horse and rode from Texas to Virginia, where he joined the Richmond Howitzers, being given the command of Company F, Thirty fifth Battalion. At the end of the war he settled in Halifax county, near Meadville, and spent the rest of his life farming. His first wife was Miss Bettie Logan, of Halifax county, whom he took to Texas. She died in 1906. In 1912, when Captain French was 81, he married Miss Margie Medley, who survives him. By his first wife Captain French had three children - Junius B. French, of Chattanooga, W. L. French, of Knoxsville and Mrs. Julia C. Sparrow, of Richmond. He made the first map of Halifax and was an enthusiastic Mason.
Sun (Baltimore MD) December 23, 1919 Transcribed by Tammie Rudder

6.19 Matilda Caroline French, b. 26 Jul 1833 in Fauquier Co., VA [40], d. 3 Jan 1887 in Tustin, CA, buried in Green-wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY, m1. Franklin C. Gray of KY and CA in WDC on 21/24 Mar 1853. They had a dau. Franklina C. Gray, b. 20 Dec 1853 in Brooklyn, NY. Franklin C. Gray never saw his daughter because he died suddenly on 15 Jul 1853 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. In 1865 Matilda left NY for San Francisco, CA. Matilda m2. David Hewes ca. 1875, no children. Her dau. by the first marriage, Franklina Gray, m. William S. Bartlett, and among their 3 children, had a dau., Franklina Matilda Bartlett, b. 1 Nov 1886, who m. her second cousin, James Henry French, on 7 Sep 1915. (see 9.2) [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Matilda when her father died 27 Aug 1850.

Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY

Section 16, Lot 7406.

The only stone on this lot appears to be inscribed on its front and left side panels. The absence of any inscription on the rear and right side panels may be due to erosion. But a search of the cemetery's online burial database using the 3 surnames inscribed on the stone reveals no names other than those inscribed.

INSCRIPTION, front panel:

To My Husband

Franklin C. Gray

Who Died July 15th 1853

Aged 37 years

Beloved, rest in peace.

INSCRIPTION, left side panel:

Sarah B. French

Died April 8th 1873.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil.

Matilda C. Hewes

Daughter of Sarah B. French

Entered into rest January 2, 1887

At Tustin California.

He giveth His beloved sleep.

Burial Dates:
FRENCH: Sarah B, 4/10/1873, mother of Matilda.
HEWES: Matilda C, 3/2/1889.
GRAY: Franklin C, 9/15/1853.

6.20* James Henry French, b. 26 Mar 1835 in Warrenton, Fauquier Co., VA [40], m. Sarah Lorrinilla Webb on 15 Oct 1856 in San Antonio, TX, d. 6 Sep 1893 of apoplexy in San Antonio, TX. He was Mayor of San Antonio, TX, from 1875-1879. James is described as an Irishman, written in The Celtic Connection, Chapter VII, Nineteenth Century, Texas, http://celticowboy.com/19THTX.htm.

Sarah Lorrinilla Webb (1836 - 1915) - wife of James Henry French holding her grandson James Henry French (1897 - 1903) the first child and son of Sarah's daughter Sarah Lorrinilla French (1867 - 1914) and her husband William Logan French (1869 - 1953). This may be the only photo in existence of little James Henry French as he died at age 6. William Logan French was Sarah's first cousin and son of Marcellus French and Elizabeth Henrietta Logan. 

Mayor James Henry French, buried at City Cemetery #1 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX

He lived at 105 San Pedro Ave., in San Antonio. He served 10 terms in San Antonio, TX, as Major. Sarah was b. 6 Oct 1836 in Detroit, Michigan, d. 7 Sep 1915 in San Antonio, TX. She was the dau. of Henry and Olive Ann (Selkrigg) Webb. Sarah was a well-known philanthrope or philanthropist worker. She was 79 at her death and had lived in San Antonio for 9 years, born in Detroit, MI in 1836. James was a prominent citizen, soldier, merchant, banker, sheriff, and mayor (1875-1885) of San Antonio, TX. He moved to TX at age 16 and settled in San Antonio in 1851 until he died [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan James when his father died 27 Aug 1850. Most of this family from San Antonio is buried in City Cemetery #1. Several write-ups about the mayor indicate that he was Irish. In the 1880 census of San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX, James was 45, living with his wife Sarah L. 43, and their 4 children: Julius B 22, Sallie L. 13, Franklina 7, and James V. 15.

A transcript from the San Antonio Express newspaper, Jan 11, 1939, Wednesday. French, One of San Antonio’s Best Mayors, by Fred Mosebach.

When James H. French succeeded Frank Giraud as the 22nd mayor of San Antonio, January 19, 1875, and held the office continuously for 10 years until he was succeeded by Brayan Callahan, February 1, 1885, San Antonio made its greatest progress up to that time since the city was incorporated and John W. Smith became its first Anglo mayor, September 19, 1837.

The most distinctive stride in the advancement of San Antonio was the building of the first railroad line into this city, the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio, which was accomplished February 16, 1877, and four years later to the day, February 16, 1881, the International & Great Northern had been built into San Antonio. While Mayor French had nothing to do with the building of these railroad lines, he was the city’s chief executive, and as such he lent every encouragement possible for the prosecution of the work to speed it on its way.

The building of these railroads brought an influx of northern and eastern capital, which manifested itself in the further development of San Antonio. This spurred the city on to greater improvement, and during the administration of Mayor French, the first system of street names and house numbers was adopted, which was on March 1, 1881, as attested by Theo. Baldue, city clerk. Until then the street names and house number, the latter of which prevailed only in the business section, were a conglomerated mass of incongruities with no basic guidance.

With the improved system of street names and house numbers, San Antonio was in line for mail delivery service, and this was inaugurated in 1882 during the presidency of Chester A. Arthur, for until then all mail had to be called for at the post office. William Henry Mitchell was the first five mail carriers to be appointed, and he is the only one of these living, now 82 years of age. He carried the mail for more than 38 years and was retired on a pension in January 1921 at the age of 65 years. He still has a gold watch presented to him for Christmas, 1885, by residents along his route.

An outline from The Handbook of Texas Online:

FRENCH, JAMES HENRY (1835-1893). James Henry French, mayor of San Antonio, was born on March 26, 1835, in Warrenton, Virginia, to James and Sarah Butler (Henry) French. He attended Columbia College in Washington, D.C., before he moved to San Antonio, Texas, in October 1851. On October 15, 1856, he married Sarah L. Webb; they eventually had five children. French and his wife moved in 1856 to Atascosa County, where he served two terms as sheriff and managed a ranch. He returned to San Antonio in 1859 and in May 1861 enlisted in the Confederate Army. He served in the adjutant general's office until October 1861, then was appointed captain and assigned to the commissary department under Gen. Paul O. Hebert. He served this assignment on the Rio Grande under Gen. Hamilton P. Bee. In January 1863 French was transferred to the purchasing department at San Diego, Texas, and in March 1865 took charge of the reserve department of supplies for the forces operating under Col. John S. Port.

After the war he made his home in San Antonio, where he instituted many reforms in city government during his period as mayor (1875-1885) and alderman (1885-89). These reforms included a system of street names and house numbering, increased city control of public schools, and an increase in the school tax by 10 percent. In addition, during his tenure the International-Great Northern Railroad was built into San Antonio. French died on September 6, 1893, and was buried in the City Cemetery in San Antonio.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Biographical Encyclopedia of Texas (New York: Southern, 1880). Memorial and Genealogical Record of Southwest Texas (Chicago: Goodspeed, 1894; rpt., Easley, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1978). Vertical Files, Barker Texas History Center, University of Texas at Austin.

Obituary:

Hon. James H. French, one of the pioneer and most prominent citizens of San Antonio, died last night at 8 o'clock, at his home at 105 San Pedro Avenue of apoplexy. The sad event came unexpectedly and without warning and caused a profound shock to those who heard of it last night. In the business portion of the city, where the report of his demise became quickly circulated, there was a deep gloom of sorrow, and many were the kind words spoken of the deceased, who for so many years past has been so closely identified with the public interests of San Antonio.

The Fatal Attack. The final sickness of Mr. French was very brief. As is generally known he has been feeling badly for the past few months and not long ago he took a brief vacation from his business duties, returning to the city much improved, He discarded taking medicine and has been regularly attending to the work of his office since his return. He was present and took an active part in the proceedings of the city council Tuesday evening but was excused toward the latter part of the session because of feeling badly.

He was up and on the street yesterday morning and attended to an unusually large amount of business during the day.

Shortly after 4 o'clock he entered the office of Mayor Paschal at the city hall to talk over some municipal matters with that official. He remained there until 5 o'clock, when he was taken suddenly sick and walking into the corridor unsupported, vomited severely. His condition was noticed by Alderman Jack Daugherty and W. H. Garretson, who hurried to his side and assisted him to a chair.

Mr. Hoefling went immediately for a hack, those remaining doing all in their power to relieve Mr. French of his intense suffering.

When the hack arrived Mr. Garretson and City Auditor Meyer assisted Mr. French, who was still able to walk to it, and he was conveyed to his home, Mr. Daugherty and Mr. Garertson accompanying him.

Taken to his home. On the way home Mr. French seemed to suffer intense pain and vomited almost constantly. When his residence was reached his wife was notified and he was placed in bed, and messengers sent for physicians. Dr. F. E. Young soon arrived and immediately administered a hypodermic injection. The patient had lost consciousness before the doctor arrived, and when taken from the hack talked incoherently, although he seemed to recognize those around him. Drs L. L. Shropshire and F. M. Hicks soon arrived and after a consultation with Dr. Young it was decided to bleed the sufferer. This was done, but he gradually sank and quietlypassed away at 8 o'clock, his bedside surrounded by all the immediate members of his family, with the exception of his two married sons, who reside in Fort Worth. Several of the intimate friends of the deceased and family were also present.

The physicians in attendance state that the immediate cause of death was hemorrage of the right side of the brain.

Life and Public Services: Hon. James H. French was a native of Fauquier County, VA, his family being an old and distingushed one of that state. He was about 57 years of age.

In the fall of 1852 he emigrated to Texas and settled upon a ranch in Atascosa county. He had not then attained his majority, but he braved the dangers and fought the battles of a fronterisman with courage and success.

He married Miss Sallie Webb the step daughter of the late Enoch Hones, who survives him. Mr. French lived in Atascosa county several years and served one term as sheriff of that county when a very young man.

When the late civil war began he enlisted in the Confederate army in the commissary department. After the war he entered the mercantile business on Commerce street in this city and was ngaged in it for several years. He then retired from that business and for the last several years has devoted himself to the real estate brokerage business.

An efficient mayor. He was for ten years mayor of San Antonio and filled that important office up to 1885 with honor to the city and the highest credit to himself. Previous to his election as mayor he served as alderman, and was an alderman at the time of his death.

There is no man in San Antonio who was held in greater esteem and more beloved by the people of the city than ex-mayor French.

He leaves a wife and five children. Hissons are Rev. Junius French, a prominent Presbyterian minister of Ft. Worth, and Mr. James French, also of Fort Wroth. Both are maried. His three daughters are Mrs. Joe Devine and and two younger unmarried ones at home.

Deceased has a brother, Marcellis French, living in Virginia.

The scene at the residence of Mr. French was very affecting. The family was completely prostrated by the sad affair. At the time of his death several prominent men were present, besides the family, and all were greatly shocked. When the news spread to the city it became the general theme of discussion and in all quarters works of regret and sorrow were heard, Mr. French had been so intimately associated with the city government, and all public interests, and had made so many warm friends among the citizens, that everyone felt that his death was in the nature of a personal bereavement. Several gentlemen who had been intimate friends of ex-mayor French were prostrated for some time after learning of his death.

During the evening a number of personal friends called at the residence and paid their tribute of sorrow and condolence.

Time of Funeral not Fixed. The body was placed in charge of Undertakers Sheern & Barnett and was prepared for burial, but the date of the funeral had not been fixed last night owing to the absence of Mr. French's sons, and will be announced later. It will not take place, probably, for two or three days.

Many city employees and city workmen owed their appointment to Mayor French and always regarded him as thier special friend and advisor.

Messages were sent to Mr. French's sons in Fort Worth as soon as it was realized that he could not live and they will probably be here today.

Obituary of Sarah Lorinella Webb French:

(dated Sept. 7 1915)

Mrs. Sarah L. French, a well known philanthropic worker of San Antonio and the widow of a former mayor of San Antonio, James H. French, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Olive A. Devine, 421 Crescent St., Alamo Heights, at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Death came after an illness of nine months during which she was confined to her bed most of the time. She was 79 years of age and had lived in San Antonio for 70 years.

Mrs. French was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1836, her family on both sides being descended from distinguished line of New England Families. Relatives of her faterh, Henry Webb, included the Stoddards and the Adams and she was seenth in descent from Governor Bradford of Plymouth Colony. Her mother who was Miss Ann Selkrig, was a neice of Matthew Vassar, who founded the famous Vassar College. In 1839 her parents removed with her to Port Lavaca, Texas. After a short stay they went to St. Louis, Mo., where they lived until 1846 shen they moved to San Antonio. She was married to James H. French October 15, 1856. Mr. French had come to Texas only a short time before to engage in ranching with his brother in Atascosa County.

Having a brilliant mind and wonderful personality, Mrs. French was for yeras the leading society woman of Texas, and her distinguished ancestry led to acquaintance with many prominent Texans and visitors to the State in the early days. She was acquainted with and had entertained General Sam Houston, General John B. Hood, who was a cousin of her husband; General Robert E. Lee and President U. S. Grant. She entertained President Grant after he had served as president and was on a tour of the United States.

She was one of the founders and charter members of the First Presbyterian church of this city and for years she was prominent in its work. She was a member of a number of local patriotic and historical associations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, The Virginia Historical Society and the Daughters of 1812. She was an honorary member of the Daughters of the Confederacy.

She was the first regent of the State of Texas for the Daughters of the Revolution and later was regent of the San Antonio de Bexar Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1914 she was the state chaplain for this organization.

Mrs. French is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Olive F. Devine of this city and Mrs Franklin Yates of Fort Worth, two sons, Rev. Junius B. French of Jacksonville, FL, and James B. French of Fort Worth, two sisters, Mrs Flora K. Adams of San Antonio and Mrs Olive Ann Washington, of Washington, D.C. Of her twenty-one grandchildren those residing in Santonio are: Mrs. J. F. Clarkson, Miss Helen Olive Devine, Joseph Devine, Thomas J. Devine, William Devine and Franklin Devine. Several great grand-children also survive her.

Funeral services will be conducted at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the First Presbyterian church, with Rev. Arthur G. Jones, officiating. She will be buried in the family lot in City Cemetery No. 1. Honorary pallbearers are, Dr. Adolph Herff, Colonel George W. Brackenridtge, Captain Sam Maverick, J. M. Bennett, Russell C. Norton, Dr. F. M. Hicks, Thomas Paschal and S. G. Newton. Frank Edwards, Lee Earnest, JD Crenshaw, James Simpson, Henry King, Carlos Bee, Charles G. Norton and Alex Walton will be the active pallbearers.

Newspaper article in Family Bible

San Antonio TX, March 17. One of the most imposing funeral processions ever seen in this city was that which this evening followed the remains of the late Thomas J. Devine to their final resting place in the Catholic cemetery, where the distingushed jurist reposed by the side of his wife. The procession was nearly a mile and a half long and there was almost a suspension of business during it's passage alont the streets.

The following is a list of noted men who attended as honorary pall bearers: Hon. John E. Ireland of Seguin, Judge L. N. Walthal, Judge N. O. Green, Colonel John A. Green, Colonel Columbus Upson, Hon. J. H. French, John Withers, John Twohig, H. B. Adams and General H. P. Bee.

The Casket containing the body was almost buried beneath the mass of floral offerings, and was borne to the hearse by six of the junior members of the bar. Both the district courts, the probate and lower courts adjourned out of respect to his memory.

A meeting of the bar was held to take appropriate action upon his death. It was the most largely attended bar meeting ever held in this city. The venerable Judge L. N. Walthall presided, and on motion of Attorney-general J. H. McLeary the following committee was appointed to draft resolutions: J. H. Mcleary, N. O. Green, H. P. Drought, L. G. Denman, Ed dwyer, E. R. Lane and A. J. Evans. The committee will meet on Saturday morning next.

The bar then adopted a resolution by a unanimous vote that the members attend the funeral in a body.

Ex Governor Roberts telegraphed his condolences to the family, but was unable to attend.

6.21 Junius Butler French, b. 7 Aug 1837 in Fauquier Co., VA [40], d. 2 Jul 1863, was wounded 1 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA, and died early the next morning [1]. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Junius when his father died 27 Aug 1850. James had 9 black slaves in 1860, ranging in age from 6 months to 48 years old, some inherited from Richard Cooper, Mrs. Lucas, Sam Christian, L. Dixous while he lived in Fauquier Co., VA. Junius remained unmarried with no heirs. For details on French’s Black and Mulatto slaves, freed servants after emancipation, and their descendants of today, see List of Chart #14 Slaveholders and Slaves.

Photo below is of the Broadway Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, TX, where Junius B. French was Reverend. Photo taken 17 Nov 1880. Its first brick building at Broadway and St. Louis Avenue burned during the great southside fire on 3 Apr 1909 and was rebuilt in early 1911. By 1940 a larger building was erected in another area, whereas the old structure was sold to Broadway Baptist Church in 1950 and was subsequently razed to provide parking spaces.

6.22 Rosalie (or Rosa) Henry French, b. 4 Aug 1839 in Warrington, Fauquier Co., VA [40], d. 28 Aug 1889 in Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, m. Arthur H. Brown of Honolulu in 1861. He d. in the service of the Confederate Navy. James V. Brooke was chosen guardian of orphan Rosalie when her father died 27 Aug 1850.

The following children are also listed in the 1850 census (shown below), but few further records are found on them.

Some of these children above were found in the 1860 census of Brooklyn Ward 3 District 1, Kings Co., NY, but these children were born AFTER 1850 when James French, the father of the earlier children, had died. In 1860 in NY, these children, among them Rosalie age 20, Junius Butler age 22, Matilda Carolina French Gray age 25 and her 2-year old daughter Franklina C. Gray (after Matilda’s husband had died suddenly), were living with their mother, S. S. B. French, age 50, b. 27 Aug 1808.

As far as most of the children and especially John, Charles, Ellen, and Margaret listed below are concerned, they were very young when their father died in 1850. At the birth of the youngest child Margaret in 1847, her mother Sarah would have been 39 years old.

6.23 John French, b. 1842 in VA, living in WDC in the 1850 census. Several men named John French are buried at the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY, with unidentifiable information. See Charles below.

6.24 Charles French, b. 1844 in VA, living in WDC in the 1850 census. His mother, Sarah Scarborough Butler Henry French, was buried at the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY, and only because of this reason, he could have been the Charles French buried there in Oct 1886; however, there are 4 other men named Charles French who were also buried at this cemetery: Charles A. in Sep 1868; Charles E. in Dec 1917; Charles E. in Dec 1861; and Charles H. in Jul 1874. None of these 5 men named Charles French show a birthdate or any other data to identify them.

6.25 Ellen French, b. 1845 in VA, living in WDC in the 1850 census.

6.26 Margaret French, b. 1847 in VA, living in WDC in the 1850 census. “A” Margaret French is buried at the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY, in 1867, but without a birthdate or any other identifiable information. See Charles above. Margaret could have also married.

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