French Family Association

The Official Website of the Surname French

Slaveholders and Slaves of the Surname French

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

Emancipation took place January 1, 1863

This page updated by Mara French on 2/5/14. 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

French Family Slaveholders of Mulatto and Black Slaves

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

Slavery

French Pedigree of Slave Owners

Slave Data Sheet

Slaves of Richard French

Slaves of William French

Ancestry of Slaves Martin and Martha (Hines) French

Bibliography

Slavery

Slavery is a practice in which people own other people. A slave is the property of his or her owner and works without pay. The owner, who is called a master or mistress, provides the slave with food, shelter, and clothing.

Slavery began in prehistoric times and has been practiced ever since. The slavery of ancient times reached its peak in Greece and the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, slavery declined. Then, during the 1500's and 1600's, the colonization of the New World by Europeans resulted in a great expansion of slavery. Changing moral attitudes about slavery helped cause its decline during the 1800's. The United States abolished slavery in 1865. Today, slavery is illegal in almost every country in the world. But slavery still exists in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Congress, using powers granted by Article I, Section 9, of the Constitution banned importation of slaves in 1808 but this did not effect those already in the United States nor those yet to be born.

The first blacks in the American Colonies were brought in, like many lower-class whites, as indentured servants. Most indentured servants had a contract to work without wages for a master for four to seven years, after which they became free. Blacks brought in as slaves, however, had no right to eventual freedom. The first black indentured servants arrived in Jamestown in the colony of Virginia in 1619. They had been captured in Africa and were sold at auction in Jamestown. After completing their service, some black indentured servants bought property. But racial prejudice among white colonists forced most free blacks to remain in the lowest level of colonial society.

The first black African slaves in the American Colonies also arrived during the early 1600's. The slave population increased rapidly during the 1700's as newly established colonies in the South created a great demand for plantation workers.

By 1750, about 200,000 slaves lived in the colonies. The majority lived in the South, where the warm climate and fertile soil encouraged the development of plantations that grew rice, tobacco, sugar cane, and later cotton. Most plantation slaves worked in the fields. Others were craft-workers, messengers, and servants.

By the early 1800's, more than 700,000 slaves lived in the South. They accounted for about a third of the region's people. Slaves outnumbered whites in South Carolina and made up over half the population in both Maryland and Virginia. See entire article.

French Pedigree of Slave Owners

Emancipation January 1, 1863. Frenches in bold had at least 1 slave.

1.1 William French, b. ca. 1660, d. before 1743 as he is listed as deceased in James’ will of 1743.

2.1 James French, b. ca. 1685, m. Elizabeth 1710, wrote will 2 Nov 1741, d. 3 May 1743

3.1 Jane French, b. ca. 1705, m. Thomas Reno, d. before 1743 the year her father died.

3.2 Mary Ann French or Margaret M. French, b. 1713-1717, m. James Haggard in 1731, d. after 1762.
James was b. 1709 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co., VA, the son of James Haggard and Elizabeth Gentry.

3.3 William M. French, b. 27 Apr 1725, m. Winifred Hall 10 Feb 1746, will 15 Nov 1790, d. 2 May 1792

4.1 Katherine French, b. 6 Feb 1747, d. 19 Nov 1771, died before father’s will was written.

4.2 Elizabeth French, b. 30 Mar 1749, d. 10 Oct 1807

4.3 Susannah French, b. 1 Jan 1751, d. 25 May 1795

4.4 Mary French, b. 22 Jan 1753

4.5 Margaret M. French, b. 9 Oct 1754, m. Richard Haggard, d. ca. 1834.

4.6 James French, b. 5 Nov 1756, m. Keziah Calloway on 27 Jun 1783, d. 1 Apr 1835

5.1 William French, b. 1 Mar 1785, d. 16 Mar 1863

5.2 Catherine French, living in 1835

5.3 Susannah French, b. 25 Jul 1795

5.4 Theodosia French, b. 16 Jun 1801, d. 12 Jan 1886

5.5 Lina French, b. 10 Feb 1806, d. 27 Nov 1853

5.6 Richard French, b. 20 Jun 1792, d. 1 May 1854

5.7 Stephen French, b. 9 Jul 1798, d. 3 May 1827, died before his father died

5.8 Keziah French, b. 1804, d. 13 Nov 1827, died before her father died

4.7 William French, b. 18 Sep 1758, d. 30 Jul 1760, died before father’s will was written.

4.8 Stephen French, b. 1 Mar 1760, m. Elizabeth Helm 20 Feb 1790, d. 22 May 1842

5.1 Susannah French, b. 21 Nov 1790, d. 25 May 1795

5.2 William French, b. 23 Apr 1793, d. 15 May 1826

5.3 James French, b. 18 Mar 1801, d. Jun 1850

5.4 Stephen French, b. 29 Jul 1804, d. 25 Aug 1827

5.5 Maria French

5.6 Martha French

4.9 Keziah French, b. 5 Dec 1761, d. 1822, received money in father’s will but no slaves

Slave Data Sheet

*Proposed date of freedom; however, emancipation changed all that on January 1, 1863.

m = mulatto, w = white, n = negro, c = colored. These race indications changed with each census record. Some slaves were only a percentage black. As for the slave ownerships of the surname French, mulattos entered their workforce about 1800. By the time these slaves left the French family in 1866 in Kentucky and moved to Chicago, some (including Martin and his wife Martha and their children Luther, Seward, Peter, Carrie, and John) were considered white.

Slave	Born	Race	Sex	Freedom*	French Owner and French Generations of Ownership
Matt or Natt, adult by 1790.	Before 1774 perhaps in VA	n	M	After the death of James’ wife Keziah on 26 Sep 1845.	3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, willed to William’s son 4. James as noted in the will of James French. James died 3 May 1843. In James’ will, he gives slave Matt, old at the time of his will, to James’ son 5. Richard French who was b. 1792, d. 1854. Richard had a total of 17 slaves, born between 1774-1848. Richard was 51 years old when he received Matt, aged 69.
Cate, adult by 1790, perhaps wife of Matt.	Before 1775 perhaps in VA	n	F	After the death of James’ wife Keziah on 26 Sep 1845.	3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, then she was willed to William’s daughter 4. Mary French Beaty.
Frank, perhaps son of Matt and Cate.	Born after 1774, boy in 1790 perhaps in VA	n	M		3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote his will to give boy slave Frank to his daughter 4. Margareitt French Farrow.
Nell, perhaps dau. of Matt and Cate.	Born after 1774, girl in 1790 perhaps in VA	n	F		3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote in his will to give girl slave Nell to his daughter 4. Elizabeth,
Dinah, perhaps dau. of Matt and Cate.	Born after 1774, girl in 1790 perhaps in VA	n	F		3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote in his will to give girl slave to his daughter 4. Susannah
Various	Perhaps in VA	b			3. William French, b. 27 Apr 1725, will dated 1790, d. 1792, wrote in his will to give various slaves to his son 4. Stephen.
Jim French, could be son of Matt. Could be husband of Nancy.	1800?		M	26 Sep 1845 at the death of James French’s wife Keziah	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 1: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). At Keziah’s death 26 Sep 1845, go free. James died 3 May 1843.
Nancy French, could be dau. of Matt. Could be wife of Jim.	1800?		F	26 Sep 1845 at death of James French’s wife Keziah	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 2: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). At Keziah’s death 26 Sep 1845, go free. James died 3 May 1843.
Shelton French, could be dau. of Matt of Jim & Nancy.	1809 twin of Mooses?		M	1 Jan 1854 as per James’ will	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 3: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After Keziah’s death on 26 Sep 1845, slave Shelton was ordered to go to James’ daughter 5. Levia per James’ will. James died 3 May 1843.
Martin B. French Sr., (father of Martin French Jr. and others below) , could be son of Matt. See below. Or could be son of Jim and Nancy.	1815 in KY per 1870 census, died 1878 in IL	w, m	M	1 Jan 1856 as per James’ will	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 4: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After Keziah’s death on 26 Sep 1845, slave Martin could chose which of James’ children he wanted to live with, and he chose daughter 5. Theodosia. James died 3 May 1843. 1866 moved to Chicago, in Chicago in 1870 census
Martha A. (Hines) French, wife of Martin B., d. by 1890. See below.	Sep 1822 in Mt. Sterling, KY per 1870 census, d. Apr 1907 in IL	w, m	F	1866	1866 moved to Chicago for the rest of her life. The 1870 Chicago census indicates that Martin and Martha lived with their children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866. The 1880 Chicago census indicates that Martha lived with her children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866. Race is mulatto. Both parents born in KY. Also listed in James French, b. 1838, a step-son of Martha, a son by Martin and someone else. James was mulatto, and a Porter R.R. Martha was widowed.
Mourning French, could be dau. of Matt, probably oldest child, and all her children. Or could be son of Jim and Nancy.	1816		F	1 Jan 1860 per James’ will, and children when they reach age 45.	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 5: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After Keziah’s death on 26 Sep 1845, James states in his will that slave Mourning was to go to his son 5. Richard. Richard d. in 1854. She is listed on Richard French’s inventory. James died 3 May 1843.
Anna or Ann French (and children) , could be dau. of Matt. Or could be son of Jim and Nancy.	1819		F	1 Jan 1864, her children are free at age 45 per James’ will.	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 6: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave his wife, Keziah, 6 negroes: Jim, Nancy, Shelton, Martin, Mourning, and Ann (could be all children of Matt). After Keziah’s death on 26 Sep 1845, slave Ann and her children (called her increase) were to go to James’ son 5. William as per James French’s will. James died 3 May 1843.
Daniel French Sr.	1791		M	1 Jan 1836 per James’ will	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 7: goes to daughter 5. Catherine Farrow as per James’ will. Slave Daniel must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843.
Enoch French	1795 VA		M	1 Jan 1840 per James’ will	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 8: goes to daughter 5. Susanna Farrow as per James’ will. Slave Enoch must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843.
Westly or Wesley French	1815		M	1 Jan 1860 per James’ will	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 9: goes to daughter 5. Theodosia Hood as per James’ will. Slave Westly must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843.
Mooses or Moses French	1809 twin of Shelton?		M	1 Jan 1854 as per James’ will	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 10: goes to daughter 5. Levia or Lina Smith as per James’ will. Slave Moses must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843.
Eli French	8 Jul 1813		M	8 Jul 1858 at age 45	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 11: goes to daughter 5. Levia or Lina Smith as per James’ will. Slave Eli must have been older as he was set free earlier. Usually slaves were set free when they were 45 years old. James died 3 May 1843.
Jane French	1792		F	3 May 1843 (2 years after James’ death), changed to 1 Jan 1837	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 12: goes to daughter 5. Levia or Lina Smith as per James’ will. Slave Jane was ordered to serve only two years more after James’ death for Levia. James French made an alteration to his will, dated 30 Mar 1835, that states that slave Jane would not serve Levia, but would serve his daughter 5. Theodosia Hood 2 years from the first of January last, and then go free. James died 3 May 1843.
Charlotte French	1775	b	F	After the death of James’ wife Keziah on 26 Sep 1845.	4. James French’s (b. 5 Nov 1756) slave 13: in his will of 5 Sep 1834 gave son 5. Richard slave Charlotte, “old and infirm”. James died 3 May 1843.
David French, 1^st child of Martin Sr. See below.	Oct 1846 according to death certificate, d. 30 Mar 1913, age 67.	m. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M		Notes for David French who was a slave only for the first 17 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census.
Martin B. French, Jr., 2^nd child of Martin Sr. See below.	Jan 1853 in KY, d. 18 Jan 1929 in IL	m. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M	1 Jan 1856	Notes for Martin French Jr. who was a slave only for the first 10 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census.
John B. French, 3^rd child of Martin Sr., married in 1885 to Carrie Dennie. See below.	Apr 1857 KY, d. 22 Sep 1931 in IL	m, b, n. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M	1866	Notes for John B. French who was a slave only for the first 5 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male, but his photo and newspaper articles definitely indicate he was mulatto.
Luther French, 4^th child of Martin Sr. & Martha, m. Maggie in 1890. See below.	1858 in KY, d. 22 Nov 1944 in IL, m. Maggie	m, w, b. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M	1866	Notes for Luther French who was a slave only for the first 4 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. He was a bar keeper in 1880 Chicago census, single and mulatto. In the 1900 Chicago census, he is listed as born Apr 1865 in KY, black, married to Maggie in 1890; she was b. Nov 1866, black, no children within the first 10 years of their marriage. In the 1910 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1870 in KY, married to Luther G. French, she was mulatto. They have no children, but are living with various unrelated mulatto lodgers with the surnames Cole, Ashbrook, Edwards, and Heywood. It states Luther was b. 1861, mulatto, parents both born in KY. In the 1920 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1872 in IL, mulatto, married to Luther French, living with various mulatto lodgers with the surnames Trull, Ford, Calvo, and Williams. It states that Luther was b. 1870 in IL, mulatto, and that his parents were both born in IL. Perhaps this is not the correct line, or that the census taker wrote down the incorrect information. Certainly the death date of 12 years different is quite off.
Orlando “Land” French, 8^th son or Martin Sr. See below.	1859 in KY, d. 29 Dec 1861 in KY from diptheria	b. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M		Notes for Orlando French who was a slave only for the first 3 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Perhaps Orlando was not a child of this family – he shows as b. 1859 in Ohio Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census.
Seward or Lenard or Leward French, 5^th child of Martin Sr. See below.	Dec 1862 KY, d. 1 Apr 1936 in IL	m, n, c. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M	1866	Notes for Seward French who was a slave only for a month before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. In the 1880 Chicago census, he is single and mulatto.
James French, Step-child of Martin Sr.’s wife Martha See below.	1838 in KY	m. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M	1866	Notes for James French who was a slave only for the first 25 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census.
Peter French, 6^th son of Martin Sr. and Martha, m. Anna E. McGowan in 1871. See below.	Dec 1864 KY, 80 years old in the 1930 census of Chicago .	m, b, n. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	M	1866	Notes for Peter French who was never a slave because he was born after 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. In Chicago in 1870, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 census. He attended bar. Married Annie Mcgowan (m, b), dau. of Eliza Mcgowan, b. May 1851 in KY, and had 4 children (after emanicipation): -Laura French b. Oct 1871 in IL (b, m, n), dau. of Peter and Anna French, lived in Chicago 1880-1900-1910-1920-1930 census. -Henrietta or Nettie B. French, b. Mar 1875 in IL (b, m), dau. of Peter and Anna French -Bertie or Bernie J. French (b, m), son of Peter and Anna French, b. Mar 1877 in IL -Carrie D. French, dau. of Peter & Anna French, (n, m, b), b. Dec 1878-1885 in IL, m. Edward H. Shanklin ca. between 1900-1910. Remained in Chicago.
Carrie D. French, 7^th child of Martin Sr., and perhaps wife of John B. French. See below.	1866	m. Perhaps 1/4^th black.	F	1866	After emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white female.
Maude A. French	Nov 1882 in IL	b	F		After emancipation.
James A. French	1906 in IL	n	M		After emancipation.

Slaves of Richard French

Richard French, who died in 1854, had 17 or 18 slaves, born between 1775-1848.

The 1850 census of Kentucky lists Richard French with 18 slaves. Slaves Charlotte and Mourning were given to Richard through his father, James. James French was b. 5 Nov 1756, m. Keziah Calloway on 27 Jun 1783, d. 1 Apr 1835. His son Richard French was b. 20 Jun 1792, d. 1 May 1854. Slave Matt had died before the 1850 census.

Slave Name	Born	Race	Sex	Age in 1850
Charlotte	1775	b	F	75
	1801	b	M	49
	1807	b	M	43
	1808	m	M	42
Mourning	1816	b	F	34
	1825	m	F	25
	1829	b	F	21
	1829	b	M	21
	1829	b	M	21
	1830	b	F	20
	1837	b	F	13
	1837	b	M	13
	1841	b	F	9
	1842	b	M	8
	1844	b	F	6
	1839	b	F	11
	1846	b	F	4
	1848	b	M	2

Richard had various slaves, but their names are at present unknown [35]. Ref. [35] has been researching an old cemetery in Elsmere, Kenton Co., KY for 10 years – the cemetery was referred to as the “French Cemetery” in a book of “Small Cemeteries of Kenton County”, but no names or stones are visible. She believes it is connected to slaves that were once owned by the French family. The 1850 census (4 years before Richard died) of District 1, Montgomery Co., KY, shows Richard as having 17 slaves; 9 were female and 8 were male. Two of these were mulattos (m) and the other 15 were black (b). Their names are not listed. Could the 42-year old Mulatto male and the 23-year old Mulatto female be children of Richard? Showing their ages, sex, and color, the 17 slaves are:

Menifee County (KY) Free Blacks and Free Mulattoes, 1870-1900 
Start Year : 1870 
End Year : 1900 
Menifee County, surrounded by six counties and located in eastern Kentucky, was formed in 1869 from portions of Bath, Montgomery, Morgan, Powell, and Wolfe Counties. It was named in honor of Richard H. Menefee (spelling variation), who was Commonwealth's Attorney, a Kentucky House Member, and a U.S. Senator. The county seat of Menifee County is Frenchburg, established in 1869 and named in honor of Richard French, a lawyer and circuit court judge who served in both the Kentucky and the U.S. House of Representatives. Menifee County was formed after the slaves were freed by the ratification of the 13th Amendment. The 1870 county population was 1,986, according to the U.S. Federal Census, and increased to 6,889 by 1900. Below are the numbers for the Blacks and Mulattoes in the county for 1870-1900.



1870 U.S. Federal Census

· 14 Blacks [last names Davis, Williams, and Willis, 1 Roggers]

· 3 Mulattoes [Jack Donathan, Anna Kring, and Pressilla Wills]

1880 U.S. Federal Census

· 46 Blacks [most with last name Monear, Simpson, Wilston, and Williams]

1900 U.S. Federal Census

· 41 Blacks [most with last name Manier, Bush, Gay, and Williams]

Slaves of William French

The 1850 census of Stafford Co., VA, lists William French with 30 slaves:

Slave Name	Born	Age in 1850	Sex	Race
Unknown	1768	82	M	B
Unknown	1830	20	F	M
Unknown	1832	18	M	M
Unknown	1832	18	F	M
Unknown	1843	7	M	B
Unknown	1844	6	F	M
Unknown	1810	40	F	B
Unknown	1812	38	F	B
Unknown	1822	28	F	B
Unknown	1838	12	M	B
Unknown	1840	10	F	B
Unknown	1810	40	M	B
Unknown	1823	27	M	M
Unknown	1820	30	M	B
Unknown	1824	26	M	B
Unknown	1820	30	F	M
Unknown	1842	8	M	M
Unknown	1842	8	M	B
Unknown	1843	7	F	M
Unknown	1844	6	M	B
Unknown	1845	5	F	B
Unknown	1841	9	F	B
Unknown	1844	6	M	B
Unknown	1846	4	F	B
Unknown	1844	6	F	B
Unknown	1846	4	M	B
Unknown	1846	4	F	M
Unknown	1847	3	M	B
Unknown	1848	2	F	B
Unknown	1850	3/12	F	B

Descendants of Slaves Martin and Martha (Hines) French

All slaves of this French family received the surname French.

The 1870 US Federal Census lists Martin French’s family as white, all born in Kentucky. The 1880 census (after Martin French Sr. had died), lists this entire family as mulatto. The 1900 census lists this family as black. Then past that, they are listed as negro.

Most likely the male was the white landlord and slave owner, and the female was the black slave, but this has not been proved. Please contact me if you’re working on this line and we can work together, marafrench@mindspring.com. However, the white landlord could have been from several generations earlier.

First Generation

Most likely this generation was mulatto. Their mother was probably a black slave and their father was a white landlord and slave owner, but this has not been proved.

1.1* Martin B. French Sr., b. 1815 in KY per 1870 census, died 1878 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, at age 66. He was the slave of James French of Montgomery Co., KY, listed as white, but could have been mulatto. He then was a slave of James French’s wife, then their daughter, and was finally released 1 Jan 1856 as per the will of James French. However, he stayed with the French family until 1866 because of his wife and family. In 1866, he and his entire family moved to Chicago, Cook Co., IL, where he lived for another 12 years before his death.

By the 1850 census of slaveholders, Martin would have been 39, Martha would have been 28, James 12. No slave appears in Montgomery Co. KY with these ages in 1850 as they had moved to Chicago. Most likely Martin’s slave owner would have lived in Montgomery Co., KY in 1850 and would have been born between 1815-1830. That is a hypothesis. Matching that description are only 2: Charles S. French, James H. French, both born in KY. In the family of Charles S. French are two Richard Frenches, ages 58 and 8 in 1850. The Richard at age 58 was a lawyer. James H. French is also in this same family. This is FFA Chart #14.

He m. Martha A. Hines. She was b. Sep 1822 in Mt. Sterling, KY per the 1870 census, d. Apr 1907 in IL, on some census records referred to as white and in other censes records as mulatto. The 1870 Chicago census indicates that Martin and Martha lived with their children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866. This 1870 census states that Martin was b. 1812 in KY, age 55 in the Chicago Ward 14, Cook Co., IL 1870 census, head of household, living with his wife Martha Hines, age 48, born 1824, and their 5 children: John B., Luther, Seward, Peter, and Carrie. Martha was b. 1824 and d. 1907.

The 1880 Chicago census indicates that Martha lived with her children John French, Luther French, Leward French, Peter French, and Carrie French, all born in KY between 1854-1866. Race is mulatto. Both parents born in KY. Also listed in James French, b. 1838, a step-son of Martha, a son by Martin and someone else. James was mulatto, and a Porter at the railroad station. Martha was widowed by 1880.

Martin French, b. ca. 1811 in KY, age 55 in the Chicago Ward 14, Cook Co., IL 1870 census, head of household, living with his wife Martha, age 48, born 1822, and their 5 children: John B., Luther, Leward, Peter, and Carrie. By the 1850 census of slaveholders, Martin would have been 39, Martha would have been 28, James 12. No slave appears in Montgomery Co. KY with these ages in 1850. Most likely Martin’s slave owner would have lived in Montgomery Co., KY in 1850 and would have been born between 1815-1830. That is a hypothesis. Matching that description are only 2: Charles S. French, James H. French, both born in KY. In the family of Charles S. French are two Richard Frenches, ages 58 and 8 in 1850. The Richard at age 58 was a lawyer. James H. French is also in this same family. This is FFA Chart #14.

Martha (Hines) French, wife of Martin French, mulatto, age 48, b. 1824 in KY. Martha was a widow by 1890.

In the 1850 census of the District 1, Montgomery Co., Kentucky, Richard French had 17 slaves. All were black except a male, age 42 and a female, age 25, who were mulatto. Richard French was the only French with slaves in Montgomery Co., KY in 1850.

In Shelby Co., KY in the 1850 census were Samuel French and William French as slave owners. All slaves were black, no mulattos.

The 1870 census for Chicago, IL, lists two mulatto people: J. W. French b. ca. 1848 in KY; and William French or W. J. French, b. ca. 1854 in KY.

A copy of the November 14, 1860 deed detailing Martin French’s purchase of his some of his family members from John & Ann Calloway Bright. Those purchased were his wife Martha & sons Martin, John, Luther, and Orlando.

Death

Martin M. French d. in 1878 and is buried at the Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park, Cook Co., IL. This cemetery has 41,340 interments and 20 of them are of the French family.

Martin French’s family plot at Forest Home Cemetery (formerly Waldheim Cemetery) in Chicago.

Martin M. French, 1812-1878
Martha A. French, 1824-1907, wife of Martin
Carrie E. French, 1866-1880, daughter of Martin and Martha

Martha (Hines) French, wife of Martin French, mulatto, age 48, b. 1824 in KY. Martha was a widow by 1890.

In 1850 on the District 1, Montgomery Co., Kentucky, Richard French, the white master of these slaves, had 17 slaves. All were black except a male, age 42 and a female, age 25, who were mulatto. Richard French was the only French with slaves in Montgomery Co., KY in 1850.

In Shelby Co., KY in 1850 were Samuel French and William French as slave owners. All slaves were black, no mulattos.

The 1870 census for Chicago, IL, lists two mulatto people: J. W. French b. ca. 1848 in KY; and William French or W. J. French, b. ca. 1854 in KY.

Second Generation

Children of Martin B. French Sr. and Martha A. Hines, 1.1

John B., Luther, Seward, Peter, and Carrie. Plus two others who were the children of Martin, but not Martha: David and James.

These children were considered mulatto, but they were probably ¼ black.

In 1866, this family left KY for Chicago. Therefore, the 1870 census in Chicago, IL, would be first to look at as shown below.

Then below the 1880 census of Chicago shows

2.1 James French, (may not be the son of Martin and Martha), mulatto, b. Mar 1838 in KY according to the 1880 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, is a stepson of Martha French (it would seem more logical that Martha and James were siblings, given their ages). James was a railroad porter, probably on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad which connected Shelbyville, Anchorage KY, and Louisville in 1870. It states that both his parents were born in KY. In this 1880 census of Chicago, he was a widower living with Martha (46) and her children: Martin Jr. (28), John B. (24), Luther (22), Seward (18), and Peter (16). In 1880 James was 42 [44]. All these Frenches were mulattos.

2.2* David R. French, stepson of Martha, born Oct 1846 in Mount Sterling, Montgomery Co., KY, according to his death certificate, died 30 Mar 1913 at the age of 67, not listed in either the 1870 or 1880 census of Chicago, but he’s listed in Wisconsin according to Ref. [36].

David was a slave only for the first 17 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. (The 1900 census says he was born in the month of October. This census, like all other censuses, give a conflicting date--1900 census lists the year as 1849. Other dates in the past were listed as 1844, 1848. Info from Trina Robertson [36] ).

David was living with the great grandmother of Ref [36] in Wisconsin in 1870. The 1860 census of Louisville, KY lists a David French, age 19, black, musician, born in KY. The 1900 census says he was born in the month of October and lists his birth year as 1849; other dates in the past were listed as 1844, 1848. He died of asthenia and stomach cancer. Martin is named as his father, born in KY, and his mother is listed as unknown. This confirms my original thought that, like James French, who is listed in the 1880 Chicago census living with Martin's widow Martha French, David is a stepson to Martha. In other words, he was not Martha’s blood son, but he was Martin’s blood son. The great-grandmother of Ref. [36], Marion French Gray, was the informant. Trina attached his death certificate of 30 Mar 1913, a janitor, formerly living at 1759 Hulton, buried at Waldheim, Chicago, IL. He had lived 30 years in Chicago, since 1883.

He m. Emma Florence Brown in 1875 at age 29, appears in the 1880 census of North Hudson, St. Croix Co., WS, appears in the 1900 census of Chicago Ward 13, Cook Co., IL, and he died on 30 Mar 1913 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. He had children Cleopetra S. French (1874-1903), Wilberforce French (1876-1899), Florence W. French (1878-1962), Olga Margaret French, (1879-1902), Carrie Emma French (1881-1903), Marion Emma French (1883-1941), and William J. French (1885-1932). It would be interesting to have the descendants of these male sons take a DNA test to see if the results match the white members of this French family.

Emma Florence Brown French, wife of David R. French

The 1860 census of Louisville, KY lists a David French, age 19, black, musician, born in KY.

He was not living with his parents in the 1870 Chicago census. David was living with the great grandmother of Ref [36] in Wisconsin in 1870, Marion French Gray. He m. Emma Florence Brown, white, in 1875. She was b. Aug 1854 in Arkansas as most census records state, or in KY as stated in the 1880 census of North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WI. She d. in California.

In the 1880 census of North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, David was living with his wife and 4 children. Both his parents are listed as born in KY. David was working as a janitor, race was mulatto. Emma was b. in 1853 in KY, race mulatto, but mostly white. In 1885 at the age of 31, she was one of the members of this family who returned briefly to Shelbyville, Shelby Co., KY.

The 1900 census says David was born in the month of October. This census, like all other censuses, give a conflicting date--1900 census lists the year as 1849. Other dates in the past were listed as 1844, 1848. Info from Trina Robertson [36] ).

The 1900 census of Chicago list David as born in Oct 1849 in KY (3 years different than originally stated), race black, which would mean both Martin and Martha were black. Emma is listed as black and born Aug 1854 in AR. They were living with their 6 children: Cleopatra, Florence, Olga, Carrie, Marion, and William, and their nephews Daniel M. Brown, age 19, b. May 1881 in KY, black, and Edward Brown, age 17, b. Apr 1883 in KY, black; their father was born in TN and their mother in KY.

David died on 30 Mar 1913, right after the 1910 census. Emma is listed as black, b. 1855 in Arkansas, the mother-in-law of James R. Harris, her daughter Florence Harris’ husband, living in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA.

In the 1920 census, Emma is back living in Chicago, mulatto, a widow, the mother-in-law to the Gray family; she was b. 1854 in AR. Her daughter, Marion, had married Bennett G. Gray, and had 4 children.

In the 1930 census, she is living in Pasadena, Los Angeles Co., CA, back as the mother-in-law of James R. Harris. She is listed as white. James R. Harris is listed as negro, and Florence W. Harris is listed as negro.

Trina Robertson attached his death certificate of 30 Mar 1913, a janitor, formerly living at 1759 Hulton, buried at Waldheim, Chicago, IL. He had lived 30 years in Chicago, since 1883. He died of Asthenia and stomach cancer. Martin French is named as his father and his mother is listed as unknown. This confirms my original thought that, like James French, who is listed in the 1880 Chicago census living with Martin's widow Martha French, David is a stepson to Martha. My great-grandmother Marion French Gray was the informant (info from Trina Robinson [36] ).

2.3* Martin B. French, Jr., mulatto, b. 24 Jan 1853 in Mount Sterling, Montgomery Co., KY, according to the 1880 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, works as a retail grocer, mulatto, later worked as a retail grocer. He d. 18 Jan 1929 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL at age 75, set free on 1 Jan 1856. Notes for Martin French Jr. who was a slave only for the first 10 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. Martin French Jr. was head of household in the 1920 census in Chicago, age 66, living with dau. Grace, age 34, and brother Seward, age 57.

According to the 1880 census of Chicago, Cook Co., IL, Martin worked as a retail grocer, mulatto, later worked as a retail grocer. In the 1900 census, Martin is listed as living in Chicago Ward 34, Cook Co., IL, race is black. He had been married for 20 years, therefore, married about 1880 to Ollie, 9 years younger than him – born Jul 1861 in IL, and children all born after 1863 emancipation: Roscoe C. French, b. Mar 1882 in IL; Grace M. French b. Feb 1885 in IL; Ethel M. French b. Nov 1889 in IL. All are listed as black. By the 1920 census, Martin was a policeman in Chicago, living with his daughter Grace, both listed as mulatto. Also in 1920, Martin was living with his brother Seward, listed as black, occupation was an officer at the health department.

Newspaper clipping and photo of an ancestor, Martin V. French, from the Chicago Defender dated January 26, 1929. The newspaper reported that he was the first African-American police officer in Chicago to wear a uniform in 1881 (the first African-American officer to serve on the police force was James L. Shelton in 1871). A son was named after him, Shelton French.

In the 1900 census, Martin is listed as living in Chicago Ward 34, Cook Co., IL, race is black. He had been married for 20 years, therefore, married about 1880 to Ollie, 9 years younger than him – born Jul 1861, and children all born after 1863 emancipation: Roscoe C. French, b. Mar 1882 in IL; Grace M. French b. Feb 1885 in IL; Ethel M. French b. Nov 1889 in IL. All are listed as black. By the 1920 census, Martin was a policeman in Chicago, living with his daughter Grace, both listed as mulatto. Also in 1920, Martin was living with his brother Seward, listed as black, occupation was an officer at the health department.

Son Roscoe was b. 12 Mar 1881 in Chicago, IL, and d. 20 May 1935 in Chicago, buried at the Mt. Glenwood cemetery on 23 May 1935, black, a laborer, son of Martin V. French of Mt. Sterling, KY, and Olive Linthecom of Chicago, IL.

2.4* John B. French, b. Apr 1857 KY in Mount Sterling, Montgomery Co., KY, mulatto, age 13, porter at the railroad, probably on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad which connected Shelbyville, Anchorage KY, and Louisville in 1870. He was later a clerk in a store. He d. 22 Sep 1931 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. He, d. 22 Sep 1931 in IL, married in 1885 to Carrie Dennie, freed on 1 Jan 1863 during emancipation from President Andrew Lincoln, and moved to Chicago, IL, in 1866. Notes for John B. French who was a slave only for the first 5 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male, but his photo and newspaper articles definitely indicate he was mulatto.

John B. French of 1002 Walnut St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868. He became a notable Kentucky African American:

John B. French of Chicago represents energy and pluck. He was one of the most successful caterers in the country in 1900. Photo taken in 1900 — a former slave of the previously mentioned French family — who migrated Chicago with his family in 1868 where he became a successful businessman and politician.

French, John B. 
Birth Year : 1857 
Death Year : 1931 
John B. French was a politician, activist, singer, and business owner. He was the first African American to be appointed to the Industrial Commission of Illinois. The appointment came from Governor Len Small in 1922. The Industrial Commission acted on cases received from employees who had been injured on the job and were seeking compensation and cases presented by persons seeking compensation for family members who had been killed on the job. French was a member of the commission branch that made the final decision on the cases. During World War I, he had also served on the Chicago Housing Committee and the Committee on the high cost of food. In 1920 he was a member of the Chicago Board of Examiners, and he was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for County Commissioner. French was the husband of Carrie Dennie; the couple had married in 1886 in West Bend, Kansas, while John was performing as an elocutionist with the Wilberforce Concert Company. Carrie French, educated at Oberlin College, was a soprano soloist. John French had also been a Jubilee singer, a bell boy, a shipping clerk, a caterer, the manager of Buildings and Grounds at Tuskegee Institute [now Tuskegee University], and steward at a country club. When he was named to the Industrial Commission in 1922, he was owner of a restaurant on Broadway named French's Pastry. In 1930, John French was among the group of Colored leaders in Chicago who were asked to meet with the Woolworth Company attorney, E. H. Williams. There was a problem; three of the Woolworth stores in the south side Colored district of Chicago were being picketed and boycotted. The Chicago Whip had organized the demonstration to force the Woolworth Company to hire Negro employees in the stores that were primarily supported by Negro patrons. John and Carrie French did not live on the south side--they lived at 4650 Winthrop Avenue, on the north end of Chicago. John had moved beyond Hubbard Street, where he had once lived with his family when they moved to Chicago from Kentucky just after the Civil War. John B. French, his mother, and all of his siblings were born in Kentucky. The family is listed as mulattoes in the census records beginning in 1870. John's wife, Carrie Dennie French, was born in 1862. Her mother was a Kentucky native who had migrated to Illinois, where Carrie was born. For more see "Hon. J. B. French makes record in state position," Chicago World, 10/29/1925, p. 3; "John B. French" on page 6 in Chicago Negro Almanac and Reference Book, edited by E. R. Rather; "The Mr. John B. French...," Cleveland Gazette, 01/09/1886, p. 1; and "Leaders hold conference with Woolworth attorney," Plaindealer, 08/29/1930, p. 1. 
Subjects: Activists, Civil Rights, Businesses, Migration North, Musicians, Opera, Singers, Song Writers, Housing, Fair Housing, Open Housing, Housing Agencies 
Geographic Region: Falmouth, Pendleton County, Kentucky / Chicago, Illinois.

John appears in the 1900 census of Chicago with his wife Carrie, and their children Edna (12), b. Nov 1887 who later married Charles Phillips; and Leroy (10), b. Mar 1890.

John B. French appears in the 1920 census of Chicago Ward 25, cook Co., IL, b. ca. 1860, black, married to Carrie French, stating that both his parents were born in Kentucky.

In the 1930 census of Chicago, John was married to Carrie, both black, he states that both his parents were born in Kentucky, is living with his son John Roy French who was born in 1897, nephew Loyd Denny who was b. 1920, black, and lodger Madine Evans/Evanco, b. 1894 in TN, black.

(Above) The ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church began on July 19, 1888 under the leadership of Moses H. Jackson. It had 19 members and emanated from the Presbyterian Club, which was organized by Black Presbyterians.

(Above) An excerpt from an article that appeared in the black-owned newspaper The Appeal July 20, 1889. The story describes a reception thrown by one of my ancestors, John B. French, for summertime visitors to Chicago. 

2.5 Luther G. French, b. 1858 in KY, d. 22 Nov 1944 in IL, m. Maggie, m. Maggie in 1890. Freed on 1 Jan 1863 during emancipation from President Andrew Lincoln, and moved to Chicago, IL, in 1866. He was a slave only for the first 4 years of his life before 1863 emancipation.

Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male or was he age 12, at home and later a barkeeper in the 1870 census. He d. 22 Nov 1944 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. He appears in the 1880 census of Chicago, single, bartender, living alone at age 22.

He was a bar keeper in 1880 Chicago census, single and mulatto.

In the 1900 Chicago census, he is listed as born Apr 1865 in KY, black, married to Maggie in 1890; she was b. Nov 1866, black, no children within the first 10 years of their marriage.

In the 1910 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1870 in KY, married to Luther G. French, she was mulatto. They have no children, but are living with various unrelated mulatto lodgers with the surnames Cole, Ashbrook, Edwards, and Heywood. It states Luther was b. 1861, mulatto, parents both born in KY.

In the 1920 Chicago census, Maggie was born in 1872 in IL, mulatto, married to Luther French, living with various mulatto lodgers with the surnames Trull, Ford, Calvo, and Williams. It states that Luther was b. 1870 in IL, mulatto, and that his parents were both born in IL. Perhaps this is not the correct line, or that the census taker wrote down the incorrect information. Certainly the death date of 12 years different is quite off.

2.6 Orlando “Land” French, b. 1859 in KY, d. 29 Dec 1861 in KY from diptheria, race is black in the census records. He was a slave only for the first 3 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Perhaps Orlando was not a child of this family – he shows as b. 1859 in Ohio. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census. Most likely died young??

2.7 Seward or Lenard or Leward French, b. Dec 1862 KY or b. 25 Jan 1863 in Winchester, KY, mulatto, age 8, at home in the 1870 census. Seward lived in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, in the 1930 census, living with Carrie Shanklin 45, Laura French 47, Peter French 80, and James A. French 24. He was born on 25 Jan 1863 in Winchester, KY, and died 1 Apr 1936 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, buried at Forest Park in the Waldheim Cemetery, age 73. He was an inspector in the health department, black, single, the son of Martin French and Martha Hines according to his death record. He d. 1 Apr 1936 in IL*, race is mulatto, negro, or colored depending on the census. He was a slave only for a month before 1863 emancipation. Moved to Chicago, IL, in 1866. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. In the 1880 Chicago census, he is single and mulatto. Seward French of 1002 Walnut St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868 (also in 1890 as voter). In 1900 he’s living in Chicago, single, age 33, living with his mother Martha and his cousin Mary Green, age 33, born Dec 1866.

Seward appears in the 1920 census, age 57, single, age 57, living with his brother Martin B. French who was 66, mulatto, and Martin’s daughter Grace, mulatto, age 34, plus with 7 lodgers.

Seward appears in the 1930 census of Chicago, negro, single, a lodger.

2.8 James French, step-child of Martin Sr.’s wife Martha, b. 1838 in KY, race was mulatto, moved to Chicago, Cook Co., IL in 1866. He was a slave only for the first 25 years of his life before 1863 emancipation. Not living with parents in 1870 Chicago census.

2.9* Peter French, b. 1846 according to his marriage certificate, Dec 1864 KY, 80 years old in the 1930 census of Chicago*, m. Anna E. McGowan or Magowan on 17 Jan 1871in Mt. Sterling, KY, at 25 years old, race was mulatto, black, or negro depending on the census year. He moved to Chicago, Cook Co., IL in 1866. At his marriage, he was a plasterer by trade. He states that both his parents were born in Mt. Sterling, KY. Anna was a resident of Montgomery Co., KY, age 19 at her wedding or born in 1852. The ceremony took place at the colored M.E. Church. Peter was never a slave because he was born after 1863 emancipation.

Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white male. Dr. Peter French of 1002 Walnut St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868.

In Chicago in 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 census. He attended bar. Married Annie Mcgowan (m, b), dau. of Eliza Mcgowan, b. May 1851 in KY, and had 4 children (after emanicipation): Laura, Henrietta, Bernie, and Carrie.

P. French of 841 Fulton St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1872 to at least 1888 per the Record and Index of Persons Registered and of Poll Lists of Voters, Chicago, 1888.

2.10 Carrie D. French, b. Mar 1866 in KY, mulatto, moved to Chicago in 1866. Living with parents in 1870 Chicago census, labeled as a white female. Age 4, at home in the 1870 census, but not living at home in 1880. Died Apr 1880 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL, according to her gravestone above.

Third Generation

Children of David R. and Emma Florence (Brown) French, 2.2

All these children were about 1/8^th black. Emma was white and David was 1/4^th black, considered mulatto. One of David’s parents was white and the other was ½ black. One of David’s grandparents was black and the other white.

3.1 Cleopetra French, b. Feb 1874 in KY, mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. In the 1900 census, she is listed as black, dau. of David and Emma, married but spouse’s name not listed; her husband’s surname was Daniels.

3.2 Wilberforce French, b. 1876 in KY, mulatto, son of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. He was the only son and the only one to carry on this French line, but he cannot be found. He is not living with the family in the 1900 Chicago census.

3.3 Florence W. French, b. 1877 in WS, mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. In the 1900 census, she was living in Chicago, black, dau. of David R. and Emma, single. In the 1910 census, apparently her father had died, and she was living with her mother Emma, and she was married to James R. Harris living with their daughter Olga H., b. 18 Jun 1906 in Los Angeles, black. James Harris was b. 1877 in KY, living in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, in the 1910 census. In the 1920 census, she was living in San Diego, b. 1878, with James R, Harris, her husband. Her race is mulatto with Mexican in parenthesis, likewise the same race for James. Olga, their dau. also has the same race indication, b. 1907 in CA.

3.4 Olga M. French, b. 1879 in WS, mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in North Hudson, Saint Croix Co., WS, in the 1880 census. By the 1900 census, she is living with her parents and siblings: Cleopetra, Florence, Carrie, Marion, and William. Her race is black.

3.5 Carrie E. French, b. Dec 1881 in IL, black, dau. of David and Emma French, living in Chicago in the 1900 census. She is not listed in other census records.

3.6 Marion Emma French, b. May 1883 in IL, black and mulatto, dau. of David and Emma French, living in Chicago in the 1900 census. By the 1910 census of Chicago, she was married to Bernett Gray and living with their children Bernett, age 3, b. 1907 in IL, and Ruth age ½, b. 1910 in IL, and his father, Thomas Gray, age 68, all mulattos.

Marion’s husband was b. 1882 in IL, the son of Thomas Gray of PA. His race was mulatto with white in parenthesis. By the 1920 census of Chicago, she and her husband are living in Chicago with their children: Bennett age 13, Ruth age 10, Mildred age 6, and William age ½. They are also living with her mother, Emma F. French who was 66. By the 1930 Chicago census, she is listed as negro, and living with 4 of their children: Ruth age 20, William age 10, Mildred age 16, and Jean H. age 4. Marion died in 1941.

Photo of my great-grandmother Marion French Gray and her youngest daughter (my grandmother) Jeanne Gray Barber, circa 1940.

Marion French Gray (standing above) with her daughter Jeanne Hope Gray (sitting) most likely near their country house in Michigan during the 1940s [36].

Marion E. French Gray. Four generations, photo taken in early 1933, from the left [1]:

- James Martin (standing), son of Ruth Gray Martin.

- Ruth Gray Martin (his mother). See 4.6 above, b. 1910, granddaughter of Emma Florence French.

- Emma Florence French (middle). See 3.1 above.

- Dorrence Martin Hayden (held infant), b. 22 May 1933, lived in Cape Coral, FL, and Michigan City, IN.

- Marion French Gray (right), daughter of Emma Florence French and mother of Ruth Gray Martin. See 4.6 above.

Marion French Gray and her daughter Jeanne Gray [1].

Jeanne Hope Gray, 1925-1964, and her husband Richard Herman Barber, b. 18 Aug 1922 in IL, d. 1982, married 29 Jun 1944 in Cook Co., IL [1].

Richard’s parents were Mager Barber and Hiola Harriet Hornsby. The Hornsby family was long-connected to the French family even back to Virginia. Jeanne H. Gray and Richard Herman Barber had 3 daughters and a son, Richard Herman Barber, b. 1955, d. 2010.

Jeanne Hope Gray in her younger years.

Image of two country homes most likely owned by Trina Robinson’s [36] family in the early 20th century in Michigan. These photos are from a decades-old family album that was rediscovered and returned to Trina’s Uncle Richard by a neighbor in Chicago. Trina grew up hearing about the countryside Michigan homes owned by her mom’s side of the family and imagine that they spent many holidays there, practicing family traditions and possibly creating new ones. 

Trina M. Robinson, granddaughter of Jeanne Hope Gray and Richard Herman Barber.

3.7 William Jay French, b. 1 Apr 1885 in Shelbyville, Shelby Co., KY, black, son of David and Emma French, living in Chicago in the 1900 census. Emma was not all white. He m1. Gertrude B. Austin on 10 Jan 1907 in Lake Co., IN. She was the travel companion on the day William died and only witness to his death. She did eventually testify, but later fled, even though she was advised not to leave town. William was 1/8^th black. William never had children of his own, only a step-daughter.

William served as a 1^st Lt. in the U.S. Army and d. 3 Jan 1932 and is buried at the Presidio in the San Francisco National Cemetery, Section Osa Row 39, Site 7. He served at Fort Oglethorpe, Catossa Co., Georgia; at Fort Snelling, Minnesota; at Fort Meade, Maryland; and at Fort Devens, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts.

The 1930 census of San Francisco, CA, states that he was b. 1888 in IL, race is white. In this census, he was living with his 21 year old step-daughter Margaret French, b. in 1909 in San Francisco. He m2. Elizabeth Brown, b. 1889, d. 1930, and she had daughter Margaret. Therefore, he was left a widower in 1932 when he had an encounter with his 1^st wife Gertrude. No heirs from William J. French.

Gertrude B. (Austin) French and Lieutenant William Jay French [1].

William Jay French taken between 1930-1932 when he died at age 44, and at a younger age [1].

Presidio in the San Francisco National Cemetery

From the Oakland Tribune, January 6, 1932. Photo: Chester and Gertrude Austin, Feb 1966 [1]

Children of Martin B. Jr. and Ollie French, 3.3

3.8 Roscoe C. French, b. Mar 1882 in IL, (b), listed in the 1900 Chicago census.

3.9 Grace M. French, b. Feb 1885 in IL, (b, m), listed in the 1900 Chicago census. In the 1920 census of Chicago, she is listed as the daughter of Martin B. French, single, and mulatto, aged 34.

3.10 Ethel M. French, b. Nov 1889 in IL, (b), listed in the 1900 Chicago census.

Children of John B. and Carrie (Dennie) French, 3.4

3.11 Edna May French, b. Nov 1887 in IL. She m. C. H. Phillips and they lived in St. Louis, MO. The 1900 census of Chicago shows that she was black.

3.12 John Roy French, b. Mar 1890 in IL. He was a dentist. In the military, he was promoted to Captain for his bravery in France in WWI.

Children of Peter and Anna E. (McGowan) French, 3.9

By the 1920 census, Peter, the father of these children, was still living, aged 70, but Anna had died. Peter was living with daughters Laura and Nettie in Chicago, and with a nephew, Avery, aged 14, b. in 1906 in IL, mulatto. He must have actually been a great nephew, but we do not know who his parents were. Also in the same census, they are living with their niece, Ethel Chester, aged 17, b. 1903 in IL, mulatto. According to more census records, Avery is James Avery French, b. 29 Aug 1905 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. In 1992 he was living at 6152 S. Evans Ave. in Chicago and also at 601 E. 32^nd St. in Chicago. He d. 5 Oct 2007 in IL, having last lived in Sacramento, CA. James Avery French traveled quite extensively:

· 1931 -- On 25 Aug 1931 he arrived in NY, NY, from Le Havre, France, on the ship “Ile de France”.

· 1934 -- At age 29 he boarded a ship from Le Havre, France to New York. He was living at 4809 Champlain Ave, Chicago, IL.

· 1939 -- He had also traveled from Honolulu, Hawaii to St. Albans, Vermont, on the ship “Empress of Canada” arriving on 23 Aug 1939. On this trip, he is listed with Maude Avery French, aged 1, who was b. 31 Aug 1938 in Chicago; Marion Rhetta French, age 28, b. 16 Sep 1910 in Oakland, Alameda Co., CA; and Marion Lillian French, age 3, b. 12 Jul 1936 in Chicago, but on the record, these names were crossed out. It would seen as though they had planned to travel, but cancelled the trip. Also it appears as though James Avery was the husband with his wife Marion Rhetta and their two children, Marion and Maude. Marion French who was b. 16 Sep 1910, d. Feb 1984, age 73, in Chicago.

· 1959 – He traveled on the ship “Liberte” from NY, NY, to Plymouth, England, at age 53, arriving 9 Jul 1959. On this trip he was traveling with his wife, Marion French, who was b. 16 Sep 1910. James was listed as a teacher.

3.13 Laura V. French, b. Oct 1871 in KY (b, m, n), dau. of Peter and Anna French, lived in Chicago 1880-1900-1910-1920-1930 census records with the surname French. Most likely she never married.

3.14 Henrietta (Nettie) B. French, b. Mar 1875 in IL (b, m), dau. of Peter and Anna French, lived in Chicago 1880-1900-1910-1920 census records with the surname French. Most likely she never married. She is not in the 1930 census.

3.15 Bertie or Bernie J. French (b, m), b. Mar 1877 in IL, son of Peter and Anna French. No information available as to if he had children or not.

3.16 Carrie D. French, dau. of Peter & Anna French, (n, m, b), b. Dec 1883 in IL, m. Edward H. Shanklin ca. between 1900-1910. Remained in Chicago. Both Carrie and Edward Shanklin are living with her father in the 1920 census of Chicago. Edward is 40, b. 1880, and Carrie is 37, b. 1883. She is listed in the 1880, 1900, 1910, and 1930 census records as living in Chicago, IL.

Unknown Frenches in Kentucky and Illinois

Rosella French of Elsmere, Kenton Co., KY

Rosella French Porterfield of Elsmere, KY was in the Hall of Fame, 2007. She was b. 28 Dec 1918 and d. 6 Nov 2004 at the age of 85 in Walton, Boone Co., KY. We are unsure how she relates to this French family, but she first married a man named French and had a son, David, and then married Vernon Porterfield.

Her maiden name could have been Rosella Sleet who had son David T. French, born 14 Jun 1955 in Kentucky. That would indicate that she was 36 when David was born, but this might not be the correct connection. Rosella Sleet is listed in the 1951 Covington, Kenton Co., KY, City Directory, as principal of Wilkins Heights School on Route 35 and Erlanger Road. From the article below, this is definitely the correct person.

Rosella French Porterfield, Elsmere, Ky., (1918-2004): Mrs. Porterfield, the granddaughter of a slave, graduated with honors from Kentucky State College in Frankfort and joined the Erlanger-Elsmere School District in 1940, where she became the head teacher at Wilkins Heights, a school for African American children. In 1955, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were illegal, Mrs. Porterfield worked with district officials to integrate schools in Elsmere and Erlanger.

Porterfield, Rosella F. 
Birth Year : 1919 
Death Year : 2004 
Porterfield was born in Daviess County, KY. She was a teacher and the first African American librarian in the Elsmere-Erlanger School System in northern Kentucky. She retired from the Elsmere-Erlanger System. The Elsmere Park Board rededicated the Rosella French Porterfield Park in 2002. She is referred to as the Rosa Parks of Northern Kentucky. In 1955, while head teacher at the African American School, Wilkins Heights, Porterfield approached the Elsmere superintendent and said that it was time to integrate the schools. The request was taken to the school board and approved. Porterfield was a 1940 graduate of Kentucky Normal and Industrial School [now Kentucky State University]. In 2007, Rosella French Porterfield was inducted into the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Hall of Fame. For more see "Civil-rights pioneer Porterfield honored," The Enquirer (Cincinnati.com), 07/25/02; and C. Meyhew, "Rosella Porterfield, 85, helped integrate schools," The Cincinnati Enquirer, 11/10/2004, Metro section, p. 4C. 
Subjects: Activists, Civil Rights, Education and Educators, Librarians, Library Collections, Libraries, Parks, Grade Schools & High Schools in Kentucky 
Geographic Region: Daviess County, Kentucky / Elsmere and Erlanger, Kenton County, Kentucky.

Rosella French Porterfield was 85 when she died on 9 Nov 2004. Locations mentioned in her obituary in the Kentucky Post of Covington, KY, were: Walton, Elsmere, Maysville, Owensboro, all in Kentucky, and Florence, Homewood, IL. Persons mentioned were: Vernon Porterfield (her husband), Rosella Porterfield (herself), Mary Whitfield Jo (her sister of Homewood, IL), John Maurice French (her brother of Maysville, KY), Roscoe Moorman French (her brother of Owensboro, KY), and David French (her son of Walton, KY).

Roscoe M. French Jr. was b. 16 Feb 1928, and the Jr. might indicate that his father was Sr. The son lived at 2317 W. 6^th St., Owensboro, KY in 1993. The Kentucky Birth Index of 1911-1999 indicates that Roscoe’s mother was Pearl Pope. Likewise, the mother of Rosella French was Pearl Pope, and Rosella was born in Daviess Co., KY. She is also living with another son, Moorman Pope (matches the name on Rosella Porterfield’s obituary), black, 15, b. ca. 1905 in KY. Another son, Booker T. Pope, black, 13, b. ca. 1907 in KY. The 1910 census of Daviess Co., KY shows these people in the Pope family: William H., Juda, Pearl, James, Joey, Louise, Henreta, Moorman, and Booker. Pearl Pope was b. in 1890 in KY, the daughter of William H. Pope and Juda Pope of KY. I can’t seem to find a marriage between Pearl Pope and a French. William H. Pope was from Murrays, Daviess Co., KY, a laborer, black, married to Judia in the 1880 census; he was 25 and she was 18. Some children are listed as black and others as mulatto. Moorman Pope is listed as born in 1903; therefore, he is probably an uncle to Rosella.

In the 1920 census of Daviess Co., KY, a Pope family consists of Juda Pope, black female, age 56, b. ca. 1864 in KY, divorced. She is living with her son James A. Pope, black, 25, b. ca. 1895 in KY. Also in the 1920 census of Owensboro, Daviess Co., KY is John B. French, age 67, and his wife Rosa B. French, age 67, b. 1853, with daughter Alice R. French, 26. John B. French d. 29 Mar 1933 at age 89. This entire family is listed as white. John Maurice French shows up as Maurice French in the 1930 census of Owensboro, Daviess Co., KY. According to Rosella obituary, he was her brother, and because he was b. in 1914, this would appear correct as Rosella was born in 1918. Maurice’s parents were George E. French and Lillian French, both born in 1890 in KY, and both white. George Eugene French was b. Jul 1890 in Stanley, Daviess Co., KY and d. in 1970 in Evansville, IN. Richard or John Maurice French was b. 20 May 1914 in Owensboro, KY and d. Aug 1993 in Louisville, KY. He married Sara Jane Webster, 1919-2006.

Using ancestry.com, it could be very likely that her husband’s father was John Maurice French who was born between 1886 and 1889 in Covington, KY. Then, another John Maurice French appears in Louisville, KY, ca. 1946-47.

Obituary:

Rosella French Porterfield, 85, of Walton, died at 3:08 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke Hospital West, Florence.

She was a retired librarian with Erlanger-Elsmere Independence Schools, and a member of Zion Baptist Missionary Church, Walton. She was a former Sunday school teacher and superintendent with the church, and was the church choir director, organist and pianist. She was a member of Homemakers Association, Retired Teachers Association and Walton Senior Citizens. Both an Elsmere park and the library at Dorothy Howell Middle School are named for her. Her husband, Vernon J. Porterfield, was b. 24 Jul 1914 in Grant Co., KY, and died at the age of 86 on 24 Feb 2001 in Walton, Boone Co., KY, and buried at Richwood Gardens. He was negro according to his WWII enlistment records where he enlisted in Cincinnati, OH. He had grammar school education and was a semi-skilled mechanic and repairman of motor vehicles, single, without dependents, the son of Minnie Porterfield.

Survivors include a son, David French of Walton; brothers, John Maurice French of Maysville and Roscoe Moorman French of Owensboro; and a sister, Mary Jo Whitfield of Homewood, Ill.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, Elsmere. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Richwood Cemetery, Walton, KY. Memorials are suggested to Rosella Porterfield Park, in care of the city of Elsmere, 318 Garvey Ave., Elsmere, Ky. 41018. Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, Walton, is handling arrangements.

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Listed in Record and Index of Persons Registered and of Poll Lists of Voters, Chicago, 1888, including:

William H. French of 787 Carroll St., born in Kentucky, lived in Chicago since 1868

Bibliography

[1] Mernarae1300, Oakland, CA, website: http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/15476303/person/321976980.