French Family Association

The Official Website of the Surname French

Chart #33, Richard C. French
Brutus, Cayuga Co., NY
Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI
Exeter, Monroe Co., MI

This chart updated by Mara French on 2/20/14. Numbers in brackets [ ] show sources and refer to the bibliography at the end of this chart. An asterisk (*) shows continuation of that line. Send any corrections or additions to this chart to Mara French. Revisions: 2009, 2011, 2014. Although this is not of my line, I will continue to do research on it as time permits. My line is FFA Chart #6.

Contents

FFA Home Page

First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

DNA Testing

Bibliography

First Generation

If Richard C. French were from Ogden, south of Parma, Monroe Co., NY, he may have been related to Benjamin, Frederick, Joseph, or Zenas C. In the 1830 census, Richard was living in Parma, very close to Ogden.

1.1* Richard C. French, b. ca. 1781 in NY, was a farmer, d. July 1850 in Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI, of Dropsy. He m. Hannah before 1807 when their first child was born. In general, this means that Richard was probably living with his parents in the 1800 census and probably in NY. The 1800 census of New York lists 47 men as head of household with the surname French. The ONLY Frenches in this census who are also living in Cayuga County are Manassa French in Aurelius, Cayuga Co., NY, and Abner French in Scipio, Cayuga Co., NY. Abner is living alone; therefore, he could not be the father of Richard. Manassa is living with a family of 5, with 1 male 10-15 or born 1785-1790; therefore, he could not be Richard who would appear as age 20. Richard is not listed as head of household. But, . . . looking at the original, we see that Abner is a female age 45+, born 1755 or before.

Hannah was b. 1781 in NY and died in Michigan.

Census Records

1781 – Richard C. French was born.

1790 census -- His father must have lived in NY in the 1790 census as head of household.

1800 census – this census lists 47 men as head of household with the surname French in NY. No Richard. The 1820 census states Cayuga Co., and Abner French appears in Scipio, Cayuga, NY, living alone, female, 45+. Also listed is Manassa French in Aurelius, Cayuga, NY, living with a male age 10-15 or born 1785-1790, but no substantial source as to who his children were. The one convincing evidence that Manassa was not Richard’s father is that Manassa appears in the 1790 census of Buckland, Hampshire Co., MA, and he would have had to have lived in NY where Richard was born, which all his children claim is true. Elder Manassa French was a delegate attending the 1801 Scipio General Conference organized by the Cayuga Baptist Association (from the History of the Cayuga Baptist Association).

1810 census – this census lists 738 men as head of household with the surname French in NY. We would need to find a married couple with at least one son under age 10 and with his wife.

1820 census of Brutus, Cayuga Co., NY, Richard is living with 13 people in his household. Considering that the male and female who were born between 1794-1804 were his children, and that Richard was born ca. 1781, more likely than not, Richard married right about the time the 1800 census came out; verification of this is seen in the 1830 census where his son was born 1801-1810 and can be further narrowed by combining these 2 census records to where his son was born 1801-1804. Therefore, Richard was probably married ca. 1800 and might be in the 1800 census as head of household, but the only Richard in the 1800 census lived in the state of Maine and was born before 1774; therefore, this Richard does not match. It would appear that in 1800, Richard was perhaps living with his parents who may or may not have lived in New York.

3 males under 10, born 1810-1820, Levi 1820, Richard Jr. 1816, and perhaps Ebenezer
2 males 10-15, son born 1805-1810, Benjamin 1807, Montgomery 1810
1 male 16-25, son born 1795-1804, John or William
1 male 26-44, b. 1776-1794, Richard, head of household
2 females under 10, dau. born 1810-1820
2 females 10-15, dau. born 1805-1810
1 female 16-25, dau. born 1795-1804, Harriet 1804 who m. Silsby
1 female 26-44, b. 1776-1794, wife Hannah

1830 census of Parma, Monroe Co., NY, Richard is living with 14 people in his household:
2 males 10-14, b. 1816-1820, Levi b. 1820, Richard Jr. 1816
2 males 15-19, b. 1811-1815,
2 males 20-29, b. 1801-1810, Benjamin 1807, Montgomery 1810
1 male 40-49, b. 1781-1790, Richard, head of household
2 females 5-9, Mary Ann, b. 1820
2 females 10-14
2 females 15-19
1 female 40-49, b. 1781-1790, wife Hannah

The family moved from NY to MI.

1840 census of Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI
1 male between 20-30, b. 1810-1820, either Levi or Richard Jr.
1 male 60-70, b. 1770-1780, Richard, head of household
2 females 15-20, b. 1820-1825
1 female 50-60, b. 1780-1790, wife Hannah

1850 census -- Richard is not in the 1850 census as he died that year before the census was taken. Hannah is listed in the 1850 census as age 69, b. ca. 1781 in NY, living in 1850 in Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI, with Harrie A. Silsby, age 46, who could be Harriet A. Silsby, b. 1804 in NY, and perhaps a daughter of Richard and Hannah. “A” Harriet Silsbee was listed in the 1860 census of Franklin, Kosclusko Co., IN, as born in NY ca. 1805, age 55, and living with the Lee family.

Combining Richard’s birth dates of these census records, 1776-1794, 1781-1790, 1770-1780, his most precise birthdate would be 1781.

Richard French was living in Cayuga County, NY, in 1844 when he voted in the House of Representatives, from the Journal of The House of Representatives of The United States being the First Session of the twenty-eighth congress, begun and held at the City of Washington, 4 Dec 1843, copyrighted 1844. Richard’s name shows on 84 pages. He is the only French listed in this book.

Second Generation

Children of Richard C. French and Hannah, 1.1

Brothers Benjamin, Montgomery, and Levi married Convis sisters: Freelove, Terza, and Celinda Phoebe.

2.1* Benjamin J. French, b. 30 Sep 1807 in Camillus, Onondaga Co., NY, stating that both parents were born in NY in the 1880 census. He d. 18 Sep 1884 in Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI, and is buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery in Van Buren. He m. Freelove Convis who was b. 25 Apr 1809 in Camillus, Onondaga Co., NY. Benjamin is listed in the 1870 census of Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI, as b. 1805, age 65, married to Freelove French, age 61. In the 1860 census of Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI, Benjamin is 55, Freelove is 51, their son Horatio was 21, and Mary was 8.

2.2* Montgomery N. French, b. 20 Apr 1810 in Camillus Co, Onondaga, NY, stating that both parents were born in NY in the 1880 census. He m1. Terza Convis who was b. 1812, d. 1874. He m2. Aresta A. Wade who was b. 1830, d. 1893. They had dau. Anice French, b. 1850, d. 1919, m. Winsor.

Census

Montgomery was in the 1850 and 1860 census of Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI. In 1860 he lives with Turzy 48, and Adison 14, and Annis 9. In 1850 he lives with Torrey 38, and Adison 5, and Marion 14. He d. 30 Oct 1893 and is buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery, Van Buren Township, Wayne Co., MI. 19 Frenches are buried in this cemetery.

2.3* Richard French, b. 1816 in NY, was living near his brother Levi in the 1860 census of Exeter, Monroe Co., MI, age 44, with his wife Alvira Berry age 43, and their 5 children. He appears in the 1880 census of Ovid, Clinton Co., MI, age 63, laborer, living with Maggie French age 5.

2.4* Levi N. French, b. 7 Apr 1820 in Camillus Co., Onondaga, NY, m. 7 Jan 1849 Celinda Phoebe Convis, d. 7 Dec 1887 in Denmark township, Tuscola Co., MI, was a farmer in Monroe Co., MI. In the 1850 census of Van Buren, Wayne Co., MI, Levi is listed as age 31, b. ca. 1819, living with the Convis family and his wife Salinda Convis French, age 26. In the 1860 census, Levi is living in Exeter, Monroe Co., MI with his wife, Phoebe, age 34, and 2 children: Melissa French age 9, and Alonzo French age 5. In the 1870 census of Exeter, Monroe Co., MI, Levi is 50, living with Celinda (44), Melissa (19), Alonza (15), Alphonsa (10), and Carrie (3). The children were all born in MI, and Levi and his wife were born in NY. Levi is in the 1880 census of Denmark, Tuscola, MI, living alone, age 55; he states that both his parents were born in New York and that he is a farmer, b. 1825. Levi died on 7 Dec 1887 in Denmark, Tuscola, MI, age 67, farmer, married, son of Richard and Hana French. He was buried at the Riverside Cemetery in Vassar, Tuscola Co., MI.

Third Generation

Children of Benjamin French and Freelove Convis, 2.1

3.1 Turzey French, b. 16 Oct 1833 in Van Buren, d. 13 Dec 1906 in Romulus, Wayne Co., MI, m. Samuel Ackley on 4 Jan 1854 in Nankin, Wayne Co., MI. He was b. 1833, d. 1897, both are buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery in Van Buren.

3.2 Diantha M. French, b. 12 Sep 1836 in Van Buren, d. 31 Aug 1899 in Watrousville, Tuscola Co., MI, m. Joseph F. Booth ca. 1858 in Wayne Co., MI. They had 7 children. She was buried at the Riverside Cemetery in Vassar, Muscola Co., MI.

3.3* Horatio A. French, b. 2 Nov 1838 in Van Buren, MI, d. 7 Apr 1900 in Van Buren, and is buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery in Van Buren. He m1. Eliza A. Post, b. 1843, d. 1872. He m2. Lizzie, b. 1844, d. 1892. He m3. Roxana Delany Hubbard, b. 1850, d. 1935.

3.4 Waterman C. French, b. 20 Oct 1842 in Van Buren, d. 27 Jul 1843 in Van Buren at age 1 year, 8 months, 7 days, and is buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery in Van Buren.

3.5 Mary French, b. ca. 1852.

Children of Montgomery French and Terza Convis, 2.2

3.6 Marion French (male), b. 1836 in MI.

3.7* Addison J. French (male), b. Sep 1846 in MI. He m. Ella C. ca. 1885; she was b. Feb 1857.

3.8 Anna or Anice French, b. 3 Nov 1850 in Van Buren township, Wayne Co., MI, d. 24 Jan 1919 in Van Buren township, Wayne Co., MI, and is buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery in Van Buren. She m. Henry M. Winsor, b. 1844, d. 1928, and had daughter Minnie F. Winsor, b. 1870, d. 1927.

Children of Richard French and Alvira Berry, 2.3

3.9 Benjamin French, b. 30 May 1840 in Wayne Co., MI, d. 13 Jan 1859 at 19 years old, buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery in Van Buren.

3.10 Margret French, b. 1844 in Michigan, appears in the 1860 census of Exeter, Monroe Co., MI, age 16.

3.11 Mary French, b. 1846 in Michigan, appears in the 1860 census of Exeter, Monroe Co., MI, age 14.

3.12 Richard French, b. 1848 in Michigan, appears in the 1860 census of Exeter, Monroe Co., MI, age 12.

3.13 George French, b. 1854 in Michigan, appears in the 1860 census of Exeter, Monroe Co., MI, age 6.

3.14 Jesse French, b. 1858 in Michigan, appears in the 1860 census of Exeter, Monroe Co., MI, age 2.

Children of Levi N. French and Celinda Phoebe Convis, 2.4

3.15 Melissa Amelia French, b. 27 May 1851 in NY, and resided in the 1860 census with her parents in Exeter, Monroe Co., MI. She d. 10 Aug 1915 in Standish, Arenac Co., MI. She m. Myron Baxter Reeves and had at least 8 children. In the 1880 census, they lived in Denmark, Tuscola Co., MI, then in the 1900 census to Standish Village, Arenac Co., MI, where she stayed the rest of her life.

3.16* Alonzo David French, b. 1855 in NY, and resided in the 1860 census with his parents in Exeter, Monroe Co., MI. He m. Ruby “Jennie” Woodcock on 4 Jul 1878 and had 5 children and only 3 living in the 1900 census. He d. 1921.

3.17 Ado French, b. and d. 1858 and is buried at the Tyler Street Cemetery in Van Buren. His gravestone inscription says “Infant son of L. N. and C. P. French aged 5 weeks 5 days.”

3.18* Alphonsa French, b. 1860 in NY. He m. Bertha Delight Jewett on 9 Mar 1890 in Juniata, Tuscola Co., MI. She was b. 11 Sep 1872 in Juniata, Tuscola Co., MI. He d. 1941.

3.19 Carrie Hortense French, b. 1867 in NY, d. 1925.

Fourth Generation

Children of Horatio French and Lizzie, 3.3

4.1 Benjamin French, b. ca. 1865.

4.2* Owen W. French, b. 31 Aug 1867 in MI, d. after 1920 in Muck Pt., Pierce Co., WA.

4.3 Eliza French, b. ca. 1875.

4.4 Grace French, b. Jun 1881.

4.5 Elvira French, b. Mar 1887.

Children of Addison J. French and Ella C., 3.7

4.6 Glenn French, b. Apr 1890, h. m. Charlotte who was b. ca. 1889.

Children of Alonzo French and Ruby “Jennie” Woodcock, 3.16

4.7 Ruby Maud French, b. 5 Jun 1879.

4.8 Harry French, b. Jul 1889.

4.9 Leman G. French, b. Dec 1890.

Children of Alphonsa French and Bertha Delight Jewett, 3.18

4.10 Lulu Mae French, m. Joseph Barret English who was b. 14 Jun 1897 in MI.

4.11 Levi Burton French, b. 1891.

4.12 Rosella French, b. 2 Feb 1892 in MI.

4.13 Leo Milton French, b. 27 Jun 1893 in Lincoln, Arenac Co., MI.

4.14 Violet French, b. ca. 1895.

4.15 Carl Earl French, b. 18 Nov 1899 in Lincoln, Arenac Co., MI, m. ____ Erickson.

4.16 Byron E. Bernell French, b. 26 Nov 1902 in Flint, Genesee Co., MI, m. _____ Kirkwood.

4.17 unknown French.

4.18 Hesta French, b. 27 Jul 1907.

4.19 Emma French, b. 17 Jul 1909 in Goodar, Ogemaw Co., MI.

4.20 Ellison Montgomery French, b. 19 Jan 1913 in MI, m1. _____ Quay, and had dau. Monti Neal Frency, born 20 Jan 1933 in Rose City, Ogemaw, MI, m2. _____ Lamas.

4.21 Wilma Geraldine French, b. 8 Mar 1916.

DNA Testing

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

A good source for research would be for a male with the surname French of this line to take the DNA test. It is a simple test that doesn’t involve blood. A kit is delivered to your house with special brushes for you to take cheek swabs and the tip is injected into the tiny test tubes to be returned to the lab. After the tests that you ordered are completed, in about 4 weeks, you will be notified and can log in to your personal page at the company to view your results and your DNA matches. They may match up with one of the tests shown here: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/french/default.aspx?section=yresults. The FamilyTree DNA website gives a special lower price to those with the surname French. Read about those who approve of it: http://www.familytreedna.com/testimonials.aspx. To get the discounted price for our French DNA Project group, go to http://small-stuff.com/FRENCH/DNA/ and click at the left on "Join the French DNA Project" then place your order. Julia French Wood suggests the 37 marker test (Y-DNA37), but if you want to start with 25, you can upgrade to a higher test at a later date if needed.

Bibliography

[1] Ethel French Phillips, former FFA member #46.

[2] Lesley Stuart Smith, email: lesleyss@shaw.ca. Email good in 2004.

[3] I have a 1889-70 Gazetteer for Monroe Co. In there I see a FRANK B. FRENCH listed (Adams Basin) lot 21, on the Gore, (I don't know what that means) he was a farmer and owned 50 acres. I live in Parma. Hilton to be exact. I don't know if Frank belongs to you but I do hope he does. There are also 5 FRENCH names listed in Rochester. FRANK, JOHN, MILTON J., JOHN M. JR., AND O.C.

In Brighton there is a FRANCIS.

AND YES!!!!! In GATES which is south of Parma I found an EBENEZER LOT 155 he also was a farmer and owned 6 acres. There is also O.J. and RINALDO. O.J. has lot 164 and Rinaldo is in Spencerport lot 155. Both were farmers. In Pittsford there is a Marvin D. In Ogden (again south of Parma) BENJAMIN, FREDERICK, JOSEPH, AND ZENAS C. You should be able to find these towns on a map. They still exist. If there is anything else I can help you with let me know.

Good Luck,
Dawn Wilson and Claudia Day
arizona@netacc.net and claudiaday@gmail.com