French Family Association

The Official Website of the Surname French

Bedford, PA, looking East

Chart #64, James French Sr., 1710
Hanover, Lancaster Co., PA
West Providence, Bedford Co., PA
Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., IN
Kokomo, Howard Co., IN

This chart updated by Mara French on 2/1/22. 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 marafrench@mindspring.com. Revisions: 2009, 2011, 2012.

Contents

FFA Home Page

Genealogy of James French Sr.

1785 Tax Assessment, Providence Township, Bedford, PA

Bibliography

Genealogy of James French Sr.

1.1 James French Sr., b. 1710 of Lancaster Co., PA, d. Sep 1764 in Hanover, Lancaster, PA [20], m. Margaret in 1729 in Lancaster, PA, at age 19. They had 11 children:

2.1 Mary French, b. ca. 1730 in Lancaster Co., PA.

2.2 May French, b. ca. 1730 in Lancaster Co., PA.

2.3 Thomas French, b. ca. 1732 in Lancaster Co., PA. On 6 Sep 1769, Thomas French of Hanover Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, deeds to George Kinkead of Middleton Twp., Cumberland Co., PA, 197 acres surveyed and granted 10 May 1767, on Sherman’s Creek, adjacent to Robert Pollock, widow.

2.4 Isabel French, b. ca. 1734 in Lancaster Co., PA, m. James Low on 25 Jan 1754.

2.5 Agnes French, b. ca. 1736 in Lancaster Co., PA.

2.6 Elizabeth French, b. ca. 1738 in Lancaster Co., PA, m. Joseph White ca. 1758 in Lancaster, PA. Joseph White was b. 1740 in Strasburg, Lancaster Co., PA [20].

2.7 John French, b. ca. 1740 in Lancaster Co., PA, m. Jane Rutter on 3 Jan 1771 in Lancaster Co., PA, at St. James Church [19]. “An” Ann French m. Jacob Manley on 5 Aug 1778 in Lancaster Co., PA.

2.8 Sarah French, b. ca. 1742 in Lancaster Co., PA.

2.9 James French Jr., b. ca. 1744 in Berks Co., PA, d. before 25 Feb 1815 in Allegany, MD, m1. ca. 1762 to Jane Cowan (1742-25 Feb 1815 in Allegany Co., MD) of Berks Co., PA. James m2. Jane Humbertson in Apr 1811, only 4 years before he died, according to Allegany Co, MD marriage records 1791-1847. James French and Jane Cowan had children Daniel, Lot, Ralph, Benjamin, Elizabeth, James, and Mary.

James died intestate with 8 young children and his farm estate in PA. The court stepped in - all the children are named. Then his son Daniel died intestate and Daniel’s son Stephen stepped in to try to straighten it all out about 1833. The estate of James French was in the Orphan’s Court from Jan 1834 thru Aug 1834. Later his will was found in Allegany Co., MD where he must have died. The will was dated 13 Feb 1815. By 1834, most of his children had died: Daniel, Lot, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Mary.

James made his will in Allegany Co. on 13 Feb 1815, and bequeath to Jane French, his beloved wife $150, and to all his children his real property lying and being in the Commonwealth of the state of Pennsylvania and the County of Bedford in Providence township to be equally divided amongst them all.

3.1 Daniel French, b. before 1762 in Berks, PA. He was James’ first son. Daniel married a woman who was part Indian, named “Little Flower” [18], and of the Seneca Nation Indian Tribe, and she was not Indian but a mulatto or aborigine, but no proof [21]. The Indian is said to be a cover for the mulatto according to some members of the family [21]. However, the Seneca Nation is from NY, not PA. Died before 1834.

1790 -- Daniel French is also listed in the 1790 census of Bedford, PA. A bit more information is given in this census: 1 free white males of 16 years and upwards including head of families, 1 free white males under 16 years of age, 5 free white females including head of families, no other free persons, no slaves. The one free white male under 16 years of age in 1790 may have been Daniel French is also listed in the 1800 census in Providence and Colerain, Bedford, PA, 1 0 1 0 1 | 4 2 1 1 0. James French is also listed as a head of household in the same vicinity, as well as John French on another page. Males and Female columns: Under 10, 10-15, 16-25, 26-44, 45+.”

1810 -- Daniel is also listed in the 1810 census of Providence, Bedford Co., PA, with no other French member living in that township. 0 1 1 0 1 | 1 1 5 0 2

1820 -- There is a Daniel French listed in the 1820 census of Providence, Bedford Co., PA. Listed as neighbors of his are Nathan French and next to him is Ellener French, who appears to be quite elderly.

1830 – The 1830 census shows Stephen French living in Providence – he would have been 30.

1840 – The 1840 census shows Stephen French living in Providence – he would have been 40.

1850 -- Daniel French is also listed in the 1850 census of West Providence, Bedford Co., PA, b. ca. 1843 in PA. This census shows a Stephen French, farmer, age 50 and his wife Sarah French, 46. Their children are Rachel (20), James (18), Samuel (16), Mary (14), Phoebe (13), Daniel (7), Elijah (5), and Rachel French (57).

1880 – This census lists many other French members in Providence, all born in PA.

The following data is from Ref. [13] which states that Daniel died leaving 9 orphan children. The orphan court states that Nathan was his oldest child, and it listed Nathan’s grandchildren. It also states that Naomi died leaving 2 children. Nathan was deceased before his father’s death. James left a tract of land situated in Providence township, containing about 140 acres, adjoining lands of Jacob Fore, John Manspeaker, Raisin Manspeaker, and others, having one small old house and a small double barn thereon and about forty acres, cleared land. The next 7 children were daughters; therefore, son Stephen took over to straighten out the will. In 1834 all the children, grand children, and great grand children had not agreed upon a division of said land among themselves, but continued to hold the same together and undivided.

4.1 Nathan French, had children Sarah and John French. Living next to his father in the 1820 census of Providence, Bedford Co., PA. These children are mentioned in their grandfather Daniel French’s will. Nathan died before his father, Daniel.

5.1 Sarah French, mentioned in her grandfather’s will.

5.2 John French, mentioned in his grandfather’s will.

4.2 Sarah French, m. James Ryan

4.3 Elizabeth French, m. Michael Kimberline.

4.4 Ellen French, m. James Frazer.

4.5 Mary French, m. Samuel Lidy.

4.6 Rachel French, b. 1793, never married, living with her brother Stephen French in the 1850 census in West Providence, Bedford Co., PA.

4.7 Naomi French, d. before 1834, m. Simon C. Ritchey from Cumberland Co., PA, moved to Richland Co., OH, and had 2 children: David Ritchey and William French Ritchey. Simon C. Ritchey was b. 1802 in VA, who m2. Elizabeth Swartz ca. 1834 after Naomi d. ca. 1829 in Bedford Co., PA. Many members of the Ritchey family can be see on the 1861 map of East Providence township, Bedford Co., PA, in the NW corner. In the same area is a river called French’s Run and an area called French’s Knob, but no surname French is shown on the map. At last we know how to spell that name. See http://ancestortracks.com/Bedford_Co_Map,1861.html

4.8 Susanna French, m. John Ritchey/Ritchie.

4.9 Stephen French, b. 1800 as per the 1850 census of West Providence, Bedford Co., PA. He m. Sarah after 1834. In 1850 Stephen French was a farmer, age 50, living with his wife Sarah French, 46. Their children are Rachel (20), James (18), Samuel (16), Mary (14), Phoebe (13), Daniel (7), Elijah (5), and Rachel French (57) who was Stephen’s sister. See Orphan’s Court from Jan 1834 thru Aug 1834. By this date, the will included about 52 relatives.

5.1 Rachel French, b. 1830.

5.2 James French, b. 1832.

5.3 Samuel French, b. 1834.

5.4 Mary French, b. 1836.

5.5 Phoebe French, b. 1837.

5.6 Daniel French, b. 1843.

5.7 Elijah French, b. 1845.

4.10 Rebecca French, m. Henry Ritchey.

3.2 Lot C. French, b. before 1762 in Berks, PA, signed his will on 7 Mar 1828, d. 16 Mar 1828 or 9 Apr 1828 age 63 in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., IN. His will mentions his father’s estate of a farm in the State of Pennsylvania “or the proceeds thereof if the same is sold”. Lot m. Elizabeth Miller ca. 1794 in Berks, PA. Lot was a farmer [14]. Elizabeth was b. 7 Mar 1774 in Berks, PA, d. 11 Jul 1835 in Montgomery Co., IN [14]. He was in the Bedford County Militia in 1782 [14]. After Lot and Elizabeth married, they moved first to Hamilton Co., OH, and then settled in Montgomery Co., IN [14].

4.1 Elizabeth “Betsy” French, b. 22 Jul 1795 in Hamilton, OH, d. 2 Dec 1867 age 72 in Montgomery Co., IN, buried at IOOF Cemetery in Crawfordsville, IN, m. Frederick Moore ca. 1817 in Hamilton, OH [14]. Great-great-grandmother of Ref. [14]. She was listed in her father’s will of 1828 as Betsey Moore.

4.2 Phenamy “Amy” French, b. ca. 1801 in Hamilton, OH, d. ca. 1878 age 77, m. James Harvey Applegate in 1821 in Montgomery Co., IN. She was listed in her father’s will of 1828 as Amy Applegate.

4.3 James French, b. Apr 1802 in Hamilton, OH, d. 21 Jun 1835 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. Abigail McGilliard on 13 Dec 1822 in Hamilton, OH. She was b. 1 Aug 1803, d. 21 Feb 1868, m2. John A. Cooley on 1 Aug 1836 after James French had died [14]. After James died in 1835 with 7 young children, John Wilson became guardian of those children and his wife, Abigail and Gabriel Fuller became his executors [13]. His will was signed in the presence of Adam M. French and Joseph P. McGilliard in Montgomery Co., IN, on 19 Jun 1835. The Probate Court was held in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., IN, on 10 Aug 1835. James was listed in his father’s will of 1828.

5.1 Alfred Francis French, b. 4 Sep 1823 in Montgomery Co., IN, or in Hamilton, OH [13], d. 1906 in Montgomery Co., IN, buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Darlington, Montgomery Co., IN, m. Nancy Jane Royalty on 10 Mar 1847 and had 11 children. Nancy d. 16 Oct 1887 [13]. In the 1880 census they were living in Franklin, Montgomery Co., IN. Alfred was a farmer.

6.1 William J. French, b. 24 Sep 1848 in Howard Co., IN, 10 Apr 1865 at age 16, and is buried at the North Union Cemetery in Kokomo, IN.

6.2 Lucinda A. French, b. 1850 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 1916, m. James Mathias Gearheard in Howard, IN.

6.3 Elizabeth A. French, b. 1852 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. Thomas Wisehart on 9 Mar 1873 in Montgomery Co., IN.

6.4 Susan Abigail French, b. 1853 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. James M. Milner on 27 Aug 1874 in Montgomery Co., IN.

6.5 Baby French, b. 1854 in Montgomery Co., IN.

6.6 Abigail French, b. 1855 in Howard Co., IN.

6.7 John F. French, b. 1856 in Montgomery Co., IN.

6.8 Anice or Annis French, b. 1860 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 20 Nov 1875 age 15, buried at the IOOF Cemetery in Darlington, Montgomery Co., IN.

6.9 Olive E. Blanche French, b. ca. 1863 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. 16 Jan 1884 to William Eschelman in Montgomery Co., IN.

6.10 Tabitha A. French, b. ca. 1867 in Montgomery Co., IN.

6.11 Jonathan Alvin French, b. ca. 1869 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. Mary A. Williams on 20 Feb 1889 in Montgomery Co., IN.

5.2 Francise French (twin), b. 3 Sep 1825 in Montgomery Co., IN, or in Hamilton, OH [13], d. 21 Nov 1849 age 24 in Montgomery Co., IN.

5.3 Frances French (twin), b. 3 Sep 1825 in Montgomery Co., IN, or in Hamilton, OH [13], d. 13 Aug 1847 age 21 in Montgomery Co., IN.

5.4 Ralph French, b. 28 Sep 1827 in Montgomery Co., IN, or in Hamilton, OH [13], d. 6 Nov 1879 age 52 in Montgomery Co., IN, or in Irvin Twp., Howard Co., IN [14], buried at the North Union Cemetery in Howard Co., IN [24]. See website for the North Union Cemetery in Erwin Twp., Howard Co., IN. Ralph m1. Amanda or Mandy Jane McDowell ca. 1850 in Hamilton, OH, m2. Eliza Ann Fisher on 13 Feb 1858 in Hamilton, OH. Eliza was b. 23 Sep 1830 in Shelby Co., KY, d. 27 Jan 1901 in Ervin Twp., Howard Co., IN [24].

6.1 Andrew French, b. 28 Sep 1860, d. 5 May 1881 at age 20, buried at the North Union Cemetery [13].

6.2 Laura French, b. 22 Sep 1868, d. 10 Apr 1879 at age 16 [13].

6.3 Sylvia French, b. 10 Mar 1864, d. 11 Mar 1925, m1. James M. Deller on 1 Feb 1883, m2. James Garheard on 16 Mar 1918 [13].

6.4 Alfloretla “Rhett” French, b. 16 Sep 1865, d. 6 Feb 1916, m. Myron “By” Edward Gannon on 8 Feb 1896 [13].

6.5 Alonzo “Lon” Lewis French, b. 11 Apr 1869 in Ervin Twp., Howard Co., IN, m. Lucretia (Lula) Alice Weed on 5 Sep 1890 in Ervin Twp., Howard Co., IN, d. 1 Mar 1933, buried at the North Union Cemetery in Ervin [24]. Lucretia was b. 10 Apr 1871 in Greensburgh, Decatur Co., IN, d. 18 Sep 1930 and is buried at the North Union Cemetery in Ervin [24] [13]. See website: http://edanddebby.com/HCC/North_Union/NUCcoygil.html

7.1 Charles Basil French, b. 14 Mar 1891, d. 14 Jul 1959, m. Mamie E. Gearhart on 24 Jan 1912 [24].

7.2 Evert Thomas “Burt” “Joey” French (twin), b. 9 Dec 1892, d. 11 Nov 1979 age 86, m. Ferne Malaby on 25 May 1913 [24].

7.3 Elsie Odessa French (twin), b. 9 Dec 1892, d. 15 Dec 1934, m. Hillery Turner on 1 Sep 1910 [24].

7.4 Myron Andrew “Dick” French, b. 19 Feb 1894, d. 3 Nov 1964, m1. Neva Gott, m2. Gailen Jett, m3. Agnes, m4. Ruby Henderson Severs [24].

7.5 Edna Alfloretla French, b. 2 Sep 1895, d. 18 Jul 1947, m. Fred King DeLon, Sr. on 20 Nov 1915 [24].

7.6 Eunice Ann French, b. 22 Nov 1897, d. 8 Sep 1946, m. Basil Guy Smith in 1921 [24].

6.6 Hewitt French, stillborn [24], born and died on 25 Mar 1864 and is buried at the North Union Cemetery in Kokomo, IN.

5.5 Susan French, b. 14 Jan 1829 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 5 Sep 1910 age 81 in Montgomery Co., IN, or in Fountain Co. or Warren Co., IN [13] and is buried at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Warren Co., IN. She m. Silas S. Baldwin on 4 Apr 1844 age 15 in Montgomery Co., IN. Silas was b. 30 Apr 1822, d. 9 Mar 1898 [13].

5.6 John French, b. 25 Jan 1832 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 12 Feb 1849 age 17 in Montgomery Co., IN. He had no estate for his siblings, no children.

5.7 Ann French, b. 22 Nov 1833 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 25 Mar 1864 age 30 in Montgomery or Howard Co., IN, and is buried at the South Union Cemetery near Russiaville, IN. Ann m. James Owen Fisher 13 Nov 1849 age 15 in Montgomery Co., IN [13]. Ann is the ancestor of Ref. [13].

4.4 Adam Miller French, b. 20 Jul 1803 in Hamilton, OH, d. 29 Mar 1879 in Montgomery Co., IN, buried at the IOOF Cemetery in Crawfordsville, IN, m. Mary Wilson ca. 1824 in Hamilton, OH. He is listed in his father’s will of 1828. Adam appears in the 1850 census of Union, Montgomery Co., IN with his wife Mary and children Ambrose, Ann, Mary, and Martha.

5.1 M. French, b. 1825 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 1840 age 15 in Montgomery Co., IN.

5.2 Maria R. (Marie) French, b. 27 Aug 1827 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 26 Jun 1849 age 21 in Linn Co., IA, m. Willis Stubbens Gott on 4 Dec 1845 in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., IN, buried in the Oliphant Cemetery, Midway, Linn Co., IA. She died a couple months after childbirth delivering her second daughter.

5.3 Ambrose M. French, b. 22 Mar 1834 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 18 Oct 1875 age 41 in Montgomery Co., IN, buried at the IOOF Cemetery in Crawfordsville, IN. Ambrose appears in the 1850 census of Union, Montgomery Co., IN. He m. Nancy and moved to Dahlonega, Wapello Co., IA, by 1860, and by 1870 in the same location they had daughter Lura G. French b. 1862.

5.4 Samuel C. French, b. 3 Nov 1837 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 5 Jan 1843 age 5 in Montgomery Co., IN, buried at the IOOF Cemetery, Crawfordsville, IN.

5.5 Ann French, b. 1839 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. James Wilson ca. 1860 in Montgomery Co., IN. Ann appears in the 1850 census of Union, Montgomery Co., IN.

5.6 Mary Blanch French, b. 1844 in Montgomery Co., IN, d. 1875 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. Mr. Canine ca. 1865 in Montgomery Co., IN. Mary appears in the 1850 census of Union, Montgomery Co., IN.

5.7 Martha French, b. 1848 in Montgomery Co., IN. Martha appears in the 1850 census of Union, Montgomery Co., IN.

5.8 Julia French, b. 1850 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. Mr. Badger in 1870 in Montgomery Co., IN.

4.5 Mary “Polly” French, b. ca. 1804 in Hamilton, OH, d. before 1828 when her father died, m. James Cowan in 1823 in Hamilton, OH. Her children received an equal share of Polly’s father’s estate in 1828.

4.6 Charlotte French, b. 11 Dec 1806 in Hamilton, OH, d. 30 Oct 1834 in Fountain, IN, m. Gabriel Trullinger on 6 Jun 1829 in Montgomery Co., IN. Not married at her father’s death in 1828, but listed in his will as Charlotte French.

4.7 Jane C. French, b. 1807 in Hamilton, OH, m. Enoch Richardson on 21 May 1828 in Montgomery Co., IN. Not married at her father’s death in 1828, but listed in her father’s will as Jane C. French.

4.8 Margaret Ann French, b. 10 Dec 1808 in Hamilton OH, d. before 24 Apr 1893 in Montgomery Co., IN, m. Jesse W. Cumberland in 1828 in Hamilton, OH, and is in her father’s will listed as Ann Cumberland.

4.9 Sarah C. French, b. 1810 in Hamilton, OH, m. Aaron K. Cowan in 1830 in Montgomery Co., IN, and is in her father’s will listed as Sarah Cowan.

3.3 Ralph French, 1766 in Berks, PA.

3.4 Benjamin French, 1767 in Berks, PA, d. before 1834 age 67. He m. Deborah Giat.

4.1 Sarah French [13].

4.2 Elizabeth French [13].

4.3 Keziah French [13].

4.4 Rebecca French [13].

3.5 Elizabeth French, 1769 in Berks, PA, d. before 1834 age 65, m. Judge James Martin in 1789 of Berks, PA [13], also died before 1834. They had 10 children, but only 7 survived to 1834: Thomas, Lewis, Benjamin, Abraham, Sarah m. to Obadiah Stilwell, Mary m. to Gideon Smith, Phebe m. to David Piper, and 3 grandchildren: William, James, and Sarah minors living in Ohio.

3.6 James French, 1771 in Berks, PA., had a son named Lot, named after his brother. He m. Hannah Deam.

3.7 Mary French, 1773 in Berks, PA, d. before 1834 age 61, m. Isaac Lane ca. 1793 in Berks, PA. They had 6 children [13], and these children are the heirs of their grandfather Daniel’s will: Sarah, Jonathan, Clarisa, Minervie, Joel, and James. James died before 1834.

2.10 Ruth French, b. ca. 1746 in Lancaster, PA.

2.11 Margaret French, b. ca. 1748 in Lancaster, PA.

1785 Tax Assessment, Providence Township, Bedford, PA

James French, 50 acres [2]

Daniel French, 30 acres [2]

Jeremiah French, 50 acres [2]

Lott French; Single Freemen [2]

Daniel and James remained in Bedford. Daniel filed for a Revolutionary War Pension and was living in Bedford, PA, at that time [2]. Daniel and James are both listed in the 1800 Providence, Bedford County, PA census. They are also both listed in the 1790 census. Only Daniel is listed in the 1810 census. Daniel may be a brother to Jeremiah because both served in the Rev. War from Hunterdon, NJ [2]. This could be totally incorrect, for until proven, we are keeping Jeremiah in FFA Chart #191.

Lott French’s sister was Naomi French. She d. ca. 1829. Lot French was living in Hamilton Co., OH between 1806-1809.

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] Patti Heimburger, patti_art@comcast.net (new as of July 2009)

[2] Jeanette S. French, jfrench1@earthlink.net

[3] deleted

[4] Mary-Anne Sanders has a new box of French info that go back further for this line. It will be added when received.

[5] deleted

[6] Research from Jim Gunderson on Bedford Co., PA: Stephen French, a son of Daniel, a son of James, (maybe) a son of Nathaniel b. 12 Jul 1762 at Amwell, Hunterdon Co., NJ. That is from research by a Francis Cox. I do not know how good the Nathaniel connection is or whether Nathaniel is "East or West Jersey." The key file for the Bedford Co. families of James + Daniel + Stephen is the orphans court records at Bedford Co. There is other research there as well. James died intestate with 8 young children (Daniel is the eldest). The court stepped in - all the children are named. Then Daniel died intestate and Stephen stepped in to try to straighten it all out about 1833. Copies of the entire French family file was made for me in Jul 2006 by Gillian Leach, Historian in Bedford Co. Part of my East Jersey line (FFA Chart #188), Joseph P. French 1767-1826 and son Robert 1787-ca 1855 does come through the Bedford Co. area and to Allegany Co., MD. But the names James and Daniel and Stephen do not show up in the correct years.

I am a fellow French family researcher with Jeanette French and started a file on the Bedford Co., PA, French families about 18 mos. ago, trying to figure out if the line connects to the East Jersey or the West Jersey French lines. Mine, like Jeanette's, is the East Jersey line. The best thing you can do is to find a male in the line to agree to yDNA testing through FamilyTreeDNA Houston. Fifteen folks have tested and connected with the East Jersey line so far - it really helps focus your research to know whether your line is a match or not. Briefly, what I have on the Bedford line is: Stephen French, a son of Daniel, a son of James, (MAYBE) a son of Nathaniel b. 12 Jul 1762 at Amwell, Hunterdon Co., NJ. That is from research by a Francis Cox. I do not know how good the Nathaniel connection is or whether Nathaniel is "East or West Jersey." The key file for the Bedford Co. families of James + Daniel + Stephen is the orphans court records at Bedford Co. There is other research there as well. James died intestate with 8 young children (Daniel is the eldest). The court stepped in - all the children are named. Then Daniel died intestate and Stephen stepped in to try to straighten it all out about 1833. Copies of the entire French family file was made for me in Jul 2006 by Gillian Leach, historian in Bedford Co. I will be happy to share it all with you, but probably after Thanksgiving due to family commitments plus a research trip to NJ next week to plow through land records. Part of my East Jersey line, Joseph P. French 1767-1826 and son Robert 1787-ca 1855 does come through the Bedford Co. area and to Allegany Co., MD. But the names James and Daniel and Stephen do not show up in the correct years. Let's stay in touch.

[7] Websites with no really good sources: See http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/7466443/person/-1087607246 and http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/969489/person/6078784363.

[8] Andy Anderson at oxdrover@mindspring.com, website on Joshua Williams & Hannah French of Pike and Brown Counties, IL: http://genforum.genealogy.com/french/messages/6105.html

[9] Dave Dardinger, dedmod@msn.com

[10] Arline J. Sarver, arlinesarver@worldnet.att.net (good in 1999, not good in 2012).

[11] Marion Scherer, Cludy52@aol.com, FFA Chart #179. Jeremiah French County of Bedford (PA) Rev. War - Muster Roll 
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 04:16:43 EST. Here is the link to the O'Neal Genealogy Association Newsletter. Found there is a Jeremiah French listed under the Class Role of Capt. George Enslos' Company Province, County of Bedford, Third Class. http://www.onealwebsite.com/news0104p6.htm The citation is: PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES FIFTH SERIES VOLUME V Edited by THOMAS LYNCH MONTGOMERY Under the direction of the HON. FRANK M. FULLER, Secretary of the Commonwealth HARRISBURG, PA: HARRISBURG PUBLISHING COMPANY, STATE PRINTER, 1906. MUSTER ROLLS AND PAPERS RELATING TO THE ASSOCIATORS AND MILITIA OF THE COUNTY OF BEDFORD, PA.

[12] Conrad W. Parvin, 411 2nd St. PO Box 756, Wilder, ID 83676-0756, (208) 402-4142 http://www.parvinfamily.com, cparvin@cableone.net, undeliverable in 2012.

[13] Jean Fisher Heinmiller, FFA member #146, 906 East Fifth Street, Meridian, ID 83642. (208) 888-7050. Sent the FFA the Orphans’ Court Book 5-1, Orphans’ Court, Bedford Co., PA, April 1834. James French died seized of a tract of land situated in Providence, Bedford Co., PA, containing about 140 acres, adjoining lands of Jacob Fore, John Manspeaker, Raisin Manspeaker, and others. (From former Chart #64, now connected to this chart) She wrote the book “The James fisher Family” with Susan Fisher Speece (her dad’s cousin) in 1969.

[14] John A. Duling, FFA member #385, 2222 Cimarron, Las Cruces, NM 88001, 505-522-4456, letter written to the FFA on 10 May 1988. Or 2715 Del Mar, Grand Junction, CO 81506, 303-241-8710 or 503-241-3878. Email: JDULING@Delphi.com (good in 1994)

[15] Michael Werner, FFA member #711.

[16] Joyce Smith, Trenton, MO.

[17] SOPHER, Bill. #58. Family names: RITCHIE/RICHEY, KELSO, COOK, MCADAM. Connection: James French, Chart #66. Query: Do you know what county in OH the Mary French marriage to David Ritchie took place on 20 Jan 1824? My Ritchies start in Cumberland Co., PA and moved to Richland Co., OH. William French Ritchie, born 1862 in OH. David French Ritchie, son of David Ritchie, born 31 Jan 1795 to and Elizabeth Kelso, d. 12 Jun 1859 in OH. FFA: Same line as Delwin French and Ray Grove. FFA: Your line is also similar to member J. Heinmiller, Chart #64. James (1), Daniel (2), Naomi (3) m. Simon Richey and had two sons, David French Richey and William French Richey.

[18] Paul Beauregard, beaurega@westol.com, email good in 1998, not good in 2009.

[19] 1771 Lancaster County Pennsylvania Marriages, website: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~genbel/sept/lancsmrg.htm

[20] Gloria Garrett, ggarrett210@aol.com, email good in 2004.

[21] Judith Davis, email judy5580@hotmail.com, good in 2002.

[22] Michael Werner, FFA member #711, 105 Princes Lane, Apt B., Statesboro, GA 30458, 912-489-3063, email: MikeWerner@aol.com (good in 1995 but not good now). James French (1); John French (2); Lot French (3), b. ca. 1764 in Berkshire Co., PA, d. in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., IN on 9 Apr 1828, m. 1800 in Hamilton Co., OH to Elizabeth Miller; James French (4), m. Abigail McGilliard. Query: Need more data.

[23] Gailen Louese DeLon Harris, 2307 W. Jefferson Rd., Apt 135-d, (317) 452-3847, good in 1994.

[24] Allegany Co., MD, Vital Records: http://usgwarchives.net/md/allegany/

[25] North Union Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana, website: http://edanddebby.com/HCC/North_Union/NUCcoygil.html.

Glen Evert French, b. 2 Jul 1942, d. 4 Apr 1969 at age 26, a Veteran and is buried at the North Union Cemetery in Kokomo, IN.

Glen R. French, b. 18 Dec 1914, d. 12 Nov 1993 at age 78, and his wife Helen, b. 2 Apr 1919, d. 13 Mar 2006 at age 86 and is buried at the North Union Cemetery in Kokomo, IN.

Helen Mason French, b. 31 Mar 1914, d. 5 Dec 1999 at 85 years old and is buried at the North Union Cemetery in Kokomo, IN, and her husband Orville Dale French, b. 10 Nov 1913, d. 23 Nov 1983 at 70 years old.

Jeanette Miriam French, b. 8 Dec 1921, d. 2 Jan 1924 at 2 years old and is buried at the North Union Cemetery in Kokomo, IN.

[26] Blake Logan, b.logan0153@gmail.com.
My great grandmother was Nina Cowan. I’ve traced this line back and verified everything to John Cowan who was married to Sarah French. See the timeline below.

Blake Logan (me) b. 1984 - Mason City, Iowa
Nancy Logan (Mother) b. 1958 - Mason City, Iowa
Daniel Henry Phalen (Grandfather) b. 1924 d. 1987 - Mason City, Iowa
Nina May Cowan (Great Grandmother) b. 1886 d. 1956 - Lane, Kansas
Henry Hoffman Cowan (2nd Great Grandfather) b. 1855 d. 1924 - Bald Bluff, Henderson Co. , Illinois
Moses Cowan (3rd Great Grandfather) b. 1822 d. 1910 - Lebanon, Ohio
John Cowan (4th Great Grandfather) b. 1781 d. 1853 - Illinois? m. Sarah French b.1788 d. 1851 - Pennsylvania (4th Great Grandmother)

I was able to find that Sarah French’s father is Lot French b. 1764 Bedford Co. Pennsylvania d. 1828 Crawfordsville, Indiana. From this point it all gets a little fuzzy. I was able to verify James French Senior b. 1710 Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania. 

This is where the verification ends. I haven’t been able to verify James French Senior’s father and mother. I suspect his father was named James and so was his father which makes it hard to verify which James is which.