French Family Association
The Official Website of the Surname French
Descendants of this line all born
with the surname French
in order by generation
Chart #179, Jeremiah French, 1759
Sandyston, Sussex, NJ
Shamokin, Northumberland Co., and Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA;
Erin and Owego, Tioga Co., NY;
Horseheads and Corning, Chemung Co., NY
This chart updated by Mara French on 11/12/16. Numbers in brackets [ ] refer to the bibliography at the end of this chart. An asterisk (*) shows continuation of that line. Please send me any corrections or additions to this chart to Mara French. Although this is not my family, I will be updating it from time to time. Refer to this chart by Chart #179. Refer to each family member by their number. Additions are greatly appreciated. You will be notified of the next revision.
Special thanks to Milton L. French and Marion Scherer for their contributions to this chart. Search for their contributions by using [8] for Milton and [1] for Marion. Revisions: 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2016.
Contents and Other Links
Index list of JeremiahÕs descendants by generation showing birth and death dates, and spouse.
Who Was Jeremiah
FrenchÕs Father?
Men
Named Jeremiah French in the U.S. before 1850
Descendants
of Jeremiah French by Marion Scherer
DNA
Test Results for FFA Chart #179
DNA Test 197971
Walpack, Sussex County, New Jersey
History and Background
This family migrated from New Jersey to the town of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. Other members of the family moved to Port Allegany, McKean Co., PA and to Roulette, Potter Co., PA. Descendants moved to Olean, Cattaraugus Co., NY; Steuben Co., NY and Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA. Other townships in NY: Erin, Wellsville, Elmira, Troopsburg, East Aurora, and Buffalo. Other townships in PA: Fishing Creek, Wellsboro, Little Marsh, Delmar, Port Allegany, Blossburg, and Clara.
Related surnames for this line are Churchill, Donshea, Hopper, Tryon, Martin, Hazen, Willis, Willetts, Perrin, Secor/Sicaird, Titus, Colley, Waller, Field, McNair, Boucher, Monk, Shaff, Smith, Williams, Palmer, Brown, Colegrove, Niles, Andrews, West, Willoughby, Morey, Donshea, Howlett, Doane, Hawley, Luce, Deer, Roupe.
The men in this line were mostly soldiers, farmers (honey, lumber), Justices of the Peace, town clerks, auditors, school directors, school teachers, general store keepers, writers, bookkeepers, and glassmakers. They were Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists; they were definitely not Quakers, so it is easier to distinguish them from the French Quaker line in Burlington County, NJ.
Jeremiah was from Sandyston township, Sussex County, NJ. Sandyston Township, NJ, is a small rural town in Sussex County with a population in 1810 of 703. Today, the population is less than 2,000, the highest it has ever been. Therefore, it would seem logical that anyone with the uncommon name of French in the 18th century would be related. Sussex County is the most northwestern part of the state near the Pennsylvania border; this family migrated to nearby Middlebury, PA. Sandyston was first formed by Royal charter on 26 Feb 1762 from portions of Walpack Township. Knowing that Jeremiah was born here in 1759 would indicate how few people lived in this township at that time. This French line has ancestors documented in both Sandyston and Walpack and Minisink. These towns became a center for Dutch miners between 1632-1650, so it is easy to understand that the French ancestors married women of Dutch extraction.
1714: Hunterdon County, NJ, is formed from Burlington, consisting of the current lands of Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex, Warren, and part of Mercer County
1739: Morris County, NJ, formed from Hunterdon, consisting of the current lands of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties
1753: Sussex County, NJ, formed from Morris, consisting of the current lands of Sussex and Warren counties
Map of New York (top) and Pennsylvania (bottom), which fit together at north/south borders. Note that the counties of Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Mifflin, and Northumberland in Pennsylvania are where this French family resided. In New York, they resided in Chemung, Tioga, and Broome Counties.
Who Was Jeremiah FrenchÕs Father?
Considering Jeremiah French was born in 1759 in New Jersey, his father might have been born about 1740 or before in the U.S. or in England, but we do know that in 1759, he was living in New Jersey. His fatherÕs name could have been Jeremiah or Moses or William, the names that Jeremiah gave his sons. Moses and William both appear in Sandyston, NJ, in the generation before Jeremiah, also in Sandyston. At this time in history, and especially with this family, there was a strong tradition of naming children after their ancestors. The first U.S. census of New Jersey took place in 1830; the French family had already left that area by then.
Jeremiah French
Jeremiah French was born 5 Aug 1713 in Sherborne, Dorset, England, the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth French, and this Jeremiah is a possibility to be the one immigrated to NJ as he no longer appears in Sherborne showing a marriage or death record. The NJ descendants of Jeremiah French is part of DNA Group 1, and so is Otho French part of DNA Group 1, and his family was from Sherbourne during the exact same period. See FFA Chart #41. Jeremiah was born in 1713 and Otho was born in 1705, both in Sherborne, relationship unknown.
These records indicate that Jeremiah and Elizabeth French had only 1 son, Jeremiah, born 1713. They also had 5 daughters: Mary 1711 (probably died young), Elizabeth 1714 (probably died young), Mary 1716, Elizabeth 1724, and Deborah 1727. Therefore, perhaps Jeremiah was the father of Moses, Jeremiah, and William.
Moses French
Moses French was b. 1735 in Sussex, Sussex, NJ, m. unknown (thought to be a Congleton because they named a son John Congleton French; however, absolutely no record exists stating this name). Moses d. before 28 May 1797 when his son Aaron married (see original record below where it says ÒAaron French son of Moses late of Sandyston Deceased with Mary Myers Daughter of Bottian Myers of MontagueÓ). Montague is a township in Sussex County, NJ. Aaron French was born 1 Mar 1767 in NJ and died 1 Jan 1851 at Sheshequin Township, Bradford Co., PA, at age 83 years 10 months, and his wife, Mary Myers French, died 6 Dec 1863 at age 85 years 7 months 8 days; both are buried in the Ghent Cemetery in Sheshequin township, Bradford County, PA. Mary Meyers, was born 28 Apr 1778 in NJ. Aaron and Mary married on 28 May 1797 in Sussex, NJ.
No documentation states that Aaron (b. 1767-1851) and
Jeremiah (b. 1759-1846) were brothers, yet the location, dates, and descendant
DNA tests remain precisely the same. Moses was on the Taxpayer List in 1774 and
1781 in Sandyston, Sussex County, NJ. See FFA Chart #22. Most likely Moses was
AaronÕs father and William was JeremiahÕs father, also indicating that most
likely Moses and William were brothers.
The Myers family has their own Myers
Family Burying Ground in Wallpack Center, Sussex
County, NJ, with 5 interments:
Abijah, Elizabeth, Jacob, Sarah, and Unknown. Abijah Myers was b. 1791. His wife was Elizabeth, b. 1794.
Jacob was born in 1764 and his wife Sarah was also born in 1764. This cemetery
could have been on their homestead in Wallpack, which
is also where the French family lived.
William French Introduction
This research shows that there were 3 men named William French in PA at this time because of the different time periods involved which cannot be interchanged because of the age required to own land, service in the Revolutionary War, etc.:
William (1) was born before 1750; he was probably
JeremiahÕs father.
William (2) was born between 1750-1770; he was probably JeremiahÕs brother.
William (3) was born in 1790; he was JeremiahÕs son.
The 1790 census of the U.S. shows 23 men named William French.
William French (1), born before 1750
No 100% proof yet that this is the correct William, only circumstantial evidence. William French was married on 20 Dec 1748 at the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Sherborne, Dorset, England, to Hannah Russell. The Russell family is extensive in Sherborne.
If Jeremiah French was his son and was born in 1759 in NJ, his father would probably have been born in 1739 or before, and he would have been living in NJ in 1759 when Jeremiah was born. So far we cannot find such a record. We can find only a record of Hannah French in Evesham, Burlington County, NJ, in 1766, which is probably FFA Chart #20, and this family were all Quakers.
Another record appears for ÒaÓ William French of Sherborne, Dorset, England, marrying Ann Moor on 13 Jun 1772. ÒAÓ William French died in 1841 in Sherborne, Dorset, England. These dates are too late to be considered the French family who arrived in NJ before 1759.
William French (2), born between 1750-1770
This William would have been JeremiahÕs brother, born in the same generation as Jeremiah who was born in 1759; therefore, in the 1800 census he would have been about 40 years old.
William French is listed in the 1800 census of Lack, Mifflin, PA (very near Shamokin where
Jeremiah lived and where a descendant wrote that JeremiahÕs father had lived),
age 26-44 (b. 1756-1774), with a wife and 7 children. The only male who could
be William and be the head of household in this census is the one born
1756-1774 who was probably JeremiahÕs brother; too young to be his father and
JeremiahÕs son William wasnÕt born until 1790 so he could not have been head of
household yet.
2 males under 10, sons born 1790-1800.
1 male age 10-15, son born 1785-1790.
1 male age 26-44, William, born
1756-1774
1 female under 10, daughter born 1790-1800
1 female age 16-25, daughter born 1775-1784
1 female age 26-44, probably WilliamÕs wife, born 1756-1774.
By 1800, Jeremiah had moved to Owego, Tioga County, NY where he stayed until he died in 1846; therefore, his brother William probably stayed behind in Mifflin Co., PA, on his fatherÕs farm. The county of Mifflin was created out of Northumberland County.
Because William migrated north to Mifflin County, he may have resided in Cumberland County just south of Mifflin County in the 1790 census:
William (2) would need to be in the 1790 census, born 1756-1774. Twenty-three
men named William French appear in the 1790 census of the U.S. in states SC,
CT, MA, NY, MD, NH, NC, ME, PA, and VT (NJ started taking the census in 1830).
Because this first census lists household members only as over 16 and those
under 16, and if they were male or female, the judging criteria isnÕt very
predictable as to their names and ages. Checking all 23 homesteads, the one
that fits the best is from these cities in Cumberland County, PA: Washington,
Allegheny, Hopewell, Newton, Tyborn, and Westpensboro. Cumberland County is just south of Mifflin,
Juniata, and Northumberland Counties where William was in the 1800 census. The
1790 census of Cumberland County:
1 male under 16, born between 1774 and 1790*
2 males over 16, William, born 1774 or before – could be William (1) and
William (2).
1 female
4 total
*This son aligns with the son in the 1800 census above.
It does seem logical as far as dates and names go, that it was this William who sold his land in Northumberland in 1798 and moved nearby to Mifflin where he appears in the 1800 census. Today, Lack is in Juniata County, PA.
From the map below, Mifflin County is outlined in green, and to the right is Shamokin, only a few miles away. The township of Lack is in the southern part of the Mifflin County.
The 1810 census of the entire U.S.A. shows 3 men named William French in Pennsylvania in Lucerne, Allegheny, and Beaver Counties. Bradford County (as seen in the next census) was created in 1810 from parts of Lycoming and Luzerne counties; therefore, this 1810 census listing of Towanda, Luzerne, PA, for William is correct, as he traveled to Towanda to visit the Van Gorder side of the family, and this is where he met his future wife whom he married before 1810.
1 male under 10 (b. 1800-1810), same son as in the
1800 census, probably born in 1800, the other son may have died.
1 male 16-25 (b. 1785-1794), same son as in the 1800 census
1 male 45+ (b. before 1765), William*
1 female 26-44 (b. 1766-1784), same daughter as in the 1800 census
1 female 45+ (b. before 1765), WilliamÕs wife
5 slaves.
*Comparing this with the previous census, William was born 1756-1765.
Northumberland County had a lot more land before it broke off into smaller counties, such as Lucerne County on 25 Sep 1786 and Mifflin County on 19 Sep 1789 and Lycoming County on 13 Apr 1795. ThatÕs why it seems as though the French family moved, but in reality, they had always lived in Mifflin. There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county. See https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Northumberland_County,_Pennsylvania_Genealogy. Also see http://pennsylvaniagravestones.org/cemeteries.php.
William French is listed in the Pennsylvania Direct Tax Lists of 1798 of Bald Eagle** and Patton in the combined counties of Northumberland, Lycoming, and Mifflin. The Bald Eagle** ---- NO NOT TRUE -- area is right along the Susquehanna River, just north of the Shamokin Dam in Northumberland County, PA. William had at least a couple plots of land, one of 150 acres he occupied, but it was owned by James Townsend*. The other parcel of land he owned and it was of 100 acres. He also owned the same land in 1788 in the town or ward of Bald Eagle in Northumberland County, PA, as his name is listed on the 1788 Tax and Exoneration List.
*The only men named James Townsend in the 1800 census in Pennsylvania lived in Bristol in Bucks County and in Tornbury, Chester County; none in Northumberland. In the 1790 census, the name James Townsend appears only in SC, NY, and MD.
**Bald Eagle is now called Milesburg and a borough in Centre County, PA. Milesburg is on or near the site of a former Lenape Indian Settlement known as Bald EagleÕs Nest.
Thomas Mifflin signed a land patent in Bald Eagle Township in Northumberland County, PA in 1793, the same time that William (1), William (2), and Jeremiah were there. This was at the foot of Nittany Mountain in Nittany Valley in Bald Eagle township, Northumberland County, PA. Thomas Mifflin was a signer of the Constitution, representing Pennsylvania.
Doing a search on Northumberland without dates on ancestry.com, I get 202 finds for French. All of them are in the 19th-20th century. IÕm looking for the 18th century because Jeremiah was in NY in the 19th century. Only 5 men named French show in the 1700s in Pennsylvania, and all 5** are named William French and could all be the same person as they all appear in the Northumberland, PA, area. William French owned land by 1788, and that in 1798 he sold the land to William Brown*. In order to be of majority age in 1788, this William had to have been born in 1776 or before. The 1800 census says he was born 1756-1774; therefore, he was probably JeremiahÕs brother, not father. He probably died before the 1810 census.
*William Brown appears in the 1790 census of Mifflin, PA. ÒAÓ William Brown also appears in Northumberland, PA. In both cases, he is over 16 years of age or born 1774 or before.
**The 5 land documents for William French are all dated between 1788 and 1798. This William most likely was 30 years old or older; therefore, born 1763 or before. He no doubt is the William French who appears in the 1800 census of Mifflin.
1. Bald Eagle, Northumberland, Pennsylvania, Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801
#311 William French, Valuation 56, State Tax 7, year 1788
William French, #311, is listed in the Freeman Intelligence newspaper of Philadelphia, PA, on 9 Mar 1791 as paying State Tax and County Tax, listed in 2 columns showing Pounds and smaller denominations) in Northumberland County in 1789. The ÒNestÓ has an unknown meaning. Valuation by Assistant Assessors is $11, and the Valuation by the Principal Assessors is $5 6 cents?
2. U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798, Northumberland and Lycoming and Mifflin (all grouped together), locality is Bald Eagle and Patton (which is right next to Shamokin). Patton and Nitanny Valley are about 10 miles apart and are east of Bald Eagle River which leads up to Bald Eagle State Park.
#165 William French, Acres: 311; Valuation by the Assistant Assessors (assistant assessors): $1555; Valuation by the Principal Assessors: $1244, year 1798 in Bald Eagle and Patton Townships in the County of Mifflin. Milesburg is the center of Bald Eagle.
3. U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798, Northumberland and Lycoming and Mifflin (all grouped together), locality is Bald Eagle and Patton (which is west of Shamokin).
#165 Wm. French, 1798, Northumberland and Lycoming and Mifflin (all grouped together), township of Bald Eagle, Acres: 311; Valuation as determined by the Principal Assessors, including Dwelling Houses, &c., not exceeding One Hundred Dollars in Value: $1244
4. U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798, Northumberland and Lycoming and Mifflin (all grouped together), locality is Bald Eagle and Patton (which is west of Shamokin).
#72 Wm French occupant, owner is James Townsend, 1 dwelling house, $20, 150 acres, $1125
#73 Wm French occupant, owner Wm French, 1 house, $6, 100 acres, $400
5. U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798, Northumberland and Lycoming and Mifflin (all grouped together), locality is Bald Eagle and Patton (which is right next to Shamokin).
Transcript of lands or lots sold in whole or in part for the non payment of the Direct Tax which have not been redeemed within 2 years of the Sales, lying in the 23rd Collection District of Pennsylvania, consisting of the County of Mifflin by George Wilson (the person who made the recording).
Wm French owner, township Bald Eagle (not Patton as listed previously) and in Mifflin County, tax: 236.30 Charges: $30.70 Total: $267 Part: 267/600 Purchaser: William Brown* (note that these charges are well above average in this area at that time).
Of the 531 pages in this tax List with about 15 taxpayers listed per page (ca. 7,965 listings), the surname ÒFrenchÓ is listed only 5 times which appear above. William French is listed in the Bald Eagle section and not in the Shamokin section of the census, but they are very near one another.
*William Brown is listed in the U.S. Direct Tax Lists of Northumberland County, PA, beginning in 1798. As far as I can tell, he was not connected to the French family thru marriage or any other source.
1810 census
of Towanda, Luzerne County, PA, William French head of household
It is unknown whether the head of household was age
16-25 or age 45+. Because Jeremiah, WilliamÕs father, appears in Tioga County,
NY (see below), he is not the head of household shown in Towanda. The male age
45+ could have been WilliamÕs grandfather, William and his wife.
1 male under 10, b. 1800-1810
1 male age 16-25, born 1785-1794, probably William? (3), b. 1790, who went
north to see the VanGorder family in Towanda, son of
Jeremiah French.
1 male 45+, William? French (2), b. before 1765
1 female age 26-44, born 1766-1784, unknown, but could have been young
WilliamÕs future wife.
1 female, 45+, WilliamÕs wife
5 slaves
1810 census – Jeremiah is listed in Owego, Tioga County, NY.
Jeremiah was 51 years of age.
1 white male, age 10-15, born 1795-1800, son Jeremiah Jr.
2 white males, ages 16-25, born 1785-1794, sons Moses and William
1 male, 45+, b. before 1765, head of household, Jeremiah
1 female, 45+, b. before 1765, wife
William French (3), born in 1790
William was born in 1790 and was married and had son Nehemiah by the 1820 census (he was born in 1818), and therefore he would have had a male listed under age 10. Besides William and his wife, this census includes a male age 10-15 (b. 1805-1810) and a daughter under 10 (b. 1810-1820). These 2 children are unknown. If they had children who had died, they may have been buried in one of the many cemeteries in Towanda, Bradford, PA. The only Frenches buried in Towanda are Sidney L. French and his wife Lucina who were born ca. 1854. Therefore, this William is not the one born in 1790 unless the census taker is in error. There are 147 head of households in the 1820 census of Towanda, and James and William are the only ones listed as French; no VanGorder and none of the names appear as names related to the French family. See complete details in 2.3 William French in the Second Generation below.
Others
Other men named French who lived in the Sandyston area of New Jersey ca. 1758, research from Ref. [25]. See more.
Henry French was a landholder to the north of Sandyston in Sussex, where he was a resident in 1793 in New Town.
Richard French at Germantown/ Oldwick, Hunterdon, NJ, 30 miles from Sandyston. In the 1780s he married Selletje and had children William and Ann in 1782/3, perhaps either FFA Chart #22 or FFA Chart #112.
Noah French, b. 1754, who was a "scout/messenger" in the Revolutionary War also seems to be in the area about the same time. FFA Chart #19. Moses and Noah may be brothers?
First Generation
Note: Jeremiah French may have had a brother, William French, born between 1756-1774 as per the 1800 census whom was living in Lack, Mifflin, PA, very near Shamokin.
1.1* Jeremiah French, Sr., b. 1759 in New Jersey, most probably Sandyston, Sussex County. He was not the immigrant because records show his father had a farm near Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA [1]. The fact that Jeremiah was born in New Jersey appears in the 1880 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, in which JeremiahÕs son, William is listed as age 90 born in PA, living with his grandson Nathan as head of household, and both WilliamÕs parents are stated as being born in New Jersey. At last we have a document stating that Jeremiah was born in New Jersey. Jeremiah m. Margaret Van Gorder probably in 1782.
Although the exact date of Jeremiah's birth has not been established, the Census for Revolutionary and Military Services as Returned Under the Act for taking the Sixth Census, Owego, Tioga County, NY, 1840, lists Jeremiah's age as 81 [2], which would suggest he was born in 1759. He is also listed as the head of household at this time.
Jeremiah was in the militia between 1776-1781 in NY, PA, and NJ, age 17-22. After being mustered out of the Continental Army in 1781 at age 22, Jeremiah removed to Shamokin, Northumberland County, PA [2], probably to visit his father who supposedly was still alive at that time, and had a farm near Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA [1]. By 1790, Jeremiah is the only head of household French listed in Northumberland Co., PA.
From ÒJourney to Day Before YesterdayÓ by Rhoda English Ladd, transcribed by Marion Waller Scherer [1]: In Northumberland County in Pennsylvania, off the main road, Route 249 between Keeneyville and Little Marsh, is a road that winds up around the hills into an area well known as French Hill. To the north is Farmington Township and to the west, Chatham Township*. French Hill was named for the French family, which included the French Hill School and French Hill Cemetery. In 1919 a series of stories was written by one calling himself Òold Chathamer.Ó This early history is important because several persons are collecting data on this pioneer family. French Hill was first settled by Moses French in 1833. In 1834 his brother, William, came. Both were sons of Jeremiah French, a Revolutionary War soldier. This family moved from Northumberland County up the Susquehanna River to Bradford County, and later settled on the Chemung River near Elmira, where William French was born, June 3, 1790. These pioneers erected log houses, cleared the land, and made homes for themselves that were quite comfortable. In addition to farming, Moses French raised honey. He had two sons, Moses, Jr. and William. He also had daughters. His farm was located just below the school house (see Middlebury Township in the 1874 atlas). The farm in 1919 was owned by N.T. (Nathan Towner) French. Near this farm was the one owned by William French.
*Suggested route to this location: From Middlebury township, go west on Route 249. In Kenneyville, turn right onto Locey Creek Road. The first road to the right will be Monkey Run Road, and the second road to the right will be French Hill Road, which ends at a ÒTÓ intersection with Thornbottom Road. As the river follows French Hill Road only for a short distance, I would imagine the school and cemetery are along that stretch.
Jeremiah attended the Zion Lutheran Church in Oldwick, NJ, in 1778 with his wife Margarite Van Gorder, as did Richard French of FFA Chart #112, and Noah French of FFA Chart #19, all of whom have had descendants take the DNA test and all of whom fall into DNA Test Group 1, matching exactly.
From the book the "Passenger Pigeon in Pennsylvania", by John C. French comes the following: [words in brackets are for clarification and do not appear in the book]. John C. French was William FrenchÕs grandson and Jeremiah FrenchÕs great-grandson.
Ò....Jeremiah French had served through the Revolutionary War and then traveled up the Susquehanna from his father's farm, near Shamokin, to [Towanda], Bradford County [PA], where he soon married Miss Margaret VanGorder and took her to a farm on the Chemung River, north of Elmira, New York [perhaps near Horseheads].Ó
ÒDuring the month of April, 1880, I [John Churchill French, born in 1856 and age 24 at this time in 1880] was with my grandfather, William French [born in 1790], in Cowanesque Valley, Tioga County, Pa. We walked together [south] about ten miles one day, to his old farm at Middlebury Centre [also in Tioga County, PA, probably on French Hill], seeing a flock of passenger pigeons on the way. He was then 88 years old [actually, he was 90] and was hale and hearty. His pigeon story was interesting, for it was of the spring of 1810, when he [William French] had been only a boy of 18 years and had made his first trip into Pennsylvania [actually he was born in Pennsylvania but returned to NY with his parents shortly afterwards when he was quite young, as the 1880 census shows William, a widower, living in Middlebury and born in PA], and at pigeon nesting time. His [William FrenchÕs] father, Jeremiah French, had served through the Revolutionary War, and then traveled up the Susquehanna [River in PA], from his [WilliamÕs] fatherÕs [new research tells us that his father was also named William] farm, near Shamokin [in Bald Eagle, Northumberland County, PA], to Bradford County [north in Pennsylvania in Towanda], where he soon married Miss Margaret Van Gorder and took her to a farm [north] on the Chemung River, north of Elmira [perhaps Horseheads], in New York.
It was an old Indian clearing [in Horseheads, Chemung County, NY], where my grandfather [William French] was born [in 1790, but the 1880 census shows he was born in PA] and remained until 1834, when he removed to the Pennsylvania forest [Middlebury, actually French Hill] in Tioga County, and made himself a home for all his remaining years of life. He went to the Van Gorder home, on Towanda Creek [in Bradford County, PA], during May, 1810, for a brief stay with his motherÕs people, and to work a while in a sawmill for Amos Bennett [he should be in the 1810 census]. There he first met his future wife, Esther Martin, daughter of veteran John Gideon Martin, the scout of Oriskany Battle, and at BurgoyneÕs surrender. [this Martin family should be in the 1810 census of Towanda, PA]. He also became acquainted with Miss Anna Bennett, a little girl of 6 years, and a boy, John Grimes, who married her eighteen years later [they should be in the 1830 census] – the parents of Edwin Grimes [he should be in the 1810 census], the great still hunter of deer in Potter County [PA].Ó
No early graves could be found for the French family at the Shamokin Cemetery; however, over 16,000 interments are listed.
Chronology
1735 (ca.) – Moses French, unidentified relative of Jeremiah, was born in Sussex County, NJ. According to his son AaronÕs marriage record, Moses died by 1797 and was of Sandyston, Sussex, NJ. See FFA Chart #22.
1759 (ca.) -- Jeremiah was born most likely in Sandyston, Sussex County, NJ.
1765-69 – Margaret Van Gorder was born in NJ, the daughter of Margaret Quick (b. 19 May 1736 in Minisink, Sussex, NJ) and Johannes (John) VanGorder. Her grandmother was Appoliona Van Garden Quick, b. 1712 in Kingston, Ulster, NY, married in 1735 to Dirk Quick, and is buried in the Minisink Reformed Church in Sandyston, Sussex, NJ, showing another tie to Sandyston.
1767 – Moses FrenchÕs son Aaron, unidentified relative of Jeremiah, was born in NJ, most likely Sandyston. See FFA Chart #22.
1774 – Moses French, unidentified relative of Jeremiah, was on the Taxpayer List in 1774 in Sandyston, Sussex, NJ. He was taxed on 4 cattle, he had no land, his tax liability was 4 pounds in Sterling British money. See FFA Chart #22.
1778 -- Jeremiah attended the Zion Lutheran Church in Oldwick, Tewksbury township, Hunterdon County, NJ, with his wife Margarite Van Gorder, as did Richard French of FFA Chart #112, and Noah French of FFA Chart #19, all of whom have had descendants take the DNA test and all of whom fall into DNA Test Group 1, matching exactly. This is NJÕs oldest church.
------Start of JeremiahÕs Military Service during the Revolutionary War------
1778 -- Jeremiah French started his military service during the Revolutionary War as a Private, under Captain Peter Westbrook's 3rd Company, Colonel John Rosenkran's 3rd Regiment, Sussex Co., NJ. Militia.
1778 June – Jeremiah enlisted in Sandyston township as per his 1819 Pension Application (see below). He enlisted for 1 year as a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Israel Shreeves of New Jersey and was in the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.
1779 Mar – Jeremiah completed his full term of his enlistment and received a written and honorable discharge for service at Newark, NJ.
1779 May – Jeremiah enlisted for 6 months at Sandyston (then called Sandy Town) under Capt. John Johnson of the Jersey Rangers.
1779 Nov – Jeremiah completed his 6-month enlistment and was discharged at a place called Minisink in NJ.
1780 – U.S. Census Reconstructed Records, 1660-1820, Jeremiah is listed in 1780 in Sussex County, NJ. The household remarks show his name on one of four petitions, 15-18 Nov 1784, to the Legislature from inhabitants of Sussex County seeking removal of Edward Dunlap as ÒAgent & late County CollrÓ who was convicted of embezzling public money and apparently still holds this office. Many forfeited estates remain unsold and are entrusted to his care. The petition dated 18 Nov 1784 recommends Joseph Gaston as a replacement.
1780 – Jeremiah enlisted in Sandyston for 6 months in a Company or Corps of Jersey Rangers commanded by Captain or Colonel Jacob Rosenkrantz. He was discharged after 6 months at a place called Shaprock in NJ.
1781 – Moses French, unidentified relative of Jeremiah, was on the Taxpayer List in 1781 in Sandyston, Sussex, NJ. The Township is shown as Wlpck, Sndystn, montge, which stands for Walpack, Sandyston, Mortgage. See FFA Chart #22.
1781 – Jeremiah was a Private in
Captain James Bonnel's Company, New Jersey State
Troops 1781, troops raised under Act of June 1, 1781, for service in Sussex
County until December 1, 1781, during the Revolutionary War. Jeremiah
was mustered out of the Continental Army at age 22.
------End of JeremiahÕs Military Service during the
Revolutionary War------
1782 -- Immediately after JeremiahÕs military service ended on 1 Dec 1781, he traveled up the Susquehanna River to the vicinity of Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA, where his father, William French, had a farm. The only French in Shamokin at that time was William French. WilliamÕs farm was in the Bald Eagle area.
1782 – Jeremiah then traveled north up the Susquehanna River from his fatherÕs farm outside Shamokin in Northumberland County to Bradford County, PA where he met and married Margaret Van Gorder. He moved her to a farm on the Chemung River, north of Elmira, NY, most likely in Horseheads. The Chemung River (shown in green on the map below) is a tributary of the Susquehanna River.
1783 – JeremiahÕs first child, Moses French Sr., was born in Chemung Co., NY, after which Jeremiah returned to Shamokin, Northumberland County, PA, to see his father, William, who may have been elderly and needing JeremiahÕs help.
1786 – JeremiahÕs daughter Sarah French born outside Shamokin, Northumberland, PA, an old Indian clearing called Bald Eagle; his second child.
1788 -- William French, JeremiahÕs father, owned land in the town or ward of Bald Eagle in Northumberland County, PA, as his name is listed on the 1788 Tax and Exoneration List.
1788 – Another Jeremiah French lived in Providence and Hopewell Townships, Bedford County, PA, at this time which is FFA Chart #191 and is not the same Jeremiah French who lived further east in Northumberland County, PA. Also listed in this census is James French, Daniel French, Lotte French, and many members of the Williams family as Jeremiah French married Hannah Williams. This family originated in Hardyston (12 miles east of Sandyston), Sussex County, NJ, and eventually moved to Ohio. The Frenches from Hardyston, Sussex Co., NJ, are Henry, James, Nehemiah, and Lewis. The Frenches from Byram, Sussex Co., NJ, are James and Harry. The Frenches from Newton, Sussex Co., NJ., are only Rachel. The Frenches from New Town, Sussex Co., NJ, are Noah, John, and Henry. The Frenches from Sandyston/Walpack (which is the line of this website) are Jeremiah, Aaron, Moses, and Richard. As you see, many of the names overlap.
1790 Jun 3 – JeremiahÕs son William French was born in Bald Eagle, Northumberland County, PA; his third child. William remained in this area until 1834 when he removed to the Pennsylvania forest in Tioga County and made himself a home for his remaining years of life; this was north of Middlebury, Tioga, PA.
1790 Census -- Northumberland, PA, shows Jeremiah French as head of household, with 2 free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William), 1 free white male 16 and over (Jeremiah Sr. who was 31), and 2 free white females of any age (JeremiahÕs wife and oldest daughter Sarah?). There were no other free persons or slaves living at that time in the household. That includes JeremiahÕs father.
Jeremiah is listed on page 48 of 100 pages for Northumberland County; Mifflin County starts on page 101-139. His father, William, probably had already died or was in poor health as he is not listed. No other French is listed. It is assumed that this census was recorded neighborhood by neighborhood and that JeremiahÕs neighbors are listed beside him. No other family names could be found. Listed on page 109 is John Murphey who was 109 years old. This entire list was completed on 26 April 1791; therefore it was after the date when William was born on 3 Jun 1790, verifying that William was born in Chemung County, NY.
1791 – JeremiahÕs son Jeremiah French Jr. was born in Northumberland Co., PA; his fourth child.
1792 – Jeremiah moved to Owego, Tioga County, NY.
1793 – JeremiahÕs daughter Flora French was born in Owego, Tioga Co., NY; his fifth and last child.
1797 – Moses French, unidentified relative of Jeremiah but probably his uncle, d. before 28 May 1797 when his son Aaron married (the original record states ÒAaron French son of Moses late of Sandyston, DeceasedÓ).
1798 -- William French, JeremiahÕs father, is listed in the Pennsylvania Direct Tax Lists of 1798 of Bald Eagle and Patton in the combined counties of Northumberland, Lycoming, and Mifflin. The Bald Eagle area is right along the Susquehanna River, just north of the Shamokin Dam in Northumberland County, PA. William had at least a couple plots of land, one of 150 acres he occupied, but it was owned by James Townsend. The other parcel of land he owned and it was of 100 acres. Jeremiah may have returned to Shamokin to handle his fatherÕs affairs at his supposed death, and then he returned to Owego. JeremiahÕs eldest son Moses did not live on this land, and neither did his other children; therefore, the land was probably sold.
1800 census – Jeremiah is listed in Owego,
Tioga County, NY. Jeremiah was 41 years of age:
1 free white male under age 10, b. 1790-1800, son Jeremiah Jr..
2 free white males under age 16, b. 1784-1790, sons Moses and William.
No free white male is listed under age 26 as Moses was
JeremiahÕs oldest son.
1 free white female under age 10, b. 1790-1800, is JeremiahÕs youngest daughter
Flora?
1 free white female under age 16, b. 1784-1790, is dau. Sarah?
1 free white female ages 26 to 45, b. 1755-1774, is
his wife.
1 free white male ages 26 to 45, b. 1755-1774, is
Jeremiah Sr.
1810 census – Jeremiah is listed in Owego,
Tioga County, NY. Jeremiah was 51 years of age.
1 white male, age 10-15, born 1795-1800, son Jeremiah Jr.
2 white males, ages 16-25, born 1785-1794, sons Moses and William
1 male, 45+, b. before 1765, head of household, Jeremiah
1 female, 45+, b. before 1765, wife
1810 May – JeremiahÕs son, William, who was born in 1790, made his first trip into Pennsylvania, to visit his motherÕs family, the Van Gorders, in Bradford County, PA. He probably didnÕt know that he had already been to Pennsylvania, contrary to his grandsonÕs book on pigeons, as William was just born, and returned to New York shortly after the 1790 census was taken but before the 1810 census was taken. William worked awhile in a sawmill for Amos Bennett in Bradford County, PA. Therefore, Amos Bennett* in the 1810 census would tell us exactly where William resided at this time. Amos Bennett is listed in Towandy, Luzerne County (which became Bradford County in late 1810), PA. Amos was living with a very large family which included many slaves; therefore, it would be impossible to predict if William was living with the Bennett family or the Van Gorder family. It was here in Towanga where William first met his future wife, Esther Martin, daughter of veteran John Gideon Martin, the scout of Oriskany Battle, and at BurgoyneÕs surrender. The Martin family should also be in this 1810 census to further verify the locality of where William was in 1810. William also became acquainted with Miss Anna Bennett, a little girl of 6 years, and a boy, John Grimes, who married her 18 years later, the parents of Edwin Grimes, the great still hunter of deer in Potter County.
*Amos Bennett was born in 1766 in Florida, Orange County, NY, and d. 10 Feb 1839, having married Amy Wilcox. He was buried in the Pail Factory Cemetery in North Towanda, Bradford County, PA. Of the 134 interments in this cemetery, no French or VanGorder are listed.
1818 Apr 13 -- Jeremiah French made application for a Pension April 13, 1818, which was granted to him with his rank of Private on the New Jersey line, living in 1818 in Tioga Co., NY. See Pension Application #S43570. He received $8 per month which commenced on 13 Apr 1818. On this date he gives his age as 56.
1819 -- Jeremiah resided in Owego, Tioga Co., NY, where he filed for his U.S. Revolutionary War Pension and County-Land Warrant Application, S43570 for having served in New Jersey. The Application Designation was for his SurvivorÕs Pension. He began receiving compensation on 5 Mar 1819 where it is stated that he was from Tioga County, NY, at the age of 56, which indicates he was born in 1763 while other records state 1759. He received $8.00 per month. See Pension Application #S43570.
1820 census – Jeremiah is listed in Owego, Broome County, NY; Owego was also in Tioga County, NY. Jeremiah was 61 years of age.
1821 May 15 – Jeremiah, according to his pension application above, states he is 59 and a resident of Owego County in NY. He would have been born in 1762 while other records state 1759. At this time Jeremiah states that he is disqualified for performing labor for health reasons, and that he has a wife who is 52 years old and that she is subject to convulsion fits. Signed in Chenango by his mark, 15 May 1821. He further states that he has no family member living nearby. His property was valued at $26.50. The census records show that his wife was born between 1760-1770, and therefore could have been born in 1769 as indicated by the age 52.
1830 census – Jeremiah is listed in Owego,
Tioga County, NY. Jeremiah was 71 years of age.
1 male, age 70-79, born 1751-1760
1 female, age 60-69, born 1761-1770
1833 – JeremiahÕs son Moses settled outside Middlebury, on French Hill.
1834 – JeremiahÕs son William settled outside Middlebury, on French Hill.
1840 census -- Owego, Tioga County, NY, age 81
1 male, age 80-89, Jeremiah
1 female, age 70-80, his wife still alive
(beware that indexer online is incorrect; the above is from the original)
1840 Military
Census -- Census for
Revolutionary and Military Services as Returned Under the Act for taking
the Sixth Census, Owego, Tioga County, NY, 1840, lists Jeremiah's age as 81,
which would suggest he was born in 1759. He is also listed as the head of
household at this time.
1840 Jun 1 – 1840 Census of Pensioners, name and age and the name of family with whom residing. In 1840 he was age 81 or born in 1759.
1846 Mar 4 – Jeremiah died in Erin, Tioga County, NY, age 97.
1880 census -- Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, in which JeremiahÕs son, William is listed as age 90 born in PA, living with his grandson Nathan as head of household, and both WilliamÕs parents are stated as being born in New Jersey. At last we have a document stating that Jeremiah was born in New Jersey.
Marriage to Margaret Van Gorder
Jeremiah traveled up the Susquehanna River from his fatherÕs farm near Shamokin, Northumberland County, PA. He traveled to the CHANGE eastern border of Chemung Co., NY, after 1781 where he met and married Margaret Van Gorder probably in 1782, just north of Elmira, Chemung Co., NY, perhaps in Horseheads. She was, supposedly only 17 years old; therefore, born in 1765 or thereabouts in NJ. We can estimate her birth date through the 1830 census of Owego in which it states that she was between 60-70 years old and Jeremiah was between 70-80 years old. At that time, Jeremiah was 71 years old. Margaret had to be born between 1760 and 1770; therefore, we are randomly picking 1765 until we have better facts. The 1810 census of Owego states that Margaret is 45 or over; therefore, she would have had to be born by 1765 or earlier (between 1760-1765).
Margaret was of Dutch descent [2] [20], the daughter of Margaret Quick and Johannes (John) VanGorder. A William Van Gorder appears in the Sussex NJ Tax List in 1773-1774 [25] as one of the earliest of that family. ÒAÓ John Vangorder died 18 Jun 1835 in Waverly, Tioga County, NY, and is buried at the Factoryville Cemetery at age 78; therefore born in 1757 who probably was Margaret VanGorderÕs brother who m. Agnes. In this cemetery, 3 members of the French family are buried: Amanda who d. 11 Mar 1854; Edward who d. 1 Jan 1914; and George who d. 7 Feb 1919.
Albert Gysbert is the
progenitor of the VanGarden/VanGorder
family in America. He and his son Gysbert Albert, were the first two American born ancestors of the
family and Gysbert Albert was the first to bear the
name of VanGarden [1]. ÒFounders of Early American
FamiliesÓ by Meredith B. Colket lists Albert Gysbert VanGorder as arriving in
Albany, NY, in 1650.
The New Netherlands being taken from the Dutch by the
English in 1664, all were required to adopt a surname. Gysbert
Albert took the name of VanGarden after the name of
the village where his father lived in Gelderland, Holland [1].
MargaretÕs female ancestors were Aeltje Wygers, Rachel Rosencrans and Jannetje (Van)Vrendenburgh [1]. The Brodhead – Courtright Farm Burial Grounds in Pike County, PA, contains the gravestones of many early members of the VanGorden family, including Moses VanGorden, 1752-1838.
In a testimony by Moses VanGorden in 1832, he states when and where he was born (1753 in Wallpack, Sussex, NJ) and that he relocated with his father shortly after the French and Indian War, to Delaware township, Northumberland County, PA, where he has ever since resided except for when he was in service during the Revolutionary War. Alexander Vangorder is listed in the 1790 census of Delaware, Northumberland, PA. Moses VanGordon is also listed on the same page.
Van Gorder Family in America
The Van Gorders attended Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church. The church Òis the oldest organization in the [Wayne] township, and takes its name from Slippery Rock Creek, on the banks of which it held its first meetings, in AllenÕs old gristmill, as early as 1800, and possibly beforeÓ. The congregation was organized about 1800, and some of the original members were:
Jacob Van Gorder and Margaret married about 1806. Jacob Van Gorder died May 17, 1836. Margaret Van Gorder died June 9, 1827. They are buried at Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church cemetery in Ellwood City, Beaver Co., PA. Jacob VanGorder was b. ca. 1761, and aged 75 when he died in 1836. He was in the Army during the Revolutionary War. He could have been a brother of Margaret Van Gorder who married Jeremiah French, as Jacob named one of his daughters Margaret.
Henry Van Gorder, age 90, lived in Barton, Tioga Co., NY, in the 1850 census; therefore, born ca. 1760 in NY.
Henry Vangorder is listed in the 1850 census of Bradford, Steuben Co., NY, b. 1765, age 75, a veteran.
Abraham Van Gorder, age 75, was b. ca. 1765 and lived during the 1840 census in Bradford, Steuben Co., NY, a veteran of the Revolutionary War.
There were Van Gorders in Roulette, PA, as well and there is a Van Gorder monument in the John Lyman Cemetery [1].
Isaac Vangorder is listed in the 1850 census of Conneaut, Austabula Co., OH, age 96, born 1754 in New Jersey, living with William, Phylena, and Elizabeth Shaw.
Catherine Vangorder is listed in the 1850 census of Nichols, Tioga Co., NY as b. 1770 in NY, age 80, living with Henry, Frances, and Albert Vangorder.
Margarete Van Gorder, Jeremiah's wife, is from one of the old Dutch families that settled New Amsterdam. (Van Gorder was previously Van Garden) The old Dutch families included in part Wygerts, Rosencrans, Van Vrendenburg, Terwilliger, Quick, Kortright - Cortright, Sherrad, Kool - Cool, Westbrook, Decker, Brink, Cuddeback, and the other Vans - Van Noy - Varnoje, Van Sickle, Van Etten, Van der Mark - Van der Merkel, Van Vliet. Some of these may not be Dutch but are allied lines to the Van Gorders. Interestingly enough, Jeremiah served under Westbrook in the Revolutionary War. Many ancestors of the Westbrook family are buried in the Minisink-Westbrook Family Cemetery in Sandyston, Sussex, NJ.
The 1855 NY State Census,
Town of Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY, lists on p. 18 ten members of the VanGordon family. Keep the name VanGordon
in mind for VanGorder. It states that this particular
VanGordon family was born in NJ. Page 38 lists four
members of the Vangorden family and eight members of
the VanGorder family. These may be from the same or
different families. The only French in this census is on Page 26, Rachel
French, age 80 born 1775, the mother to the head of household Swayzee family, having lived 3 years at this log house
residence. Then in the 1860, Rachel French is listed as 86 years old, born ca.
1774 in NJ, living in 1860 in Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY, with the Sweezy family. Apparently, she was the mother of Harriet
French who married Joseph Sweezy. This line is from FFA Chart #183, Rachel Manning French, wife of Robert Timothy French, of the French Mustard line
[47]. It is possible that Jeremiah French, b. 1759 in NJ, had a brother, Robert
French, who was b. 24 Apr 1766 in NJ. Both men had Dutch wives. See FFA Chart #183.
Census Records for Jeremiah French
These family members are listed in the early census records according to their ages (in most cases, 0-10, 10-15, 16-25, 26-45, over 45). It wasnÕt until the 1850 census that they were listed by name. Included in the chart below is only the household of Jeremiah French Sr., mostly of Owego, Tioga Co., NY.
Table of Census Records
|
Name |
1790
PA |
1800
Owego |
1810
Owego |
1820
Owego |
1830
Owego |
1840
Owego |
|
Jeremiah Sr., b. 1759 |
Age
31 - yes |
Age
41 - yes |
Age
over 45 - yes |
Age over 45 - yes |
Age
70-80 – yes (71) |
Age
81, died 1846 |
|
Margaret, b. 1765 |
Age
25 - yes |
Age
35 - yes |
Age
over 45 - yes |
Age over 45 - yes |
Age
60-70 – yes |
Age
75 |
|
Moses
b. 1783 |
Age
6 – son under 16 |
Age
16 – yes |
Age
26 - yes |
Not in census |
Not
in census |
Not
in census |
|
Sarah?
b. 1786 |
Age
4 – dau under 16 |
Age
14 – yes |
Age
24 - Not in census, died |
Not in census |
Not
in census |
Not
in census |
|
William
b. 1790 |
Born
– son under 16 |
Age
10 – yes |
Age
20 - yes |
Not in census, went to Towanda |
Not
in census |
Not
in census |
|
Jeremiah
Jr. b. 1791 |
Not
born yet |
Age
9 – yes |
Age
19 - yes |
Not in census |
Not
in census |
Not
in census |
|
Flora?, b. 1793 |
Not
born yet |
Age
7 – yes |
Age
17 - Not in census |
Not in census |
Not
in census |
Not
in census |
|
|
|
|
|
Unknown male born 1795-1804 |
|
|
In the 1790 Census of Northumberland, PA, shows 2 free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William), 1 free white male 16 and over (Jeremiah Sr. who was 31), and 2 free white females of any age (his wife and oldest daughter Sarah?). There were no other free persons or slaves living at that time in the household. That includes JeremiahÕs father, so we do not know his whereabouts.
It might be interesting to know that in the 1790 census of the entire United States, only 488 head of households are named French, and no other French family is listed in Northumberland; therefore, we conclude that JeremiahÕs father died before 1790 or lived in another state. There was no census of New Jersey in 1790.
Those head of households listed for New York in 1790 are:
William French, Harpersfield,
Montgomery Co., New York
Samuel French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Peter French, Plattsburgh, Clinton Co., New York
Peter French, Hampton, Washington Co., New York (FFA
Chart #11)
Peter French, Rensselaerwick, Albany Co., New York
Ruben French, Plattsburgh, Clinton Co., New York
Levi French, Wellsburgh, Clinton Co., New York
Jonathan French, Argyle, Washington Co., New York (he is from FFA Chart #6, my line)
Joseph French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Joseph French, Washington, Dutchess Co., New York
Joseph French, Hudson, Columbia Co., New York
Joseph French, Oyster Bay, Queens Co., New York
Joseph French, Middletown, Ulster Co., New York
John French, Otsego, Montgomery Co., New York
John French, Harpersfield, Montgomery Co., New York
John French, Rensselaerwick, Albany Co., New York
John French, Saratoga, Albany Co., New York
John French, Hoosick, Albany Co., New York (FFA Chart
#11)
Jasper French, Whites, Montgomery Co., New York
Jeremiah French, Pawling, Dutchess Co., New York (FFA Chart #11)
Elijah French, Balls Town, Albany Co., New York
Benjamin French, Saratoga, Albany Co., New York
Benjamin French Jr., Saratoga, Albany Co., New York
David French Jr., Otsego, Montgomery Co., New York
David French Sr., Otsego, Montgomery Co., New York
David French, Cambridge, Albany Co., New York
Ebenezer French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Abner French, Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York
Ansil French, Rensselaerwick,
Albany Co., New York
Ashel French, Mohawk, Montgomery, New York
Those head of households listed for Pennsylvania in 1790 are below. Only Jeremiah is from Northumberland. His father does not appear so far as we know, unless he was not the head of household and living with another family, such as one of his daughters.
Alexander French, Hopewell, Newton, Tyborn, and Westpensboro,
Cumberland Co., Pennsylvania
Alexander French, Springhill, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Andrew French, Bristol, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Aron French, Washington, Pennsylvania
Charles French, Water Street East Side, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chrisr French, Water Street East Side, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
Daniel French, Bedford, Pennsylvania
Danl French, Mixed township, York Co., Pennsylvania
Enoch French, Fannet, Hamilton, Letterkenney,
Montgomery, and Peters, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania
Eres French, Armstsrong,
Washington, Pennsylvania
James French, Bedford, Pennsylvania
Jeremiah French, Northumberland,
Pennsylvania (FFA Chart #179)
John French, Bedford, Pennsylvania
John French, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jonathan French, Water Street East Side, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jno French, Portion taken from Washington, Allegheny,
Pennsylvania
Robt French, Portion Taken from Washington, Allegheny
Co., Pennsylvania
Samuel French, Fannet, Hamilton, Letterkenney,
Montgomery, and Peters, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania
Wm French, Hopewell, Newton, Tyborn,
and Westpensboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Wm French, Portion taken from Washington, Allegheny
Co., Pennsylvania
Wm French, Portion taken from Washington, Allegheny
Co., Pennsylvania
In the 1800 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, the one free white male under age 10 (son Jeremiah Jr.). The two free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William). No free white male is listed under 26 as Moses was JeremiahÕs oldest son. The free white female under age 10 is JeremiahÕs youngest daughter Flora?, and the 1 free white female under age 16 is dau. Sarah? The free white female ages 26 to 45 is his wife. The free white male ages 26 to 45 is Jeremiah Sr.
The 1810 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, states that both Jeremiah and a free white female were over 45 years of age; therefore, they were both born in 1765 or before. Also listed are 1 free white male age 10-15 (Jeremiah Jr.), 2 free white males age 16-25 (Moses and William), totaling 5 household members. Of the 723 head of households with the surname French in the U.S., no others were from Tioga Co., NY. No daughters are listed. The older daughter would have been about 24 years old and she could have been married, as well as the younger daughter who was 17.
The 1820 Census of Owego, Broome Co., NY states that Jeremiah and his wife were over 25, and they were living with 1 free white male, aged 16-25. IÕm not sure why it says Broome Co. and not Tioga Co.
The 1840 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, states Jeremiah as a free white male between the ages of 80-90 (he was 81), living with a white female between 70 and 80 years of age, both of them unable to read or write. She was therefore born between 1760 and 1770.
The 1850 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, might list JeremiahÕs wife, but it does not list her. No female French is listed in the 1850 census as head of household in Tioga Co., NY. If she were still living, she would be listed because the 1850 census was the first census where every member of the household was listed. Jeremiah does not appear because he had died in 1846. Perhaps his wife lived with son Moses in 1850; Moses was then 67 and living only with his wife and son William in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. JeremiahÕs son William was MosesÕ neighbor, age 60, living with his family and no one over 60 years old. JeremiahÕs wife could be living with a married daughter. I checked the entire 1850 census for a female French born ca. 1770 (or 80 years old) and found no suitable person. Listed are 128 women named Margaret French and she would have had to be born ca. 1765.
Military
Jeremiah was in these Battles:
White Plains, during the American Revolutionary War, on 28 Oct 1776, in NY, under General George Washington. Click here.
Brandywine, during the American Revolutionary War, on 11 Sep 1777, near Philadelphia, PA. Click here.
Monmouth, during the American Revolutionary War, on 28 Jun 1778 in Monmouth Co., NJ, in the Continental Army under General George Washington (see Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth below). Click here. His pensionerÕs application number is S43570.
Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth
Rangers on the Frontiers, 1778-1783. Jeremiah French. Other men of the French family listed are: John French, Arthur French, Samuel French, William French (27 Jul 1833 in Washington Co., PA), Lott French, Benjamin French, Ralph French, Alexander French
According to the NJ State Library Website, Jeremiah is listed under the Official Register of the Officers and Men as a Private of NJ, page 197. He is also listed on page 599 as a Private of Hunterdon, NJ under Captain WestbrookÕs Company, Third Battalion, Sussex of the Continental Army. He is listed as a Private of the Revolutionary War in NJ, Roll Box 59, stating his name as ÒJerh FrenchÓ.
1778 – Revolutionary War in NJ
Jeremiah served as a Private from Sandyston (or Sandys Township), Sussex Co., NJ in the Revolutionary War,
enlisting in 1778; Pensioner's application number S43570
[2]. In The Official Register of the Officers and Men of New Jersey in the
Revolutionary War, prepared by the State of New Jersey Adjutant General's
Office in 1870, page 599, Jeremiah French is recorded as having served in
Captain Westbrook's company, Third Battalion, Sussex, also Continental Army
[2]. He was in the army when Cornwallis surrendered. (Source Tri -County
History and Genealogy Site by Joyce Tice) [6].
From Marion Scherer:
Jeremiah French was a Private, Captain Peter Westbrook's 3rd Company, Colonel John Rosenkran's 3rd Regiment, Sussex Co., NJ. Militia, 1778; enlisted as a private, Captain William Helm's Co, Colonel Israel Shreve's Second Regiment, New Jersey Continental Line, May 10th, 1778, for nine months; was at battle of Monmouth, June 28th, 1778, discharge March 14, 1779; Private, Company commanded by Lieutenant John Johnson, New Jersey State Troops, 1779; Troops raised in defense of the frontiers of the state, under Act of June 2, 1779, to serve until December 15, 1779; Private in Captain James Bonnel's Company, New Jersey State Troops 1781, troops raised under Act of June 1, 1781, for service in Sussex County until December 1, 1781, during the Revolutionary War.
Jeremiah French made application for a Pension April 13, 1818, which
was granted to him with his rank of Private on the New Jersey line, living in
1818 in Tioga Co., NY.
From the Wyoming Herald in Wilkes-Barre, PA, 25 Oct 1822.
Death
Jeremiah d. 4 Mar 1846 in Erin, Tioga Co., NY [1] of consumption. From the Elmira Gazette, March 12, 1846:
Jeremiah French died in Erin on the 4th inst., Jeremiah French, in the 97th year of his age. Mr. French was in and fought through the Revolutionary War in the army of General Washington. He was in the battles of Monmouth, White Plains, Brandywine, and was in the army when Cornwallis surrendered. (Source Tri-County History and Genealogy Site by Joyce Tice.)
His wife, Margaret, appears in the 1840 census, but she cannot be found in the 1850 census, the first census where all house members are listed. In fact, no French is listed in Tioga County, NY, in the 1850 census. Margaret had either died by 1850, or she was living with perhaps one of her children.
Second Generation
Children of Jeremiah French and Margaret Van Gorder, 1.1
2.1* Moses French Sr., [1], b. ca. 1783 in Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY, m. Nancy Dearborn, who was b. ca. 1784 in PA. She d. 21 Jun 1855 at age 71 [1] in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Middlebury, PA [2]. The 1880 census of MosesÕ son Moses states that his father was born in NY and his mother in PA. Moses d. 1855 in Middlebury, Tioga, PA. The 1850 census of Middlebury, Tioga, PA, lists him as born in 1783 in NY, living with his wife Nancy, age 56, and son William, age 19.
The French Hill Cemetery Association was incorporated September 24, 1894, by A. D. Shaff, S. J. Roe, N. T. French, P. D. Shaff, John Brown and James Shaff. This cemetery is situated in the northwestern part of the township at what is known as French Hill, near Middlebury, Tioga, PA.
Moses and Nancy moved from Chemung Co., NY to Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA in 1823 and founded ÒFrench Hill.Ó There were several French families living on French Hill, along with Ernest Monk and his wife Flora French. MosesÕ brother William French came to French Hill in 1834. Both were sons of Jeremiah French, a Revolutionary War soldier. Besides these two sons, Jeremiah had daughters. These pioneers erected log houses, cleared land, and made homes for themselves that were quite comfortable. In addition to farming, Moses raised honey. The 1850 census records place Moses at age 67 with a birth date about 1783.
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1981
Journey to Day Before Yesterday
with Rhoda English Ladd
transcribed by Marion Waller Scherer [1]
Off the main road, Route 249 between Keeneyville and Little Marsh, is a road that winds up around the hills into an area well known as French Hill. To the north is Farmington Township and to the west, Chatham Township. French Hill was named for the French family. There was French Hill School and French Hill Cemetery. In 1919 a series of stories was written by one calling himself Òold Chathamer.Ó This early history is important because several persons are collecting data on this pioneer family. French Hill was first settled by Moses French in 1833. In 1834 his brother, William, came. Both were sons of Jeremiah French, a Revolutionary War soldier. This family moved from Northumberland County up the Susquehanna River to Bradford County, and later settled on the Chemung River near Elmira, where William French was born, June 3, 1790. Besides these two sons, there were daughters. These pioneers erected log houses, cleared the land, and made homes for themselves that were quite comfortable. In addition to farming, Moses French raised honey. He had two sons, Moses, Jr. and William. He also had daughters. His farm was located just below the school house (see Middlebury Township in the 1874 atlas). The farm in 1919 was owned by N.T. (Nathan Towner) French. Near this farm was the one owned by William French.
William French married Esther Martin, a daughter of Gideon and Tanner Martin. They had three sons, Nehemiah, William, Jr., and John W.; three daughters, Mariah, Louise and Lucretia. William French was something of a genius. He was a cooper, a carpenter, a farmer, a hunter, a crackshot, and a great worker. When he needed cloth, he built a loom in which to weave it. He built a spinning wheel, spun the yarn, and wove the cloth. When he needed a barrel, a wash tub or a sap bucket, he made it. He also made a keeler to wash dishes in and a piggin for buckwheat batter. When he needed a threshing machine, he made that. He always worked in the field all day without a hat and he never ate butter. He never used a dog on his hunting trips; he simply took the track of a deer and followed it. William French died in 1881 just a few days before his 91st birthday. The school house on French Hill was built in 1859. The French Hill Cemetery Association was incorporated 24 Sep. 1894 by A.D. Shaff, S.J. Roe, N.T. French, P.D. Shaff, John Brown, and James Shaff. It is located in the northwest part of Middlebury Township. Many stones no longer exist.
Some burials were without markers; the oldest stone that there is a record of, reads: ÒNancy, wife of Moses French, died June 21, 1855 in her 71st year and Nancy A., daughter of Moses and Rosanna French, died Sep. 9, 1846 aged 4 yrs 5 mos 11 das.Ó
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1982
Journey to Day Before Yesterday
with Rhoda English Ladd, transcribed by Marion
Waller Scherer [1]
Back to French Hill: John Gideon Martin, an Irishman, came to America about 1765 and settled in the New England states. He was a scout at the battle of Oriskany, and was with Arnold and the 800 Massachusetts troops who drove the enemy back to Lake Ontario. After that, he served as a scout with General Sullivan when he swept the Seneca Lake country with sword and torch. John and his wife, Tanner, came to French Hill with their son-in-law, William French. He lived there until his death in 1845. There is no monument to mark his grave, but he is buried in French Hill Cemetery.
One of our correspondents recently sent the following, taken from her great grandmother FrenchÕs diary. Great grandmother French would be Ann Roseltha Colegrove, who married John W. French, son of William French and Hester Martin. (Written prior to 1928) Grandma FrenchÕs parents came into Pennsylvania from Cortland County, New York, in 1837. Later they moved to Middlebury Township and located on Locy Creek. As a little girl Grandma French lived in a log cabin 18 x 28 feet long which her parents had built. The family got up into the loft by using a ladder. They had no stairs. There was but one bed; children slept on the floor. Among their foodstuffs there were barrels of wheat, buckwheat, and oats, as well as flour and cornmeal. The medical herbs and others akin to them were mayweed, senna, smartweed, boneset, lobella, peppermint, pennyroyal, hops, wormwood, poppy flowers, slippery elm bark. They also kept dried berries, flaxseed, and millet seed and onions. On the main floor there was a pork barrel and a deep trough in which they kept their Chinese asters, marigolds, batchelor buttons, grass pinks, mullen pinks stars of Bethlehem. The fruit trees were cherry, apple, and currant bushes. The oven for making bread was about 20 feet from the west side of the cabin, large enough for ten loaves of bread; and wood was burned in it. Once the bread was baked, there was enough heat left to bake pies.
Closely associated with the French family we find the name of Shaff. John Shaff, b. about 1776, was a son of William Shaff who came from Germany and fought in the Revolution. He lived in Saratoga Springs, NY. John Shaff m. Anne McCarty, and came to French Hill about 1839. They had at least 11 children: Margaret married Nehemiah French, and her sister Rosanna, married Moses French, Jr.: other children were Nancy, Stephen, Betsey, William, Jane, Angeline, Lucinda, Wellington, and John II. Need parents of John Shaff and Anne McCarty.
According to Wikipedia, the Battle of Oriskany, New York, was fought on 6 Aug 1777 and was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolutionary War. Buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga, PA.
1790 Census -- Northumberland, PA, shows Jeremiah French as head of household, with 2 free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William), 1 free white male 16 and over (Jeremiah Sr. who was 31), and 2 free white females of any age (JeremiahÕs wife and oldest daughter Sarah?). There were no other free persons or slaves living at that time in the household. That includes JeremiahÕs father.
1800 Census -- Owego, Tioga Co., NY, the one free white male under age 10 (son Jeremiah Jr.). The two free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William). No free white male is listed under 26 as Moses was JeremiahÕs oldest son. The free white female under age 10 is JeremiahÕs youngest daughter Flora?, and the 1 free white female under age 16 is dau. Sarah? The free white female ages 26 to 45 is his wife. The free white male ages 26 to 45 is Jeremiah Sr.
2.2 Sarah or Sally French, b. 1786 in Horseheads? Chemung Co., NY. She is listed as age 14, an unnamed female, in the 1800 census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, as living with the rest of this French family. She is not listed in the 1810 census with the rest of the family in Owego when she would have been 24 and perhaps married or had died. Her parents moved after her birth briefly to Northumberland County, PA, where her grandfather may have been ill. Her younger siblings where born there, and then the family returned to Owego, Tioga Co., NY.
2.3* William French [1], b. 3 Jun 1790 in Northumberland County, PA, d. 11 May 1881 in Middlebury, Tioga, PA at 91 years of age. He m. Esther Martin who was b. 11 Mar 1792 in Thompson, Windham, CT, and d. 18 Oct 1865 in Middlebury Township, Tioga, PA at 73 yrs, 7 mos, 7 da. Both are buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
William was a talented vocalist, many of the songs he loved are recorded in the book, "North Pennsylvania Minstrelsy", by Henry W. Shoemaker, with contributions by John Churchill French [1].
He lived in the Cowanesque Valley and had an old barn about 10 miles from Middlebury Center. On April 1880 William was walking in the Conwanesque Valley, west of Towanda in Tioga County, PA, with his grandson John C. French who recalls his grandfather as being 88 years old; therefore born in 1792, but another record says he was born in 1790.
It was an old Indian clearing, where my grandfather was born and remained until 1834, when he removed to the Pennsylvania forest in Tioga County, and made himself a home for all his remaining years of life. He went to the Van Gorder home, on Towanda Creek, during May 1810, for a brief stay with his motherÕs people, and to work a while in a sawmill for Amos Bennett*. There he first met his future wife, Esther Martin, daughter of veteran John Gideon Martin, the scout of Oriskany Battle, and at BurgoyneÕs surrender. Her mother was Tammer Hulett, also known as Tammer Hewlett; William French named a son Tammer as per the 1850 census.
*Obviously William was not head of household in the 1810 census as he didnÕt marry until about 1817 and had his first child in 1818. However, there is a William French in the 1810 census of Towanda who must be another family member.
He was a lumber farmer and resided most of his life in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA [2]. He was member of the Methodist Church [2]. William moved from Steuben Co., NY between 1830 and 1850.
William French was something of a genius. He was a cooper, a hunter, a crackshot, and a great worker. When he needed cloth, he built a loom in which to weave it. He built a spinning wheel, spun the yarn and woe the cloth. When he needed a barrel, a washtub, or a sap bucket, he made it. He also made a keeler to wash dishes in and a piggin for buckwheat batter. When he needed a threshing machine, he made that. He also worked in the field all day without a hat and he never ate butter. He never used a dog on hunting trips; he simply took the track of a deer and followed it. William was also a talented vocalist; many of the songs he loved are recorded in the book, "North Pennsylvania Minstrels", by Henry W. Shoemaker, with contributions by John Churchill French.
The story of ÒPassenger Pigeon in PennsylvaniaÓ by J. C. French in 1919 (WilliamÕs grandson) talks a lot about the life of William French. WilliamÕs flintlock which resembles a long rifle, and his powder horn are both now in a museum in PA [1].
Photo from descendant Marion Scherer [1]
Marriage
William m. Esther (or Hester according to the 1850 census) Martin ca. 1816-1817, born in Thompson, Windham, CT (another record states Rhode Island) on 11 Mar 1792, dau. of John J. Gideon Martin (who was born in Ireland) and Tammer Hulett/Hewlett. She d. 18 Oct 1865 and is buried on French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA [2], age 73 yrs. 7 mos. 7 da., ÒNot lost, but gone before, where we shall meet – to part no moreÓ. John J. Gideon Martin also served in the Revolutionary War and was an agent for the Susquehanna Land Company [1].
Esther's father is mentioned in the article regarding his great grandson, John Churchill French in the book "The History of Roulette Pennsylvania" by Robert R. Lyman, Sr., 1967. The article lists Esther's father's name as John J. Gideon Martin and further states that John J. Gideon Martin instructed Isaac Lyman as a boy in border warfare in the Lake George area of New York and gave him the title of Major. Isaac Lyman kept the rank of Major during the Revolutionary War. In the book entitled Genealogy of the Lyman Family in Great Britain and America, author unknown, Isaac Lyman's fourth wife is listed as Sarah French. IGI lists Sarah as Sarah Franch. John C. French mentions John Gideon Martin in his book "The Passenger Pigeon of Pennsylvania as follows: Seneca John Titus - " In his youth he was taught to read and the tactics of scouting for an army by John Gideon Martin, scout of Oriskany, and the surrender of Burgoyne." John Gideon Martin, an Irish name, came to America about 1765, and settled in the New England State. He was a scout at the Battle of Oriskany, and was with Arnold and the 800 Massachusetts troops who drove the enemy back to Lake Ontario. After that, he served as a scout with General Sullivan when he swept the Seneca Lake country with sword and torch. John and his wife, Tammer, came to French Hill with their son-in-law, William French. He lived there until his death in 1845. There is no monument to mark his grave, but he is buried in the French Hill Cemetery.
Chronology
1790 Jun 3 – William was born in Shamokin, Northumberland, PA. WilliamÕs parents had lived in Chemung County, NY, but moved to Shamokin probably upon hearing that his father, Jeremiah, was not well.
1790 Census -- Northumberland, PA, shows Jeremiah French as head of household, with 2 free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William), 1 free white male 16 and over (Jeremiah Sr. who was age 31), and 2 free white females of any age (JeremiahÕs wife and oldest daughter Sarah?). There were no other free persons or slaves living at that time in the household including JeremiahÕs father, William.
1792 Mar 11 -- Esther Martin, his future wife, was
born in Rhode Island.
In the 1800 Census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, the one free white male under age 10 (son Jeremiah Jr.). The two free white males under age 16 (sons Moses and William). No free white male is listed under 26 as Moses was JeremiahÕs oldest son. The free white female under age 10 is JeremiahÕs youngest daughter Flora?, and the 1 free white female under age 16 is dau. Sarah? The free white female ages 26 to 45 is his wife. The free white male ages 26 to 45 is Jeremiah Sr.
1810 May – William visited his motherÕs Van Gorder people in Towanda, Bradford County, the Van Gorder home on Towanda Creek in Tioga County, PA during May 1810 for a stay with his motherÕs Van Gorder people. This was his first trip to Pennsylvania, and he was age 18. There he first met his future wife, Esther Martin, whom he married about in 1817, as they had their first child, Nathaniel Nehemiah French, in 1818.
1810 May – JeremiahÕs son, William, who was born in 1790, made his first trip into Pennsylvania, to visit his motherÕs family, the Van Gorders, in Bradford County, PA. He worked awhile in a sawmill for Amos Bennett. There he first met his future wife, Esther Martin, daughter of veteran John Gideon Martin, the scout of Oriskany Battle, and at BurgoyneÕs surrender. He also became acquainted with Miss Anna Bennett, a little girl of 6 years, and a boy, John Grimes, who married her 18 years later, the parents of Edwin Grimes, the great still hunter of deer in Potter County.
1810 census of the entire U.S.A. shows 3 men named William
French in Pennsylvania in Lucerne, Allegheny, and Beaver Counties. 8 men named
William French are shown in New York, but none of a familiar French county. No
known connection. Bradford County (as seen in the next census) was created
in 1810 from parts of Lycoming and Luzerne counties; therefore, the 1810 census
listing of Towanda, Luzerne, PA, for William is probably correct, at least his
age correlates. 1 male under 10 (b. 1800-1810), 1 male 16-25 (b. 1785-1794), 1
male 45+ (b. before 1765, 1 female 26-44 (b. 1766-1784), 1 female 45+ (b.
before 1765), 5 slaves.
1820 census of Towanda, Bradford,
PA, William French, head of household. He aligns with the 1810 census
above of Towanda.
1 male age 10-15, b. 1805-1810
1 male age 26-44, b. 1776-1794, William French
1 female under 10, b. 1810-1820
1 female age 26-44, b. 1776-1794, WilliamÕs wife
1820 census
of Towanda, Bradford, PA, James French, next
door to William, head of household.
1 male age 16-25, b. 1795-1804, James French
1 female, under 10
1 female, age 26-44
1860 census – Another descendant named James French is listed in Horseheads, Chemung, NY, age 29, b. 1831 in NY, living with his wife Mary 22, and perhaps her sister Catharine Conway, 24.
1830 census -- Franklin, Bradford, PA, shows a William French age 40-49 (born 1881-1891) in a family of 7. The Van Gorder home was on Towanda Creek, which is a tributary of the Susquehanna River in Bradford Co., PA. Here in Towanda, Bradford, PA in 1830 lived a William French, age 40-49 in a family of 7. He most likely was JeremiahÕs son William who was born in 1790.
1834 -- William moved to Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA in 1834, then afterwards to Steuben County, NY, then lastly to Middlebury, Tioga, PA, where he was a member of the Methodist Church. William was a lumber farmer.
1840 census -- Middlebury, Tioga, PA, shows a William
French age 70-79 in a family of 7, born 1761-1770. He could have been
JeremiahÕs brother.
1840 census -- Franklin, Bradford, PA, (6 miles SW of
Towanda) shows a William B. French age 50-59 in a family of 8. He was born
1781-1790.
1850 census – Towanda, Bradford, PA. This
census is a lot clearer than the one on ancestry and the data entry in
ancestryÕs index file is incorrect, so it is always best to look at the
original. This William must be the son of William who was born in 1825.
James is age 16-26 (b. 1824-1836) and William is age 26-45 (b. 1805-1836).
JamesÕ wife may be slightly older, age 27? while
WilliamÕs wife is the same age as he is. I would imagine that roughly both men
and wives were close to age 27, but their relationship is unknown.
*In the book ÒOur County and its People: a History of the Valley and County of Chemung from the Closing Years of the Eighteenth CenturyÓ, by Ausburn Towner, 1892, lists William Van Gorder in Company B of Elmira, Chemung, NY. In this same book is Robert B. Van Gorder as a master in masonry in Chemung in 1880, belonging to Masters of Union Lodge, No. 95, F. and A.M., as well as James S. French in 1851-2 and 1856 in the same list. Also John M. Van Gorder was a Justice of the Peace in 1889 in Chemung and he had a General Store in Chemung called ÒJohn Van Gorden & Co.Ó ca. 1877. Several Van Gorder family members are buried in the Breesport Baptist Church in Breesport, Chemung, NY: Isaac Schuyler Van Gorden 1809-1886, his wife Deborah, and his children George H., Mary Malinda, Alonzo H., Philo Fletcher, Charles Wesley, Martha M., and Schuyler Humphrey. Other Van Gorders are mentioned but IÕm not listing them; itÕs more important to stick with the French family such as James S. French, John H. French, Philip French Jr.*, Joseph French, Horace C. French*, John M. French*, Lucy French, Samuel French, Justus W. French, George French whose daughter Libbie married Andrew B. Morey in 1869 and George was classified as a builder and an old citizen of Elmira and was a member of the Methodist Church. These French names appear in the family of Robert Timothy French who started the FrenchÕs Mustard Company and is in FFA Chart #183.
*Horace Chapin French, John M. French, Philip French Jr., were children of Philip French Sr., all of Elmira, Chemung, NY. See FFA Chart #183.
1850 census -- Middlebury, Tioga, PA, shows a William
French, age 60, born 1790 in PA, living with his wife Hester 58 b. 1792 in
Rhode Island, daughter Mariah 18 b. 1832 in NY, son William 24 b. 1826 in NY,
son John W. 15 b. 1835 in PA, son George W. 15 b. 1835 in PA, son Tamer E. 10
b. 1840 in PA, and daughter Luerstin 6 b. 1844 in
PA.
1860 census – Middlebury, Tioga, PA, shows William
living with his wife Esther, and their son William 35 who is head of household,
and his wife Louisia 26, daughter Lucretia
16 who who is listed as Lucretia
Shaft, and grandson Nathan 2, and granddaughter Flora 4/12 or 3 months.
1865 Oct 18 -- Esther Martin died in Middlebury Township, Tioga, PA at 73 yrs, 7 mos, 7 da. She was buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
1870 census -- Middlebury, William is 80 years old, listed as a laborer, born in PA, living with Nathan French (12) and Flora French (11), his grandchildren, and Annette French (35), born in PA, who was the head of the household. His wife had died 5 years earlier. They lived next door to his son, Moses. Annette is WilliamÕs son William Jr.Õs second wife, Annette Niles.
1880 census -- Middlebury where William is living with his grandson Nathan, it states that William is 90 years old, born in PA and that both of his parents were born in New Jersey. In 1880 William was a widower. This census record proves that this family came from New Jersey. In April of 1880, William was with his grandson John C. French in Cowanesque Valley, Tioga County, PA, and they walked to WilliamÕs old farm at Middlebury Center, probably on French Hill, which was 10 miles away according to John C. FrenchÕs description.
1881 May 11 -- William d. 11 May 1881 (just a few days before his 91st birthday) in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried on French Hill Cemetery, Middlebury or Keeneyville Center, Tioga Co., PA. This cemetery is referred to by the local people as the ÒAllenÓ cemetery [1].
From the Wellsboro Gazette, Wellsboro, PA, dated 17 May 1881. The two children mentioned in this article who had predeceased their father were his son William Jr. and daughter Tamer.
2.4 Jeremiah French, Jr., b. 1791-92 in Shamokin, Northumberland, PA.
1830 census –
Jeremiah Sr. and Jeremiah Jr. are both listed in Owego, Tioga, NY, living in
separate houses, both as head of household. Jeremiah Sr. is living only with
his wife, and son Jeremiah Jr. is living with a family of 5, as shown below:
1 male under 5, b. 1825-1830, also listed in 1840
1 male age 20-29, b. 1801-1810, Jeremiah Jr.
1 female under age 5, b. 1825-1830, also listed in 1840
1 female age 5-9, b. 1821-1825, also listed in 1840
1 female age 20-29, b. 1801-1810, wife
1840 census
-- Jeremiah Jr. is living as head of household in Tioga, Tioga, NY. His father,
Jeremiah Sr., is living in Owego, Tioga Co., NY, as head of household.
1 male under 5, b. 1835-1840
1 male 5-9, b. 1831-1835
1 male 10-14, b. 1826-1830* -- this child should be in the 1830 census
1 male 40-49, b. 1791-1800, Jeremiah Jr.
1 female 10-14, b. 1826-1830 -- this child should be in the 1830 census
1 female 15-19, b. 1821-1825 -- this child should be in the 1830 census
1 female 30-39, b. 1801-1810, wife
1850 census of Tioga, NY, lists an entire French family living in Barton, Tioga, NY.
Jeremiah Jr. could have had a son named Jeremiah, b. 1830 in NY, who was living in Tioga, Tioga, NY in the 1880 census, married to Hannah E. (Cole) French, he was a shoemaker and states that both his parents were born in NY. In the 1860 census, Jeremiah French and Hannah Cole were living in the Bruce household in Tioga, Tioga, NY. The 1875 census states that Jeremiah was b. 1830, was age 45, living in Tioga, Tioga, NY, married to Hannah E. French. Living with them in the 1880 census was George N. (Nieman) French who was b. 1878 in Tioga, Tioga, NY. He m. Florence. George was born on 3 Oct 1878 and on his WWI Draft Registration, he states he was living in Towanda, Bradford, PA. George Nieman FrenchÕs death certificate on 10 Jun 1939 states he died in Sayre, Bradford, PA, that he was born 3 Oct 1878 in Tioga Center, NY, and that his parents were Jeremiah French (born in Owego, NY) and Almeretta Brooks (born in Tioga Center), and his (George NiemanÕs) wife was Florence E. Snyder. He had an accidental death when he was crushed in the chest and run over by a train while he was working and found dead under the train. He worked for the LVRR (Lehigh Valley Railroad) in Sayre, Bradford, PA. He was buried in the West Genoa Cemetery in King Ferry, Cayuga County, NY. In this cemetery is buried Robert Timothy French, b. 24 Apr 1766 in New Jersey, d. 24 Oct 1824 in Genoa, Cayuga County, NY, founder of FrenchÕs Mustard, FFA Chart #183. The previously-mentioned Jeremiah French was born in 1830 and died in 1908, and his wife Almaretta B. French was born in 1847 and died in 1907, and their daughter, Bernice French Stiles was b. 1881 and d. 1959, and all are buried in the Tioga Cemetery in Owego, Tioga County, NY.
1900 census
of Tioga, Tioga, NY
Jeremiah French, age 70, born Jan 1830 in NY, married in 1881, both parents
born in NY
Almaretta French, age 53, born Apr 1847 in NY
Bernice E. French, age 18, b. 1881 in Tioga, Tioga, NY, daughter, m. Stiles
Mary French, age 14, b. Mar 1886 in Tioga, Tioga, NY
Hazel A. French, age 5, b. Aug 1894 in Tioga, Tioga, NY
1908 – Jeremiah died and is buried in the Tioga Cemetery in Owego, Tioga, NY. Almaretta died in 1907. Also in this cemetery are buried Adaline, Barbara, Catherine, Charles, Ephraim, Hannah, Lulu, Oscar W. Jr., and Bernice French Stiles.
2.5 Flora French, b. ca. 1793 probably in Owego, Tioga Co., NY when the family returned to Owego from Northumberland, PA. She is listed as age 7, an unnamed female, in the 1800 census of Owego, Tioga Co., NY, as living with the rest of this particular French family. She is not listed in the 1810 census with the rest of the family in Owego when she would have been 17. She is not the Flora French b. 1860 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, m. 1876 to F. Ernest Monks, d. 28 Mar 1925 at French Hill, who is in the 4th generation of this line.
Third Generation
Horseheads, Chemung Co., New York – BEFORE
Horseheads, Chemung Co., New York, 1860 – AFTER
Children of Moses French and Nancy Dearborn, 2.1
3.1* Moses French, Jr., b. 1817 probably in Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY [1], m. Rosanna (or Rosina) Shaff, a well-known surname in the area as can be noted from the 1880 census below. Rosanna was b. Dec 1821 in New York. Moses d. 18 Nov 1887 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery.
Chronology
1850 census -- Moses French, Jr., his wife and three daughters appear on the 1850 Census for Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA
1860 census -- Moses with his wife, three daughters and three sons on the 1860 Census for Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA. Residing in the same household as Moses French, Jr. is William M. French, age 29, in the 1860 Census.
1870 census -- Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. Moses (53), a farmer, was living with Rosanna (48) and their children Jere Mine (19), William (18), Walter (14), Charles (7), Elizabeth (15), Christinia (14), Jane (20), and Sarah (9), all born in PA, and living with the Niles family.
1880 census -- Moses, 63 and Rosana, 58, were living with son Charles French, 16, in Middlebury, Tioga, PA. Moses states that his father was born in NY and his mother in PA. Moses was a farmer. The Niles, Shaff, and other members of the French family were living nearby.
1887 Nov -- Moses died and is buried in the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [1]
From the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 15 Nov 1887
Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA--Tuesday, November 29, 1887, Keeneyville, November 24, 1887---The funeral of Mr. Moses French was held in the French Hill school house last Sunday. Mr French died of jaundice. Elder Shirey officiated at the funeral preaching from te text, "I am the door,". The house was full, for Mr French had many friends. He had lived for 50 years on the farm where he died. He was over 70 years of age and leaves a widow and a large family of grown up children.
1902 -- Rosanna died and is buried with Moses at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga, PA.
JOHN SHAFF, a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, born in 1776, was a son of William Shaff, who came from Germany to America and fought in the Revolution. John was reared in New York stated, and married Annis McCarty, who bore him a family of eleven children, viz: Nancy, widow of Darius Dickinson; Stephen C., a resident of Middlebury; Betsey, William, Margaret, Jane and Angeline, all of whom are dead; Rosanna, widow of Moses French; Lucinda, deceased; Wellington, a farmer in Lawrence township, and John H., a resident of Potter county. Mr. Shaff and family came to Tioga county in 1839, and located on a farm in Middlebury township. Here his wife died in 1857, and himself in 1871.
3.2 Esther French, b. 1823 prob. in Chemung Co., NY, d. 7 Feb 1900 in Delmar, Tioga Co., PA, m. Adam Williams [1] ca. 1847 in Tioga Co., PA, the son of Elias Adam Williams and Elizabeth Misner. He was b. 1819 in Painted Post, Steuben Co., NY. She moved to Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA by 1870 and is in the 1870 and 1880 census. They had children Oscar M., Nancy Elvina, John J. James F., Louisa, and Jane A. Williams, all born in Tioga Co., PA [32].
3.3 Jane French, b. ca. 1825 perhaps in Chemung, NY, m. Palmer [1] or Parmer [32].
3.4 Martha French [32], b. 14 Mar 1828 in NY, m. John C. Brown [1], and d. 27 Jan 1890. They had 6 children: Gilbert b. 23 Sep 1853 in Farmington, Tioga, PA and m1. W. Locey and m2. Mary Dibble, Clarissa b. Aug 1855, Clarence b. 1857, Ella b. 8 Apr 1859, Merritt b. 1861, and Rodolphus W. Brown, b. Jun 1862. All children lived in Tioga Co., NY [32]. Martha is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery and so are 100+ members of the French family.
3.5* William M. French, b. 1831 in Steuben Co., NY, m. Catharine Smith, b. Wellsville, NY [7]. He d. 2 Feb 1894 in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA. Their post-office was in Keeneyville. William is in the 1880 census, age 49, living in Middlebury, Tioga, PA, stating that he was born in NY and married Catherine, who was age 34 in the 1880 census, or born in 1846. He was a farmer and they had 4 children: Hellen L., Eugene, Minnie L., Hattie, all born in PA. They were living next door to the Shaff relatives: Freeman Shaff, Eveline Shaff, Louise Shaff, Bertha Shaff, and Eska Shaff. Also lived nearby another Shaff family of 8 family members. The 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga, PA, shows William as age 38, wife Catherine 24, and children: Hellen 7, Eugene 5, Minnie 4, and Hattie 1.
1880 census of Middlebury, Tioga, PA
William was buried on 2 Feb 1894, age 63, at the French Hill Cemetery in Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
3.6 Nancy Ann French [32], b. 16 Oct 1833 in NY, d. 12 Jan 1891 in Middlebury, Tioga, PA. She m. Zelotes C. Allen (1828-1902) and had son Clarence Jefferson Allen (1875-1947). She is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA.
Children of William French and Esther Martin, 2.3
Note that the 1820 census of Towanda, Bradford, PA, shows William French age 26-44, born 1776-1796,
he was born in 1790, in a family of 4. Besides William and his wife, it
includes a son age 10-15 (b. 1805-1810) and a daughter under 10 (b. 1810-1820).
These 2 children are not listed below. Perhaps they both died – need to
find the marriage date for William French and Esther Martin.
3.7* Nathaniel Nehemiah French, (called Nehemiah) b. 24 Jul 1818 in Horseheads, Chemung, Co., NY from www.findagrave, or in Steuben Co. as his obituary states. However, the 1820 census shows his father still living in Towanda, Bradford, PA, where he had lived for the past 10 years. The 1830 census shows his father living in Franklin, Bradford, PA, and by 1834 they were living in Middlebury, Tioga, PA, where they remained for a long time. Nehemiah d. 21 Mar 1906 in Roulette, Potter County, PA. Photo from Passenger Pigeon Book; Marion L. Scherer has the original [1]. Photos donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1]. The second photo is of Nehemiah at 88 years old.
Nathaniel m1. Margaret Shaff (sister of Rosanna Shaff) in 1840. Margaret was b. 1816 in NY [2], d. 1851 in PA [2].
He m2. Olive Churchill Samson on 5 Sep 1852. She was b. 2 Jun 1823 in Elmira, Steuben Co., NY, the dau. of William Tryon Churchill and Elizabeth Hopper. Her grandparents were Lemuel Churchill and Patience Gildersleeve. This is the Connecticut branch of the Churchill Family in America [1]. Olive was a direct descendant of Josiah Churchill of Wethersfield and his wife Elizabeth Foote [1]. Olive d. 10 Dec 1887, age 65, in Roulette, Potter Co., PA.
The Joseph A. French that is listed as a child of Nathaniel Nehemiah French and his wife Margaret Shaff is incorrect. This little boy is Joseph A. Samson, the second son of Olive Churchill and her first husband George Samson. Olive and George's first son was George Samson. Joseph A. Samson resided in Whitefish, Montana in his later years. It was at Joseph Samson's home that Helen Margaret French, the beloved daughter of John C. French and Effie Donshea French died June 28, 1912.
From Marion Waller Scherer [1]: Nathaniel Nehemiah French married 2nd Olive (Churchill) Samson. My 2nd Great grandparents. Nathaniel Nehemiah French was a widower with three children and Olive's husband, unknown Samson either died or went back to Ireland which is where he was from. Olive brought two children into her marriage with Nehemiah, George and Joseph. Joseph A. Samson and my Great grandfather, Nehemiah's son were very close as children and as adults. Joseph A. Samson eventually moved to Whitefish, Montana where Helen Margaret French, daughter of John Churchill French died of TB. Joseph A. Samson is buried in the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, PA where Nehemiah and Olive, and John Churchill French and his oldest daughter Helen Margaret French are buried.
Nehemiah d. 21 Mar 1906, age 88, in Roulette, Potter Co., PA and was buried on 24 Mar 1906 at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, PA, among 828 other interments. He died at the home of his oldest daughter, Rosanna French (Mrs. Elisha Willoughby) [1]. He was buried with his second wife.
Nehemiah was a lumber farmer and a member of the Methodist Church [2]. As a young adult, in lived in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co, PA, then settled in Roulette Co. and Potter Co., PA. He also lived in Fishing Creek, PA [2]. Nehemiah was a member of the Methodist Church. Nehemiah followed his father in the lumber farming industry. He had three children by his first wife, Margaret Shaff. Olive Churchill Samson, his second wife, had only two children who survived infancy, John and Esther. Margaret Shaff was the daughter of John Shaff and Annie or Annas McCarty. John Shaff was b. 1777 in Saratoga Springs, NY, d. 13 Nov 1871 in PA, was a farmer, resided most of his life in Middlebury Center, PA. His father was William Shaff, b. ca. 1758 perhaps in Germany [2]. Nehemiah French went by this name throughout his life, however, his name appears as Nathaniel Nehemiah French on his marker and in his obituary he is listed as Nathaniel Nehemiah.
Nehemiah inherited his father's love of music and was in his own right a gifted vocalist. Many of the songs he loved are collected in the book "North Pennsylvania Minstrels", by Henry W. Shoemaker, with contributions by John Churchill French.
Nehemiah, Margaret and their children Martha Rosanna, Sarah D. and William H. appear on the 1850 Census for Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
From the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 19 Jul 1893.
3.8* William French, Jr., b. 25 Jun 1825 in Horseheads, Chemung Co., NY [2], and d. 17 Nov 1867, age 41, and is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA. He m1. Louisa A. West with whom he had 2 children, and when she died, m2. Annette A. Niles who was born in 1835 PA. In the 1850 census, he was a farmer. After William died in 1867, Annete A. French was living in Middlebury as a widow with her father-in-law, William, age 80, and her children Nathan (12) and Flora (10) in the 1870 census; William died 3 years before this census and therefore, his wife Annette is listed as Òhead of householdÓ. Louise A. West was b. in 1835. In the 1860 census of Middlebury, Tioga, PA, William is 35, living with his wife Louisia 26, and with his elderly parents William 70 and Esther 68, and with children Nathan 2 and Flora 4/12 or 3 months. Also living with them is Lucretia Shaft, 16.
William French, Jr. d. 17 Nov 1867, age 41, and is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA. The gravestone is badly weathered and broken in half.
Annette Louisa Niles French Smith was born 5 Jan 1835 in Niles Valley, Tioga, PA, and died at age 81 on 1 Jul 1916 in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA. She was buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA. She was the dau. of Erastus Niles (5 Nov 1787 CT – 24 Jul 1877) and Permelia Ferry (1792 Franklin, VT – 1837 PA). The following photo is from FindaGrave.
3.9 Moriahor Mariah French, b. 1832 [2] in NY. She is the ÒM. FrenchÓ listed at the French Hill cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA as dying on 2 Feb 1894 at age 63. She was living with her parents in the 1850 census of Middlebury, Tioga, PA.
3.10* John Wesley French, b. 13 Jan 1835 [1] [2] in Little Marsh, Tioga County, PA, and died 7 Sep 1913, and was buried at the Middlebury Union Cemetery in Middlebury Center, Tioga County, PA. He m. Ann Roseathea Colegrove, b. 1845 in Little Marsh, Tioga County, PA, dau. of Henry Brightman and Trinn Ann (Fox) Colegrove, and she died in 1929. He was living with his parents in the 1850 census of Middlebury, Tioga, PA.
He was a carpenter and Lainer in the 1800 census of Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, age 45. His wife, Ann R., was then 35, born in 1845. Ref. [27] says this French family came into Pennsylvania from Cortland Co., NY, in 1837, and later moved to Middlebury township and located on Locey Creek. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, m. Ann Roseathea Calgrove/Colegrove/Colgrove on 7 Sep 1861 in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA. She was b. 1845 and d. 1929 [2], a native of Middlebury [27]. John d. 1913 in Little Marsh, PA [2] and is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. John Wesley French was in Co. D, 16th PA. V.I. during the Civil War. He suffered gunshot wounds during his service in action on 16 Jul 1863 and also suffered from Typhoid Fever and jaundice. John received an honorable discharge May 17, 1865. John served as a Justice of the Peace, town clerk, auditor and school director of Chatham Township, Tioga County, PA [9].
Ann was b. in Tioga Co, PA. She lived for 83 years (from 1845-1928) in Tioga Co., and in her later years, a few miles south, in Lycoming Co. She was only 16 when she married John. See Life of Ann Colegrove French written by Larry Stanley [27] in May 2010 that draws on an autobiographical sketch that she wrote ca. 1920, with appendices concerning John W. French and their son Elmer French.
Comrade John Wesley French enlisted as a private Sept. 10, 1862, in Co. D, 16th Pa. V.I.; he took part in several minor engagements and at the battle of Shepardstown, Va., he received a gunshot through both thighs, was captured, held as `prisoner in the hospital, same place about six weeks; was granted a furlough for thirty days, which was extended from time to time for five months; was transferred to Findlay general hospital at Washington, D.C., where he was held about two months; he had the measles in Camp Stoneman, Va., and sent to Giesboro hospital for three weeks when he was granted a furlough of thirty days; he then acted as ward master during which time he suffered with intermittent and typhoid fevers and jaundice; he received his honorable discharge May 27, 1865, at Harrisburg, Pa. Mrs. A. R. French is a charter member of Alfred Toles Corps, 28, and president of the W.R.C. at Little Marsh, PA; her brothers, H.L. Colegrove, served in Co. C. 7th Pa. V.G., and Co. D, 136th Pa. V.I. and Amos in Co. C, 7th Pa. V.C. Her uncles, George Fox and Amos Daniels, served in the U.W. army, War of 1812. The maternal grandfather of our comrade, Gideon Martin, served in the Revolutmonary War. Comrade French has been J. of P., town clerk, auditor, and school director of Chatham township, Tioga county, PA; he is also a member of Alfred Toles Post, 320, in which he is Past Adjt. and Quartermaster and his address is Little Marsh, Tioga Co., PA [27].
Little Marsh Lodge, No. 2,262, Knights of Honor was instituted July 1st 1880, by D. W. Avery, district deputy, with the following officers: John W. French, dictator; Phi) Close, vice-dictator; C. Beach, assistant dictator; J. E. Doane, reporter; John Youmans, financial reporter; Simon Spalding, treasurer; Benjamin Morse, chaplain; Warren McConnell, guide; Milo Trumbull, guardian; Philip Close, S. P. Beach and Orange Connelly, trustees. The lodge organized with 34 members. Several have taken cards of withdrawal in order to join lodges nearer them and also to institute new lodges.
From www.findagrave: JOHN W. FRENCH - A native of Middlebury, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, he was born on 13 January 1835; he is the son of William and Esther (Martin) French, both deceased; he was married in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania on 7 September 1861, to Ann R. Colegrove, a native of Middlebury. She is the daughter of Henry D. and Trinn (Fox) Colegrove. Their family numbers seven: John E., Etta, Mary K., Mabyn E., Henry W., Edith A. and Tacie I. Comrade French enlisted as a private on 10 September 1862, in Company D, 16th Pennsylvania Voluntary Infantry; he took part in several minor engagements and at the battle of Shepardstown, Virginia he received a gunshot through both thighs, was captured, held as`prisoner in the hospital, same place about six weeks; was granted a furlough for thirty days, which was extended from time to time for five months; was transferred to Findlay General Hospital at Washington, D.C., where he was held about two months; he had the measles in Camp Stoneman, Virginia, and sent to Giesboro Hospital for three weeks when he was granted a furlough of thirty days; he then acted as ward master during which time he suffered from intermittent typhoid fever and jaundice; he received his honorable discharge 27 May 1865, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. A. R. French is a charter member of Alfred Toles Corps, 28, and president of the W.R.C. at Little Marsh; her brothers, H.L. Colegrove, served in Company C. 7th Pa. V.G., and Company D, 136th Pa. V.I. and Amos in Company C, 7th Pa. V.C. Her uncles, George Fox and Amos Daniels, served in the War of 1812. The maternal grandfather of our comrade, Gideon Martin, served in the Revolutmonary War. Comrade French has been Justice of Peace, town clerk, auditor, and school director of Chatham Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania; he is also a member of Alfred Toles Post, 320, in which he is Past Adjt. and Quartermaster. His address is Little Marsh, Tioga County, Pennsylvania.
3.11 George W. French, b. 13 Jan 1835 in Little Marsh, Tioga, PA, perhaps the twin brother of John, appears in the 1850 census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA. ÒAÓ George W. French listed in the 1860 Directory for Elmira, NY, as a mason [1].
3.12 Tamer E. French, b. 1840 [2] in PA. Ref [1] says she was b. ca. 1840 in PA and age 10 in the 1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA. Tamer was named for Tamer Hewlett/Oulette who was the wife of Gideon Martin [1].
3.13 Catherine (or Lucretia or Luerstin) French, b. 1844 [2] in PA, age 6 in the 1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, m. _______ Palmer [2]. She d. in 1921 and is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Middlebury Township, and listed as ÒmotherÓ. She is listed in the 1860 census of Middlebury, Tioga, PA, as Lucretia Shaft, age 16, living with her brother William and his wife Lousia.
1850 Census of Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA
Catherine French Palmer died in 1921 and is buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA. No Palmer is buried in this cemetery.
Fourth Generation
Children of Moses French and Rosanna Shaff, 3.1
4.1 Nancy A. French, b. ca. 1843 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA, d. at age 4 [1], 9 Sep 1846 [1] and buried at the French Hill Cemetery, with the inscription Òdaughter of Moses Jr. and Rosana French. Not listed in the 1850 census.
4.2 Mary Christina/Christiana French, b. ca. 1847 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [1]. Not listed in the 1870 as living at home. She d. 2 Dec 1917 in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA, and is buried at the Union Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32]. She m. James R. Dickinson on 2 Mar 1864 in Bennettville and had 9 children: Alice O., Jasper R., Frank, Anna, Walter, George E., Asahel Leroy, Nellie, and Clair Dickinson [32].
Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA - Wed., Dec. 5, 1917, Pg 4 -- Farmington, Dec 4 - News was received here Sunday [12/2/1917] of the death at Wellsboro of Mrs. James Dickinson, who was for many years a resident of this place. She was a daughter of the late Moses French, of French Hill, and is survived by three brothers: Walter of Corning, Charles of Wellsboro and Jerry of Potter County, and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah West of Chatham, and Mrs. Marion Niles of Niles Valley, also the following children: Mrs. Greeley Smith of Canton, NY, Mrs. William Brown and Mrs. John Smith of Corning, Jasper, Frank and Asa of Wellsboro; George of Leroy, NY and Clair of Albion, Erie County, PA, besides 16 grandchildren and three gr-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Keeneyville M E Church, Wednesday at 1pm.
4.3 Jane French, b. 13 Mar 1849 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA [1], m. Erastus M. Niles who was b. 8 Mar 1846 in Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA. Erastus was the youngest child of Erastus and Austania Niles and born on his present homestead in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, on 8 Mar 1846. They had 2 daughters, Marion P. Niles and Angie Niles [1]. Politically, Erastus Niles was a stanch Democrat, and is recognized as one of the prominent farmers of his native township. In the 1870 census Jane was still living at home, age 20, therefore she had not yet married.
Erastus Marion Niles family history is well documented and includes Peter Niles, b. 20 Nov 1755 in Braintree, Norfolk Co., MA, who married Sarah French, 31 Oct 1777, Braintree, Massachusetts; and Ebenezer Niles, who married Mrs. S. French, after 1808, probably in Braintree, Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Braintree is the location of FFA Chart #5.
Wellsboro Gazette, Tioga, PA-- Thursday, April 14, 1927 -- Mrs. Jane Niles, aged 78 years, died suddenly at her home in Niles Valley on Tuesday afternoon. She was the widow of the late Marion Niles, who died several years ago. Mrs. Niles was born in Middlebury township, March 13, 1849, a daughter of Moses and Rosanna French, and she had been a lifelong resident of that vicinity, where she is highly respected. Besides a daughter, Angie, at home, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Sarah West of Little Marsh, 3 brothers, Charles French of Binghamton; Walter French of Corning and Jerry French of Costello. Funeral services will be held from the house at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Rev. R. A. Fargo, officiating, burial in Niles Valley cemetery, Tioga, PA.
4.4* Jeremiah (known as Jerry) French, b. Dec 1850 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA as listed in the 1860 and 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He is listed in the 1770 census in Hebron, Potter Co., PA as the son-in-law of Jane McNair (Mrs. Maretta Jane Tuttle). He m. Elnora McNess Tuttle in 1874. She was 22 in 1880, and Jeremiah was 29 and working as a farmer. In 1900 Jeremiah was living in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY, age 49, with his wife Elnora 41, and their 7 children. In 1910 he was living in Sylvania, Potter Co., PA [32]. In 1927 he was living in Costello County, NY [32]. Jeremiah d. 4 Jun 1893 at age 43.
4.5 William Wallace French, b. 18 Feb 1852 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA as listed in the 1860 and 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He d. 4 Jun 1893, age 41, and is buried in Cherry Flats Baptist Cemetery, Tioga, PA. No known spouse. No other French is buried in this cemetery.
From the Wellsboro Gazette, Wellsboro, PA, 1 May 1888.
4.6* Walter E. French, was b. 9 Sep 1854 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, spent his childhood in Middlebury and then lived in South Corning for 40 years, and died in 1937 at the home of his son Clarence Jesse French (Jackson), and is buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery near French Hill Cemetery with his wife Flora Andrews, and their two infant children. He m. Flora A. Andrews on 23 Feb 1879 in Delmar, PA. They had another son, Frances J. French, and 2 daughters who died in childhood. Walter d. 11 Jun 1937 in Corning, Steuben County, NY [8] at age 82. Flora was b. 8 Mar 1862 in Troupsburg, NY and d. 24 Aug 1910 [8] in Lawrenceville, Tioga, PA at age 48. In the 1900 census, Walter and Flora were living in Harrison, Potter, PA. Photo and articles below of Walter and his wife provided by Ref. [8].
When Francis John French was still alive, he replaced the original stone of his father, Walter E. French, shown above because of its condition. The Frenches are on one side of the stone and the Andrews on the other. The French side seems to be for a family plot as there are four small stones in front of this big stone. The small stones are one for each of the following: Walter, Flora, two children Iva and Bessie who passed away at a young age [8].
The 1860 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, lists Moses, 44, a farmer, with his wife Rosanna, 37, and their 5 children.
The 1870 census lists Walter as living with his parents and siblings, age 14, born in 1856 in PA, but this date appears to be incorrect by 2 years. Walter m2. Flora Andrus in Delmar on 23 Feb 1879, at FloraÕs residence, by Elder Eggleston.
The 1900 census of Harrison, Potter Co., PA, lists Walter age 45, a day laborer, with his wife Flora A., 38, son John F. 18, and son Jesse C. 7.
The 1910 census of Lawrence, Tioga, PA lists Walter as 48, Flora as 48, and son Jessie as 17.
The 1920 census of Corning, Steuben, NY lists WalterÕs son Frances John French, 38, a glass factory laborer, Celia his wife, 36, son Milton L., 11, dau. Hilda C. 3 5/12, and Walter E., 65.
Walter E. French [8]
ANDREWS Flora -- Wellsboro Agitator – August 31, 1910 Mrs. Flora A. French, of Lawrenceville died Wednesday morning, August 24, at 3:30, after an illness of over one year aged 48 years. She is survived by two sons, John F French, of Asaph. and Jesse C French, of Lawrenceville, two daughters Iva and Bessie M died some years ago. One brother, A D Andrews, is living in Lawrenceville and a half-brother, J. W. Potter, of Oleona and two half sisters, Mrs. Ernest Stricker, at Marsh Creek and Mrs. S. L. Finch, at Sunderlinville. Mrs. French was born in Troupsburg, March 8th, 1862. On February 28, 1879, she was married to Walter E. French, who survives her. When twelve years of age she came to Middlebury, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Darius Andrews. For twenty-three years she was a member of the Methodist church. Funeral services were held from the church at Niles Valley, on Sunday, August 28, Rev W. E. Windsor of Adams, N Y., officiated; burial at Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury Township, Tioga Co., PA.
4.7 Elizabeth Malinda French, b. ca. 1855 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [1], as per the 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. She d. ca. 1917.
4.8 Christinia French, b. 1856 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, as per the 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.
4.9 Sarah I. French, b. 29 Dec 1861 [8] in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32], as per the 1870 census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. She m. Philander A. West of Little Marsh, PA, on 23 Nov 1879 in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA. He was b. Mar 1852 in Middlebury, Tioga, PA [32]. They had 3 children: Flossie Jane West, Myrtle West, and Philander A. West, all born in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32].
Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA--Thursday, February, 11, 1954. Mrs Sarah I. West, 92, of Little Marsh, widow of Philander West died February 5, 1954 after an extended illness. She was born in October, 1862. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs Clifton Davis of Little Marsh; one son, Philander West of Middlebury Center; 5 grand children, 14 gr-grandchilden; 10 gr-gr-grandchildren and 1 triple gr-grandchildren. The funeral was held Tuesday and burial in Middlebury Center Union Cemetery at Keeneyville.
4.10 Charles A. French, Jr., b. Jun 1864 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32], d. 9 Jan 1939 [8] in Binghamton, NY. Buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga, PA. He was 16 years old in the 1880 census of Middlebury. He is listed in the 1870 census of Middlebury as age 7, living with his family. In 1927 he was living in Binghamton, Broome, NY [32]. He m. Sarah Jane Taft before 14 Mar 1913 when she died in Elmira, Chemung, NY. No known heirs. From the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 7 Jan 1920. M. E. Niles was his brother-in-law married to CharlesÕ sister, Jane.
From the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 31 May 1939. Charles had no heirs.
Children of William M. French and Catherine Smith, 3.5
4.11 Helen L. French, b. ca. 1863 in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. She m. _____ Shults and was still living in 1944 when her brother died.
4.12* Eugene French Sr., b. 2 Nov 1864 in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He d. 16 Mar 1944 and is buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He m. Nellie V. McGuire who was b. 1880 and d. Oct 1957 and is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery.
From the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 22 Mar 1944.
4.13 Minnie L. French, b. ca. 1867 in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. She m. _____ Archer and lived on French Hill. Frank Monks was married to Flora French, 4.22 below.
From the Wellsboro Gazette, Wellsboro, PA, 11 Jun 1889.
4.14 Hattie French, b. 10 Mar 1868 in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA, according to the 1880 U.S. census of Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. She m. Ebenezer Rufus Burley (1875-1921). She d. 24 Jan 1936 in Knoxville, Tioga, PA and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Knoxville, Tioga, PA.
Children of Nathaniel Nehemiah French and Margaret Shaff, 3.7
4.15 Martha (or Martten) Rosann (Rosanna) French [1] or Martha Rosamond French [2], b. 6 Dec 1841 [2] in Middlebury, Tioga, PA, m. Elisha Willoughby who was a Civil War veteran [1]. Elisha and Rosanna Willoughby are buried in the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, Potter Co., PA [1]. Martha cared for her father in her home in Potter Co., PA, until he died. Rosanna d. 9 Feb 1928, age 86, Lot R 08-L08.
4.16 Sarah D. French, b. ca. 1843 in Middlebury, Tioga, PA [1] [2], m. William R. Morey, Jr. ca. 1858, and moved to Minnesota. She d. ca. 1869 in MN [1], and was buried at the Rochester State Hospital Cemetery in Rochester Olmsted County, Minnesota. William R. Morey Jr., was b. 11 Feb 1840 in Troupsburg, Steuben Co., NY. He was a farmer and d. in 1900 in MN. Their son was Eugene Morey, b. in MN in 1866. She died before her father died in 1906 because she is not mentioned in his obituary.
Sarah D French married William Rowland Morey 1858
Roulette, Potter, PA, USA where they had several
children prior to moving to Minnesota. During the Civil War William Rowland
Morey mustered in the PA Union Infantry Y 53 PA Inf
and G 53 PA Inf; and was awarded: PEN 1883 MN. Perhaps
Sarah Morey died in childbirth with Frederick Morey born 01 Dec 1869. Her
husband, William Rowland Morey, was buried in the Moose Creek Cemetery,
Minerva, Clearwater County, Minnesota.
4.17 William H. French, b. 1846 in Middlebury, Tioga, PA [32], only son of Nehemiah and Margaret. He is listed in his father's 1906 obituary as living in Colorado [1]. He may have been born in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA and then moved with his father to McKean Co. PA, and then to Potter Co., PA subsequent to his motherÕs death [1]. He lived in Clara, Potter Co., PA in the 1860 census with his parents Nehemiah and Olive French, and his younger brother John C. 1.
From Marion L. Scherer [1]:
The Olean City Directory of 1892 - 1893 lists a William H. French as follows:
French, William H., currier, 100 Twelfth
French, Mrs. Mary, do
French, Martha L., do
French, Henry L., do
The designation of do stands for "ditto" or "same as" per the Olean Public Library.
Also appearing in the same Olean City Directory is:
French, John C., lumberman, 110 Barry
French, Mrs. Effie, do
French, Lelen M., do
French, John C., do
French, Rose, do
My grandfather, Robert W. French, was not born at the time of this directory.
There is the following French families listed:
French, Mrs. Othela D., 81
Second
French, Harry C., do
French, Nellie D., do
French, Charles, currier, 111 Ninth
French, Mrs. Edith H., do
Children of Nathaniel French and Olive Churchill Samson, 3.7
4.18 Daughter French, died young, probably at age 2 (from second wife) [1]. May be buried on the family property in Roulette, Potter Co., PA [1]. She is not listed in the 1860 census of Clara, Potter, PA, with her parents.
4.19* John Churchill French, b. 13 Aug 1856 in Port Allegany, McKean Co, PA [2], d. 6 Nov 1934, age 78, in Roulette, Potter Co., PA and is buried at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, Potter Co., PA [10]. He authored several books on Pennsylvania wildlife and folklore.
He m. Effie Deans Donshea [1] [11] or Effie Dunshie [2] on 16 Apr 1884 [2] in East Aurora, Erie Co., NY. She was b. 4 Oct 1862 in NYC and d. 3 Feb 1930 in Blossburg, Tioga Co., PA [1]. He resided in Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY, from approximately 1895 to 1902 when they removed to the family homestead in Roulette, Potter County, PA.
Photos of John Churchill French and his wife Effie Deans Donshea, donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1].
As an infant, John and his family moved to the head of Fishing Creek, PA, and in 1865, moved to a farm east of Card Creek [10]. John attended Alexander University in Ohio, a business school in Painesville, Ohio, and completed his formal education at a Spencerian College in Cleveland, Ohio. John taught school in Fishing Creek, Columbia Co., PA for a period of time and was paid $16.00 a month with room and board [10]. Prior to John's marriage to Effie, John worked as a bookkeeper in Pittsburgh, PA (in 1906 when his father died) and later, as a bookkeeper in Buffalo, NY [10].
Photo of John Churchill French, taken in 1912, writing "The Passenger Pigeon" in Roulette, Potter Co., PA, 1919. See ÒThe Passenger PigeonÓ on Joyce M. TiceÕs website. Photo contributed by Marion Scherer [1] as she has the original.
John was one of the organizers of the Roulette Oil Company in 1877 [10]. John operated a general store from 1885 to 1888 with his half brother Joseph A. Samson (or French?). The store was located in Larabee, PA and was known as J.A. Samson and Company [10]. In 1888, John started a wholesale lumber business, the Olean Hardwood Company, in Olean, NY (see photo below). Effie was the secretary and treasurer of the Company. John sold out to B. H. Parkhurst in 1893 [10].
John's health began failing after he was mauled by a bear. The last forty years of his life he was an invalid, spending the last nine years of his life almost totally bedridden [10]. During this time, John was Justice of the Peace for several terms in Roulette, Potter County, PA.
It was also during this time that John began his extensive writing career, which included writing a weekly column for the Altoona Tribune and writing several books. John also collaborated on several books with his young "cousin" Colonel Henry W. Shoemaker as well as contributing chapters to other of Henry's books [10]. John inherited his father and grandfather's love of music and was a gifted vocalist. Many of the songs that he loved are listed in "North Pennsylvania Minstrels", by Henry W. Shoemaker, with contributions by John C. French [10].
The books known to have been written by John include: The Passenger Pigeon in Pennsylvania; Rafting Days in Pennsylvania; The Heroine of Lake Shetak, Minnesota; and the Black Bear of Pennsylvania (1921). As a folklorist and naturalist, John wrote of Pennsylvania with great affection [10]. John was noted for his incredible memory, a fact that his sons marveled at [10]. John his wife Effie and their three children, Helen, John Jr. and Rose are listed on the 1892 Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY Census [10]. The 1900 Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY Census lists John and his wife Effie and their four children, Helen, John Jr., Rose and Robert [10].
Josiah Churchill was of Wethersfield, CT. The large group of Churchill settlers was with the Susquehanna Company to the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania. During the massacre at Forty Fort (presently the Wilkes Barre area of PA), Lemuel Churchill and many other young people escaped to what is now Elmira, NY, after which they proceeded to Sussex Co., NJ. John Churchill French is buried at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, PA [2]. Nehemiah's son, John C. French, dedicates his book "The Passenger Pigeon of Pennsylvania" and writes of him in the same book: "Two young men climbed Tuscarora Hill, north of the Cowanesque, to find the "top of the world." That was in 1836 and they were about 17 years old. One was Nehemiah French, my father; and the other was John Churchill, my mother's eldest brother." The story continues with the boys meeting and old Indian, Chingachkun and then concludes, "The boys found the top of the world, where the rivers start from."
As a young family, John C. French resided in Olean, Cattaraugus Co., NY approximately from 1895 to 1902 when he and his family removed to Roulette, Potter Co., PA. There were at least two John French families in Cattaraugus Co., NY. The other John French was b. ca. 1763 and was at Williamstown, Oneida Co., NY on 3 Feb 1816 [1].
Olean, Cattaraugus Co., NY in 1882 at a time when John C. French was living here. Lumbering was the major occupation.
From Ref. [1]: ÒThere were several other books that John Churchill French wrote besides The Passenger Pigeon in Pennsylvania. A few of them are: Black Bear of Pennsylvania; Rafting Days in Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Minstrelsy; the Heroine of Lake Shetak, Minnesota. As well as articles that he wrote for the Altoona Tribune. In the books and articles the men, families, folklore and songs served two purposes - to preserve the folklore, songs and traditions; and as Grandpa French's "one name study" with a twist. Many of the families mentioned in the book, and most of the people that had a photograph in the book had an ancestor with the surname French. This included William Henry Hazen, Civil War Veteran, who married Esther Elizabeth French, sister of John Churchill French. William Hazen's "French" ancestor was a few generations earlier. I contacted many of the other families that had photographs in the books and they wrote back to tell me that yes indeed, they had a "French" ancestor. Included in their return email, was not only the name of the ancestor, but also the genealogy. Why the one name study? Possibly because of the book the Churchill Family in America had been published, in which his Mother, Olive Churchill, was named. Why not do the French Family in America? Grandpa French could have made it easier, but the reading is certainly better in the Passenger Pigeon book and the other books. Another tradition passed down from Jeremiah French to my Grandfather Robert William French is a hand cadence. Was that a call to arms - fife and drum? My Grandfather taught the cadence to me and now two of my Grandsons know it. The cadence isn't listed on a Census or in Baptismal Records, but it is relevant to my family history just as the books are and certainly more interesting than looking through Baptismal Records or Census Records. Certainly catches the attention of GrandchildrenÓ.
John C. French was buried in 1934 with a separate marble marker that is inscribed FATHER, and next to his daughter who died young of tuberculosis. Both are buried at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, Potter County, PA [1].
4.20 Esther Elizabeth French, b. 19 Apr 1862 in Clara, McKean or Potter Co., PA, m. William Henry Hazen, Civil War Veteran, on 20 May 1882 in Roulette, Potter Co., PA. William H. Hazen and Esther were pioneers who settled in Index, Washington [1]. After several years, Esther and William returned to Roulette. After William Hazen's death, Esther moved to Glendale, Oregon. I believe that is where her only child Warren Hazen lived [1]. Esther is buried in Glendale, Oregon as is her son and his wife. Warren had no children. Photos donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1] of Esther Elizabeth French and William H. Hazen.
Esther was buried on 11 Jan 1953 at the Siskiyou Memorial Park Cemetery in Medford, Jackson County, Oregon.
Children of William French Jr. and Louisa A. West, 3.8
4.21* Nathan Towner French, b. 5 Jun 1858 in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA according to the French Hill Cemetery where he was buried on 5 Oct 1929 (age 71).
Marriages
Nathan m1. Mary Eveline Eggleston on 31 Jan 1860 in Spring Mills, Springwater, NY [33]. Mary was b. 31 Jan 1860, the dau. of Edwin H. Eggleston and Betsy Jane Howe [19]. Mary E. French d. 6 Aug 1880 (age 19) and is also buried in the French Hill Cemetery in Keeneyville, Tioga, PA [33], at age 19 years, 7 mos, 6 da. She delivered a child on 25 Jul 1880 and then died in August from complications of childbirth [33]. This was their only child, Nathan Jr.
After MaryÕs death, Nathan m2. Helen Alice Burley and had son Rufus French, b. Feb 1887 in PA. Helen was born 21 Dec 1862 and d. 30 May 1921, the daughter of Ebenezer R. and Martha J. (Churchill) Burley.
Helen Alice (Burley) French, aged 58, died at her home on French Hill, Monday, May 30, 1921, following a long bout of stomach illness. Her husband of 37 years was with her at the end. She was preceded in death by her parents, the former Ebenezer Rufus Burley, Jr. and Martha Jane Churchill, all of Middlebury. She is survived by her husband, Nathan Towner French, 63, and their son, Rufus, on the farmstead. During her life Mrs. French was always the most amiable of souls, ever so quick to help anyone, and a devoted member of the M.E. Church. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. The family received friends at the home on Thursday, June 2nd, and a graveside committal service followed at the Middlebury Union Cemetery.
Chronology
Nathan is listed in the 1880 census of Middlebury (name spelled Frinch), age 21, with his wife Mary and grandfather William, b. 1790, age 90, who was born in PA and states that both his parents were born in NJ. Nathan states that his grandfather was born in NY and that WilliamÕs parents were both born in New Jersey. He is also living with his sister-in-law, Lucy Eggleston, who was 17 at that time.
Nathan is listed in the 1920 census of Middlebury, age 61, with his wife Helen Alice Burley French, age 57. It states that NathanÕs father was born in NY and his mother in PA. Many of HelenÕs siblings are also buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA.
Mary Eveline Eggleston French
4.22 Flora E. French, b. 1860 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, m. 1876 to F. (Frank) Ernest Monks, d. 28 Mar 1925 at French Hill. She was the daughter of William French and Louise A. West according to ancestry.com. Both Ernest and Flora are buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery and so are 100+ members of the French family.
The newspaper ÒWellsboro AgitatorÓ, Tioga, PA - Wed., April 1, 1925, Pg 3 French Hill, March 28 - Mrs Flora French who has been in failing health for several months, died at the home of her son, Ernest Monks Jr., on French Hill at 5pm March 13, 1925, aged 65 years. On Feb 19, 1876 she was married to F. E. Monks. To them was born four children - William Monks of Ulysses, Mrs. Lottie Winifred Monks Cummings of Tioga, RD, Ernest Monks Jr. of Middlebury Center, and Mrs. Gladys Bryant, deceased, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive her. Mrs. French will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The funeral was held at the Keeneyville church, Rev. Mr. Engler officiating; interment in the Keeneyville Cemetery.
Bernard Roe was b. 1 Apr 1879 in Middlebury Twp., Tioga Co., PA, m. Lottie Winifred Monks on 30 Apr 1899. She was the dau. of Frank E. Monks and Flora E. French, b. 12 May 1883 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.
Ernest Monks was b. ca. 1868 and listed as 2 years old in the 1870 Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA census, living with his parents, John and Mary Monks, and with his brother, Leon.
Another Ernest Frank Monks is listed as age 24, born 21 Oct 1885 in Tioga Co., PA, his mother was Flora E. French, born in PA, and his father was born in NJ. He m. Mertie S. Meaker in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. His WWI and WWII Draft Registration Cards are online at ancestry.com.
Mr. Ernest Monks Chatham, October 22, 1885.--There was a sad accident near Shortsville last Wednesday about five oÕclock p.m., by which Ernest Monks lost his life. Mr. John Monks owns a steam thresher and on Wednesday they threshed at Mr. P. G. HurlbuttÕs. In moving for the next job it was necessary to come down the Cloos hill towards Shortsville. While coming down the hill the horses became unmanageable and ran away. After running some 80 rods down the hill at full speed, the wheels struck a bank raised across the road for the purpose of turning the water and one wheel was broken off and went bounding on down the hill jumping from two to five rods at a bound crossing the creek road and landing in Crooked Creek. It is said on reliable authority that the engine jumped 30 feet at the time the wheel was broken off. This threw the young man from his seat and he struck on his head some 20 feet distant. His skull was crushed, killing him instantly. The horses dragged the engine some distance but were finally obliged to stop. Mr. Monks and another son were behind with the separator and did not see the accident. I believe no one saw the boy when he was killed. He was a young man of fine promise and was about 19 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Monks have the sympathy of their many friends in their bereavement. Reporter. (Tuesday, October 27, 1885, The Wellsboro Agitator, Wellsboro, Tioga Co, Pa.)
From the Wellsboro Gazette, Wellsboro, PA, 11 Jun 1889. Minnie French Archer is 4.13 above.
Children of John Wesley French and Ann Roseathea Colegrove, 3.10
4.23* John Elmer French, b. 18 Oct 1862, d. 12 Feb 1925. See Life of Ann Colegrove French written by Larry Stanley [27] in May 2010 that draws on an autobiographical sketch that she wrote ca. 1920, with appendices concerning John W. French and their son Elmer French. He m. Dora Wood, dau. of William H. and Catherine (Plank) Wood. She was b. Mar 1868 and d. 7 Apr 1941 and is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery in Tioga, PA.
Obituary of John Elmer French, son of Ann Colegrove French and John W. French
One of the pioneer families of Middlebury Township,
Tioga County, Pennsylvania, was that of William and Esther French and another
one was that of Henry B. and Anna Colegrove.
The youngest child of each family, John W. French and Ann R. Colegrove, were married in September 1861. The young
couple began housekeeping on a little farm not far from Keeneyville
and here on October 18, 1862, their first child John Elmer, was born. The
father, however, had enlisted in the service of his country and the young
mother returned with her little son to the home of her parents, where they
remained until the close of the war, when broken in health and suffering from
the effects of a gunshot wound the soldier returned. In 1868, he removed
his family to a small farm which he had purchased in
Chatham, and here they lived until Elmer was twelve years of age. For this
little home he always cherished the fondest memories; to him it was and ideal
spot and in letters and verse he often alluded to this ÒHappy Day LandÓ of his
childhood.
In October 1885 he was married to Dora Wood, of Keeneyville, and to them was born one son, George E. His education was received in the public schools, one year at the SoldiersÕ Orphan School and two terms at the State Normal School at Mansfield. When nineteen years of age he began teaching and for twelve years taught in the schools of Chatham and Middlebury; then he removed to Costello, where he taught five years and was two years principal of the Galeton High. Following this he was engaged by a large manufacturing firm as its representative and for a number of years he travelled through the Central and Western States from Ohio to Texas. In 1912 he became ill while in the West and returned to his home in Westfield, where he suffered a long illness, from the effects of which he never fully recovered.
In 1918 he came to Elmira to take a position in the offices of the Willys-Morrow Co. Six years later he accepted the position of bookkeeper for the Elmira Building Units Co., where he was employed at the time of his death. He was a member of the Elmira Council U. C. T. and of the Westfield F. and A. M. He united with the Methodist Church at Little Marsh when nineteen years of age and took an active interest in Christian work and for many years was leader of the choir. He also composed both words and music of many hymns for church use.
After an illness of only three weeks he passed on his rest on the morning of the anniversary of the birth of Lincoln, the one for whom his heart was full of devotion.
ÒTho the voice of the singer
Forever is still,
His songs linger here
Mid memories dear
From the lips of the zephyrs,
The trees and the rill,
I hear them again,
I hear them again.Ó
From ÒThe Little Brown Apple.Ó
By J.E.F
To those who have known him best, his memory will remain as a priceless
benediction. A man of simple and refined tastes, he loved the
smiling scenes of Nature, the comforts of home and the inspirations of
friendship.
He was ever a student, and never missed an opportunity to learn something worth learning, feeling he might some time have need of just that bit of knowledge. Never content with merely memorizing facts, he meditated on, weighed and analyzed them. He not only did things, but he did them in the best way of which he was capable, originating ideas, methods and facilities; working with a tireless energy which characterized him in everything in which he took an interest. As a teacher, he was pre-eminently successful; giving directions with clearness and accuracy, and developing in the lives of his pupils high ideals that are imperishably associated with their recollections of him.
He was a skilled mechanic, having learned the carpenter's trade, and during his years of teaching when school was not in session he followed this occupation. In this he was painstaking and accurate, fashioning his work with his soul in his job as a "workman that needeth not be ashamed." He was an ardent lover of his country and wrote and sang words that kindled patriotism in many hearts. When travelling he always visited all places of historical interest and could describe them with the vividness and charm if the real story teller.
To his friends he was generous, constant and loyal,
and many have felt that human touch upon the heart strings that has cheered and
helped them through seasons of darkness when the spoken words of sympathy or a
timely letter written has been to them "like apples of gold in the
pictures of silver." And when in the pilgrimage of life he sometimes
came to a place where the road was blocked, he kept his faith and courage and
always found the way round.
His literary ability was of no mean quality, short articles and poems
having appeared in various periodicals. the
three following of his own bits of verse were read as part of the service on
the morning when he was borne to his place of rest back near the old home in
Pennsylvania he loved so well.
THAT LITTLE WHITE CHURCH
No other church in all this land,
To me is half so dear;
No other friends that I have known,
Can ever seem so near;
For in the days of hope and love,
How oft' I 've lingered there;
To join in fervent songs of praise,
Or bow in silent prayer.
In childhood days i
saw this church,
Spring from verdant sod;
The pride of all who sought a place
In which to worship God.
I've heard the clanging of the bell'
That swings beneath the spire,
And here I've learned the Gospel Truth,
And here I've trained the choir.
'Tis here my mother
loves to come,
Although she cannot see,
She hears the story once again,
And lisps a prayer for me.
While all deplore her bitter fate,
And hearts with pity swell.
She murmurs not, but clings to Him,
"Whodoeth all things well."
O! when my day
of toll is o'er,
And all my sorrows past,
And I have laid me down to rest
In peace and joy at last,
May Heaven smile unpon this church,
And may the angels keep
Watch o'er this little flock and fold,
While I shall sleep and sleep.
(John Elmer French) J. E. F.
THE COMMON MAN
He wanted good food; and hastened to the field
To gather fruit; but found the withered vines
Plucked from the earth; and all the golden yield
Lay trampled in the dust. He saw signs;
Footprints of Greed; deep dented in the sand'
But did not understand.
He wanted clothes; and turned to find the flocks
That once did graze in pastures on the hill
Had perished; and nearby guilty rocks
Where bleached their silent bones, he saw there still
Footprints of Greed; deep dented in the sand;
But did not understand.
He wanted shelter; and where once the trees
Sprang majestic beauty from the fen,
He found but withered leaves; upon the breeze
Dark fog and odors rose. He saw again
Footprints of Greed, deep dented in the sands;
But now he understands.
J. E. F.
LIFE
Life -
"Tis but a breath,
A morning breeze,
A sighing wind
Among the trees -
Then all is calm.
Life -
'Tis but a thread
That spans between
The present and
The great unseen -
A slender cord
Life-
'Tis but a mist,
A summer shower,
A bursting storm,
A silent hour,
Then sweet repose.
J.E.F.
In looking through some papers in his room this little poem was discovered which doubtless was written a short time before his death.
WHEN I SHALL FALL TO SLEEP
"Twill not be long ere I shall fall to sleep.
And friend I love beside my bier shall weep;
But my poor soul will not be there,
To see their tears or hear their whispered prayer.
Whene'er that day shall
come, let me not fear
To close my eyes, or long to linger here;
But give me faith to say, "God knowest
best."
Then when I fall to sleep, I'll sweetly rest.
Upon my breast lay but a
withered leaf,
A symbol of the end of life and grief;
Weave me no floral wreath of roses red;
A rose can bring no joy when I am dead.
J. E. F.
4.24 Etta (Ettie) French, b. 1866, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800, m. Fay C. Doane and had children Roland, Lyle, and Anna Beatrice Doane [27]. John and Ettie had three children: Roland Claire Doane (who married Olivia Herold - children, Roland C. Doane Jr., Robert French Doane., and Jeanne Doane Burford); Lyle Kibbe Doane (mariied Mary ___, one child Wilbur "Buster" Doane, killed in WW II); and my Grandmother, Anna Beatrice Doane Wolf (always known as Beatrice). Beatrice Doane married Joshua Levering Wolf (named for the 1896 Prohibition Party candidate, Joshua Levering - the Wolfs and Doanes were big supporters of the WCTU), and had two children: Frederick Wallace Wolf, and Phyllis Marie Wolf Stanley. Phyllis Wolf married Daniel Calvin Stanley (of Lock Haven, PA) and had three sons, Daniel C. Stanley Jr. (married Josiane Sweet - two sons: Daniel C. Stanley III, who married Maria Bottini and has one son, Edward Rufus Stanley; and Aaron Rufus Stanley who married Mary ___), Gary Frederick Stanley (married Ruby Rickard - one son Scott F. Stanley, who married and has a daughter Melissa Sue Stanley), and Lawrence Evan Stanley (me) (married Laura-Ann Hogan - two children: Christopher Gerard Stanley, who married Mindy Giesel and have a daughter, Adelyn Marie Stanley; and Jessica Phyllis Stanley Culligan, who married Sean Culligan and have two children, Ella Rose Culligan and Joshua Aiden Culligan [27].
Fay C. and Ettie French Doane sitting on the porch of their Jersey Shore, PA home [27]
DOANE, FAY C.
Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, PA) November 27, 1943
Jersey Shore, Fay C. Doane, 74, Jersey Shore, died at his home at 5:30 o'clock Friday morning, Nov. 26, 1943, following a lingering illness. Born on November 17, 1869, Mr. Doane was formerly of Knoxville, but came to Jersey Shore 39 years ago to engage in the insurance business. He was a member of LaBelle Valley Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 232. At the First Methodist Church he was a member of the official board and he was a trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Doane celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 22, 1943. Surviving besides his wife, the former Etta French, are two sons and a daughter, Mrs. J. L. Wolf and Lyle K. Doane, of Jersey Shore, and Roland C. Doane, of Glenside. Also, a brother, Ira, of Montour Falls, N.Y. and five grandchildren. Funeral services will take place at the residence, 515 Burke Street, at 2 o'clock, Monday afternoon, with the Rev. W. W. Willard, Jr. officiating. He will be assisted by the Rev. John A. Stamm, Phillipsburg, formerly of Jersey Shore. Burial will be at Jersey Shore. Friends may call between 2 and 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon, and from 7 to 9 o'clock in the evening. Masonic rites will be conducted at 7 o'clock Sunday evening.
FRENCH, ETTIE
Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, PA) - November 3, 1952
Mrs. Ettie F. Doane, widow of Fay C. Doane, Jersey Shore, died Friday evening, Oct. 31, 1952, in the Masonic Home in Elizabethtown, where she had been a guest for two years. She was a member of the First Methodist Church and was active in all the church organizations. She taught a Sunday school class for 40 years. She was a charter member of the Fort Antes Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Doane was a charter member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, George W. Pepperman Post No. 36, which will hold memorial services tonight at 7 o'clock at the funeral home, 125 North Main Street. Surviving are two sons: Roland C., Glenside, and Lyle, Jersey Shore; three sisters, Mrs. Tacie Rassweiler, Beloit, Wis, Mrs. Edith Hawley, Rochester, and Mrs. Mabyn Cole, Rathburn, N.Y.; one brother, Harry French, Hollywood, Fla. She is also survived by five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the funeral home, 125 North Main Street, Jersey Shore. The Rev. A. Glenn Mower, will officiate. Burial will be in Jersey Shore Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 o'clock this evening.
She was buried at the Jersey Shore Cemetery, Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, PA, among 15,334 other interments.
Four generations of women - L. to R. Ettie French Doane (standing); Ann Colegrove French (seated); Anna Beatrice Doane Wolf (standing); and Phyllis Wolf Stanley, the baby on Ann French's lap.
The photo below shows an additional four generations
- standing in the rear, Jessica Phyllis Stanley Culligan;
Lawrence Evan Stanley; seated, Phyllis Wolf Stanley, and Ella Rose Culligan the baby on Phyllis Stanley's lap. These two
photos show six generations of descent from John W. French [27].
4.25 Mary K. French, b. 1872 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800.
4.26 Mabyn or Mabin E. French, b. 1876 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800.
4.27 Bessie E. French, b. 1879 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1800.
4.28 Daughter French, b. 1880, d. 1881, and is
buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery.
4.29* Harry William French, b. 18 Jun 1882, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1900, age 17, son of John W. and Ann R. French, living with siblings Ethel A. French 16, and Tacie J. French 14. He m. Edith M. by 1903 and had son Berlin in 1904. In the 1910 census of Lima, Livingston, NY, he was married to Edith M. French, was a teacher in commerce, both he and his wife were 27, living with their son Berlin C. French, 5. By the 1920 census, Harry and Edith were living in Meriden Ward 5, New Haven, CT, with son Berlin, age 15. Harry was a teacher at the high school. By the 1930 census, Harry W. and Edith M. were still living in Meriden and he was a commercial salesman, and son Berlin C. French was age 25. Also in Meriden in the 1940, Berlin was living on his own. Berlin was born in 1904 in Carlton, Orleans, NY. Harry died in Mar 1966 in Hollywood, Broward, Florida.
HarryÕs Mason Membership Card, 1916
HarryÕs WWII Draft Registration Card, 1942
4.30 Edith or Ethel A. French, b. Oct 1883, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1900, m. William Hawley and had dau. Dorothy Shremp Hawley.
4.31 Tacie I. or J. French, b. 1886 in PA, was living in Chatham, Tioga Co., PA, in 1900.
4.32 Jimmie Hugh French, b. 1888, d. 1888, and buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery.
Fifth Generation
Children of Jeremiah (Jerry) French and Elnora McNess Tuttle, 4.4
5.1 Alta S. French, b. ca. 1875 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32].
5.2 Charles M. French, b. Feb 1880 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32]. In the 1880 census of Hebron, Potter, PA, Charles is living with his widowed grandmother Jane McNess, age 51, and with James M. McNess 11, Myron G. McNess 8, his father Jeremiah French 29, his mother Elnora M. French 22, and Alta L. French 5, sister of Charles. In the 1900 census of Livonia, Livingston, NY, Charles is 20 and living with his parents Jeremiah 49 and Elnora 41, and his siblings Frank 15, Frederick 13, James 10, Gladys 6, and Myron 3. He was deaf and dumb and killed by a train in NY ca. 26 Jul 1905 when the following article was printed in the Wellsboro Gazette of Wellsboro, PA:
5.3* Eugene W. French, b. 1881 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32], d. 29 Aug 1916, m. Rue B. Rundell ca. 1907 and had 4 children. She was b. 25 Dec 1882 in Delmar, Tioga Co., PA. Eugene d. Aug 1916 and is buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [32].
Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA-- Wednesday, August 30, 1916 -- Eugene French, an employee on A. S. Lent's farm below Wellsboro Junction, was killed by a New York Central freight train early yesterday morning, his body being found beside the tracks near the Keck celery washhouse when the men were on their way to work shortly before seven o'clock. French's head was severed from his body, his right leg was cut off and he was otherwise mangled in the most shocking manner. The remains were brought to the Evans undertaking rooms in Wellsboro. Mr. French is survived by his wife and four children, Mattie, Gladys, Jerry and Kenneth, besides several brothers and sisters. He had worked for A. S. Lent for several years. He was in Wellsboro Monday and was last seen at Wellsboro Junction about 3 o'clock yesterday morning, when he was in the Rogers restaurant at the Junction station.
Wellsboro Junction 1972
After EugeneÕs death in 1916, the 1920 census of Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, shows EugeneÕs widow, Rue French, married to EugeneÕs younger brother Frederick J. French. Unfortunately, Frederick died in 1921, and Rue married Herbert Luther. Luther had been previously married and had daughters Agnes b. 1908, and Aida b. 1910. Therefore, in the 1925 census, Herbert Luther is age 45, Rue Luther is 43, Matta 17, Gladys 16, Agnes 17, Aida 15, Gerald 12, and Kenneth 10.
Rue Luther was b. 25 Dec 1882 and d. 1 Apr 1958 in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, and is buried in the Niles Valley Cemetery, the daughter of Amos Darwin Rundall and Elizabeth Bockus. Her third husband, Herbert A. was born in 1880 and d. 1948. Rue had been married 3 times and outlived each husband. They are both buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery in Niles Valley, Tioga, PA.
5.4 Frank Denis French, b. 7 Dec 1884 in Hebron, Potter Co., PA [32]. In the 1920 census, Frank was 35 and living in Portage, Potter, PA, working as a laborer in a lumber camp, and living with various unrelated people. He is listed for the WWI Draft in Coudersport, Potter, PA. He also is listed for the WWII Draft. He m. Anna D. whom he is living with in the 1930 census of Ashland, Chemung, NY; she was 39.
5.5 Frederick J. French, b. 15 Feb 1887 in Coudersport, Potter Co., PA [32], d. 1921. He m. Rue Nora Bockus Rundel who was b. 1882 and d. 1958. FrederickÕs older brother, Eugene, was killed in a terrible train accident in 1916, at which time Frederick married EugeneÕs widow and raised their 4 children. In the 1920 census, Fred was raising EugeneÕs children Matta, Gladys, Gerald, and Kenneth in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA. Frederick was a glass worker at the Corning Glass Factory in Wellsboro, PA. Unfortunately, the very next year Frederick died in 1921 and is buried in the Niles Valley Cemetery in Niles Valley, Tioga, PA.
5.6 James French, b. Sep 1889 in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY [32].
5.7 Gladys French, b. Dec 1893 in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY [32].
5.8* Myron E. French, b. Jun 1896 in Livornia, Livingston Co., NY [32]. He m. M. Genevieve Reed and had dau. Naomi L. French, b. 24 Jun 1930 [32]. In the 1930 census Myron was 32 and Genevieve was 27, living in Victory, Venango, PA, with their children Ruth C. French, age 5 8/12, and Paul E. French, age 3 8/12. By the 1940 census of Sylvania, Potter, PA, Genevieve was widowed, living with her children Ruth C. French 15, Paul E. French 13, Naomi L. French 9, and Shirley E. French 8.
Children of Walter E. French and Flora Andrews, 4.6
5.9* Francis John French, (known as John) b. 9 Sep 1881 in Tioga Co., PA, d. 14 Jun 1978 in Corning, NY (age 97), m. 29 Jun 1904 to Sara LoCelia Boyden. She was b. 29 Jan 1883 in Milo, NY and d. 8 Feb 1962 in Corning, NY [8]. Sara was b. to Ella Moon at age 16 (believe Dansl and Lydia Moon were EllaÕs parents [8]), and was adopted by Amanda and Addison C. Boyden at age 9 months [8]. Francis worked at the Corning Glass Factory and retired there.
The 1900 census of Harrison, Potter Co., PA lists him as age 18 living with his parents.
The 1920 census of Corning, Steuben, NY lists Frances John French, 38, a glass factory laborer, Celia his wife, 36, son Milton L., 11, dau. Hilda C. 3 5/12, and his father Walter E., 65.
Photo 1: Francis John French (standing), his wife Sara LoCelia (seated), their son Milton L. French Sr, and their daughter Hilda taken in April 1919.
Photo 2: Francis and Sara LoCelia Boyden French on their 50th wedding anniversary on 29 Jun 1954.
John worked at this logging camp in Tioga, WV, year unknown.
John spent a great deal of his life (about 1911-1912) near Keuka Lake in New York (Italy Hill, Pen Yan, and Second Milo) working as a farm laborer. See front and back of card below addressed to John French in Pen Yan, NY from E.N.J. in Ansonia, PA. Post card sent to the FFA by Ref. [8]. The signature on this card looks like ENJ – the N could be the family names ÒNilesÓ.
See front and back of card below addressed to John F. French in Pen Yan, NY from E. N. Jenoch? in Ansonia, PA. Post card sent to the FFA by Ref. [8]. The signature on this card looks like ENJ – the N could be the family names ÒNilesÓ. Ansonia, PA, is very near Wellsboro, Mansfield, Towanda, Tioga State Forest, and Westfield, Pennsylvania, just about 65 miles south of Penn Yan, Pennsylvania, at Keuka Lake.
He spent some time in West Virginia in the lumber industry and later on the Corning Glass Factory as an inspector. He was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a lifetime member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He was an avid coin collector [8]. In 1910 he was living in Asaph, PA [8].
He was born 9 Sep 1881 in Mills, Potter County, PA, and d. 14 Jun 1978 in Corning, Steuben County, NY, according to his gravesite at Hope Cemetery, Corning, Steuben County, NY.
5.10 Iva French, b. 5 Jul 1884 in PA and d. 22 Jul 1884 (about 3 wks) [8]. She is buried in the family plot at the Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA [8].
5.11 Bessie M. French, b. 30 Sep 1885 in PA, d. 6 Mar 1892 (6+ years) [8], and is buried at the Niles Valley Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA.
5.12* Clarence Jesse French, b. 3 May 1893 in Milton, Northumberland, PA (born out of wedlock [8]), d. Mar 1969 in Penn Yan, Yates County, NY, m. Libby Jackson and had one child [8]. Clarence had an addiction to alcohol and was somewhat shunned by the family. His wife Libby died very early in their marriage [8]. They had a son, Robert W. French, who was adopted by the Jackson family in the New York City area [8], and they changed his name to Robert W. Jackson. Before WWI, Clarence was working as a machinist of Ingersoll-Rand in Painted Post, NY. At this time, he was married and his father was alive.
Chronology
1893 May 3 – Clarence Jesse was born in Milton, Northumberland, PA.
1900 census – Jesse C. French was living with his father Walter French, 45 and mother Flora A. French 28, and with John F. French 18.
1910 census – Jesse C. French is age 17, living in Harrison, Potter, PA, the son of Walter E. French and Flora A. French. He was also living with his brother John F. French, 18, and Clarence M. McCarlin, 40, a boarder.
1915? – Clarence m. Libby Jackson.
1916? – son Robert W. was born.
WWI Draft Registration – Corning, Steuben County, NY. He was married at the time. Libby died between WWI and 1930.
1920-1930 – ClarenceÕs wife died.
1930 census – Erin, Steuben, NY, Clarence was 36, widowed, working as a machine operator, and a boarder with Cora A. Wheelock, 61, and her granddaughter Francis Smythman, 16.
1937 – Clarence was living in South Corning, Steuben, NY, with his father, Walter French, who died in 1937 at ClarenceÕs home.
1940 census – Corning, Steuben, NY, Clarence is widowed, a laborer, age 47, living alone.
1969 Mar – died in Penn Yan, Yates County, NY.
Children of Eugene French Sr. and Nellie V. McGuire, 4.12
5.13 Daughter French, m. William Ramer of Clovis, NM.
5.14 Daughter French, m. Thomas Ryan of Denver, CO.
5.15 Daughter French, m. Lewis Sage of Honeoye Falls, NY.
5.16 Eugene French Jr. who was b. 1904 and d. 3 Jun 1993 and is buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA. He lived in Sunbury.
Children of John Churchill French and Effie Deans Donshea, 4.19
Photo donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1] of the children of John Churchill French and Effie
Deans Donshea: Robert William French, the youngest
child in the center; Rosemary Willis French, seated next to him; John Charles
French, the big brother; Helen Margaret French, the big sister.
5.17 Helen Margaret French, b. January 20, 1885, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d. June 28, 1912 (age 27), Whitefish, Montana. Helen was a young school teacher when she contracted tuberculosis from a student. Helen and her mother Effie stayed with Uncle Joe Samson in Whitefish, Montana with the hopes that the drier climate would cure Helen of her illness. While in Whitefish, Helen became engaged to a Mr. Applegate. Unfortunately, Helen died before she and Mr. Applegate were married. She is buried at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, Potter County, PA [1]. Photo donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1].
HelenÕs father, John C. French, was buried in 1934 with a separate marble marker that is inscribed FATHER, and next to Helen who died young of tuberculosis. Both are buried at the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, Potter County, PA [1].
The Joseph A. French that is listed as a child of Nathaniel Nehemiah French and his wife Margaret Shaff in one census record is incorrect. This little boy is Joseph A. Samson, the second son of Olive Churchill and her first husband George Samson. Olive and George's first son was George Samson. Joseph A. Samson resided in Whitefish, Montana in his later years. It was at Joseph Samson's home that Helen Margaret French, the beloved daughter of John C. French and Effie Donshea French died June 28, 1912. Helen Margaret French is buried next to her father John C. French, in the John Lyman Cemetery in Roulette, Potter County, PA.
5.18 James Harvey French, b. 1 Jun 1886, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d. 15 Oct 1886 (4 ½ months), Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY. He was seven months old at the time of his death. He was buried in Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY [1] [10]. He may have been born and died in Larrabee, PA.
5.19 John Churchill French, Jr., b. 13 Feb 1888, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; m. Laura Luce. John and his wife Laura remained childless. John and Laura resided in Olean, NY and in Roulette, PA. John was appointed as Justice of the Peace in Roulette, PA [10]. John C. d. 1 Aug 1952 [1], and is buried in cemetery in Olean with his wife Laura at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. She was b. 20 Jan 1898 and d. Jan 1980.
5.20 Rosemary (Rose) Willis French, b. 2 Aug 1889, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d. May 12, 1946, Evanston, Illinois. She m. Irvin Edward Deer on 6 Aug 1913 in Buffalo, NY. He was born in Manor, Maryland. Rosemary had curly blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and freckled easily. She was an active member in her husband's church and in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY. Irvin Deer was a minister. They had 2 children: Helen Marie Deer, b. 24 Jan 1916, d. 10 Jan 1986, and James Willis Deer [1]. Rosemary researched this French line from approximately 1920 to her death in 1946 [1]. Photo of Rosemary Willis French and Irvin Edward Deer with their children James Willis Deer and Helen Marie Deer, donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1].
5.21* Robert William French, b. 21 Jul 1893, Olean, Cattaraugus County, NY; d. December 14, 1971, New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida [10], or in Olean, NY [1]. He married Florence Emma Boucher on 21 Jul 1923 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada [12] at the Church of England, St. Matthew's Anglican Church. The marriage ceremony was performed at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, by the Reverend W. E. White. She was b. 14 Aug 1903 in Saint Martin Parish, Island of Guernsey, and died August 25, 1998 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Robert lived with his parents and siblings at 110 Barry Street, Olean, NY [12]. As a young boy Robert and his parents moved to the old French Farm located in Roulette, Potter County, PA. Robert enlisted in the United States Army during World War I and attained the rank of Corporal [12]. The Dominion Glass Company, Ltd., was Robert's place of employment for forty-five years. Robert took an early retirement due to a series of strokes. Robert was an Episcopalian until the last ten years of his life when he became a Christian Scientist. Robert was a 32nd Degree Mason [12]. He is buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY [1].
Wedding photo donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1].
Children of Nathan French and Eveline Eggleston, 4.21
5.22* Nathan Edwin French, b. 25 Jul 1880 in Middlebury Center, Tioga Co., PA [33]. His mother died the month after his birth [33], and he d. 5 Nov 1950 in Sayre, Bradford, PA, and is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery. Nathan m. Idessa Edith Roupp [33], dau. of Charles H. and Harriet E. (McCracken) Roupp. She was b. Jun 1884, d. 21 Nov 1969, and is buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, along with Nathan who died in 1950. In this same cemetery is Nellie V., 1880-1957. Nathan and Idessa had 3 daughters [33]. Nathan and Idessa lived in Mansfield, Tioga Co., PA at 53 Elmira St. [33]. He was a farmer.
Idessa (Dess) Edith (Roupp) French and Nathan (Natie) Edwin French [36]
U.S. WWI Draft Registration Card, 1918
U.S. WWII Draft Registration Card, 1942
Nathan E. (39) and Idessa (35) are listed in the 1920 census as living in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, with their 3 daughters: Mary A. (10) Hariett V. (8), and Edith C. (7), all born in PA.
Nathan Edwin French d. 5 Nov 1950 in Sayre, Bradford, PA, and is buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery in Middlebury Center, Tioga, PA.
Children of Nathan French and Helen Burley, 4.21
5.23 Rufus E. French, b. 16 Feb 1887 in Middlebury, Tioga Co, PA. He is listed in the 1900 US census of Middlebury, age 13, the son of Nathan and Helen French. He is living with his parents and half brother Nathan E. French (18), and Faye Shaff (12) and Dennis Burley (77) who is probably HelenÕs father.
His WWI Registration Card lists him as living at 178 17th Ave. in Paterson, Passaic Co., NJ, born 16 Feb 1887 in Middlebury. He had a wife and 2 children by 6/5/1917 when this WWI Registration Card was filled in, FHL Roll Number 1754432.
He was a railroad station agent in Pompton Lakes, NJ, in 1917 just 3 years before this photo below was taken. He cannot be found in the 1920 census.
This circa 1920s view gives us a glimpse at small town train stations. This station, served by the Erie Railroad's Greenwood Lake Division, was replaced at an unknown date with the stone structure I recall when living here in the 1960s. Note the advertising poster for Babbitt's Soap, later to be known as 'Babb-O Soap'.
Rufus m. Nora Owlett and had 3 daughters: Mrs. Thomas Cousins of Seneca Falls, NY; Mrs. Barney Brimmer of St. Louis, MO; and Mrs. Charles Fox of St. Louis, MO. He d. 12 Feb 1943, age 56, of St. Louis, MO. The following article is from the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 17 Feb 1943:
From the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 20 Jan 1909:
(Note: Another Rufus E. French was born on 1 Aug 1887 in Smith Ridge, Dickenson, VA – not to be confused with Rufus of this FFA Chart #179). (Another Rufus Jackson French was b. Apr 1828, Rockingham Co., NC, m. Mary Angeline Apple on 28 Dec 1856 in Rockingham, d. 25 Nov 1906 in Rio Vista, Johnson, TX – not to be confused with Rufus of this FFA Chart #179).
Child of John Elmer French and Dora Wood, 4.23
5.24 George Elmer French, b. 15 Oct 1889, d. 6 Jul 1958, was a Vet. In WWI, Corporal in the U.S. Marines. He was buried in the Middlebury Union Cemetery.
Child of Harry W. French and Ethel M., 4.29
5.25* Berlin Carson French, b. 5 Oct 1904 in Carlton, Orleans, NY. Before the 1940 census, Berlin was living with his parents. He also became a teacher like his father and was equally educated with college+ years. He m. Thelma Westerling who was b. 1913. In 1941 he was living in Quincy, MA, working as a teacher. They had son Christopher Westerling French. Like his father, he was a Mason by 1937. He died in Aug 1984 in Centerville, Barnstable, MA.
Thelma Westerling French, 88, died on April 13, 2004 at Havenwood-Herritage Heights in Concord, NH. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1915, and was raised in Quincy, MA. She graduated from Bridgewater Teacher's College in 1937 and shortly thereafter married Dr. B. Carson French, Ph.D, an organic chemistry professor. He later taught at Salem College, UNC at Chapel Hill, and the Cape Cod Community College. They had two children, the late Christopher W. French, an Associated Press journalist, and Susanne (French) O'Brien of Hopkinton, NH, a college professor and president of Carousel Testing and Teaching Specialists, LLC. Thelma lived in the Quincy area for many years before moving to Winston-Salem, NC. She taught kindergarten and first grade in both Massachusetts and North Carolina. She initiated the Fries Moravian Church Kindergarten in Winston-Salem, NC and enjoyed this teaching environment for years. After 20 years in North Carolina, she returned to Cape Cod, where she and her husband both taught. Her husband died in 1984. She spent the last twelve years near her daughter, living in Havenwood-Herritage Heights in Concord, NH. Thelma traveled extensively through Europe with her husband, and had a special interest in Scandinavia, since her beloved father was from Sweden. She actively pursued educational improvements for young children over her many years as an educator. Thelma is survived by a sister; Irma Hayes, of Osterville, MA, another sister; Norma Jean White, passed away last year. She has four grandchildren; Laura (O'Brien) Robertson of Gilmanton, NH, Brett O'Brien of Atlanta, GA, Catherine (French) Putvinski of Norwalk, CT, and Emily French of Capitola, CA. A private service will be held for family members and close friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society 360 Route 101, Unit 501, Bedford, NH 03110.
Sixth Generation
Children of Eugene W. French and Rue B. Rundell, 5.3
6.1 Mattie Eleanor French, b. 1908 in Delmar, Tioga, PA, d. before 1958 [32]. ÒMattaÓ was living in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, in the 1920 census, age 12. She m. Lawrence Luther and had 2 children, Helen and Emery, by the 1930 census of Clarkstown, Rockland, NY.
6.2 Gladys I. French, b. 1909 in Delmar, Tioga, PA, d. before 1958 [32]. Gladys was living in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, in the 1920 census, age 11.
6.3 Gerald ÒJerryÓ French, b. 21 Jan 1912 in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, d. 30 Mar 1971 in Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA. He m. Jean Hotchkiss. Gerald was living in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, in the 1920 census, age 7.
FRENCH Jerry E. -- Wellsboro Agitator - April 8, 1971 Jerry E. French Sr., 59, of 54 Wetmore Street, died Tuesday, March 30, 1971 in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital. Mr. French was a carpenter supervisor for the Patterson Lumber Co. here. He was born Jan. 21, 1912, in Delmar Twp., the son of Eugene and Rue Bockus French. Surviving are his wife, the former Jean Hotchkiss; a daughter, Mrs. Donna Haines, and a brother, Kenneth French, both of Wellsboro, and two grandchildren. The funeral was held Friday at Tussey's, 139 Main Street. Burial was in the Niles Valley Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Brasser officiated.
6.4 Kenneth C. French, b. 11 Sep 1914 in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA, d. 8 Oct 1984 in Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA. He m1. Mary L., m2. Althea McVannan. Kenneth was living in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, in the 1920 census, age 5. By the 1940 census, Ken was age 25, married to Mary L. French, age 22. He was a woodworker in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA. He was buried at the West Hills Cemetery in Galeton, Potter County, PA. Althea was b. 17 Apr 1909 and d. 1 Jul 1995.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro, Tioga Co., PA
Children of Myron E. French and Genevieve Reed, 5.8
6.5 Ruth Celia French, b. 11 Nov 1924 in PA. Her father had died before the 1940 census when she was living in Sylvania, Potter, PA. She m. Goundry and she d. 20 Feb 2010 in Penn Yan, Yates County, NY.
6.6 Paul Estes French, b. 20 Jul 1926 in Franklinville, PA. His father had died before the 1940 census when he was living in Sylvania, Potter, PA. Paul m. Virginia Ayers, and he d. 9 Aug 2011 in Owego, NY. They had daughter Gail French (1949-2013) who m. Haus. Paul was buried in the Gaskill Corners Cemetery in Gaskill, Tioga, NY. Other family members are listed below. Paul served in the U.S. Army.
Gail French Hause was b. 1949 in Owego, Tioga, NY, d. 10 Feb 2013 in Mount Holly, Gaston, NC.
Mount Holly, NC, formerly of Owego: Gail (Hoyt) Haus, 64, formerly of Owego, NY, passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at her home in Mount Holly, NC surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Haus; her son, Les Hoyt and fiancŽe, Jamie Petruschak; her grandchildren, Matthew, Brandon, Austin, Alexis; her mother, Virginia French; sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Bob Walker; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dane and Janice French, Darrel and Grace French; her mother-in-law, Roberta "Pearl" Haus; stepchildren, Stacey and Royce Adams, Alycia Haus, and their families; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Gail was predeceased by her father, Paul French; her son, Timothy Hoyt; her brother, Babe French; sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Andy Gradel; and her father-in-law, Archie Haus
6.7 Naomi L. French, b. 24 Jun 1930. Her father had died before the 1940 census when she was living in Sylvania, Potter, PA.
6.8 Shirley E. French, b. 1932 in PA. Her father had died before the 1940 census when she was living in Sylvania, Potter, PA.
Children of Francis John French and Sara LoCelia Boyden, 5.9
Photo of Four Generations: Baby Milton L. French, Jr. in the lap of his grandfather, Francis John French. Next is his father, Milton L. French Sr., and his great grandfather, Walter E. French [8]
6.9* Milton L. French, Sr., b. 12 Jan 1908 in Wellsboro, PA, d. 7 Apr 1999 in Corning, NY (age 91), m1. Dorothy Mary Tawney on 25 Oct 1931 in Corning, NY [8]. She was b. 20 Feb 1914 in Williamsport, PA and d. 22/24 Dec 1935 in Corning, NY [8], the year that the photo was taken below. Milton m2. Mary Jane Elliott on 5 Jun 1938. She was b. 15 Apr 1919 in Corning, NY and d. 9 Jul 1979 in Corning, NY [8]. Milton worked at Corning Glass Factory for a number of years and then worked as a homebuilder for himself [8]. After a short time as a contractor, he went to work for Ingersoll-Rand in the maintenance electrical department [8]. Milton was a retired Electrician in Painted Post with over 20 years of service. He was a member of the South Corning United Methodist church [8].
Photo (above) taken in 1935 is the only photo left of Milton L. French Sr., Milton L. French Jr. (baby), and Dorothy Mary (Tawney) French [8] before Dorothy died that year.
Obituary of Milton L. French, Sr., Thursday, April 8, 1999, page 2C, from his son Milton L. French, Jr. [8]
According to his gravesite at Hope Cemetery, Corning, Steuben, NY, he was born 12 Jan 1908 in Wellsboro, Tioga, PA, and d. 7 Apr 1999 in Painted Post, Steuben, NY.
6.10 Hilda C. French, b. 28 Jul 1916 in Wayne, NY, d. 21 Dec 2003 in Corning, NY [8]. She m. Francis Amouti in Apr 1935 [8]. Hilda worked as a waitress for many years of her life in Elmira, NY. She moved back to live with her father after the flood of 1972 and stayed until she died [8]. She was buried at the Hope Cemetery, Corning, Steuben, NY.
Children of Clarence Jesse French and Libby Jackson, 5.12
6.11 Robert W. French (Jackson), his mother Libby died early in her marriage; Robert was adopted by LibbyÕs brother into the Jackson family of Long Island, NY [8].
Children of Robert William French and Florence Emma Boucher, 5.21
6.12 Dorothy Gene French, was born February 18, 1924 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and died May 06, 1990 in New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida. She married (1) William Charles Waller February 24, 1944 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He was born February 22, 1924 in Erie, Pennsylvania, and died September 1968 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a pilot in the USAF and the family lived in 8 states and 2 foreign countries.
After William died, Dorothy m2. Joseph Addison Wilson June 1966 in Orlando Air Force Base, Orlando, Orange County, Florida. He was born June 26, 1904 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and died July 16, 1994 in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida. William and Dorothy Waller had daughter, Marion Waller Scherer [1], b. Mar 1947, who is referenced many times in this document for her tremendous contributions.
Photo or Dorothy Gene French donated by her daughter Marion Waller Scherer [1]. Marion has 4 children:
A daughter who lives in TN with her 2 sons and 1
daughter
A daughter who lives in Orinda, CA, with her daughter and son
A son Jeff who lives in the Davis, CA, area
A daughter in Toronto, Canada
Notes for DOROTHY
GENE FRENCH:
Dorothy was graduated from Delta Collegiate Normal School and the Hamilton Conservatory of Music.
She was an accomplished classical pianist and
vocalist, graduating from the Toronto Conservatory of Music at the University
of Toronto.
In addition to her love of music, Dorothy studied
foreign languages, she was fluent in eight languages
other than English.
More About DOROTHY
GENE FRENCH:
Burial: Grace Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida
Notes for WILLIAM CHARLES WALLER:
William Charles Waller was the son of William
Isaac Waller and A. Kathleen McNair.
He was a gifted musician and obtained his
musicians license at the age of 14. At the same age he received his
pilot's license.
William graduated from Carnegie Technical
University, now known as Carnegie Mellon, with a degree in Physics. He
later obtained his Masters Degree at Boston College and his PhD at the
University of Buffalo. While he was attending Carnegie Tech, William was
the student conductor for the Pittsburgh Symphony.
William served in the Army Air Corps as a
Lieutenant during World War II. He was graduated and received his wings
of a fighter pilot at Moore Field, Misson Texas in
January of 1944. William flew a modified P-47, (armed recon), for the
duration of the War and received the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak
leaf clusters, one of many medals and honors he received while in the Air
Force. At the start of the Korean War, he was called back into service in
the newly formed United States Air Force. He remained in the Air Force
attaining the rank of Colonel until his retirement in 1964.
More About WILLIAM
CHARLES WALLER:
Burial: Veteran's Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio
Marriage Notes for DOROTHY FRENCH and WILLIAM
WALLER:
The wedding ceremony was held at St. Peter's Anglican Church in
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. After the ceremony a reception was held at the
Scottish Rite Club [1].
Newspaper article donated by Marion Waller Scherer [1], dated March 8, 1944, of the marriage of Dorothy Gene French and Lieut. William Waller.
Children of Nathan E. French and Idessa Edith Roupe, 5.22
6.13 Mary Annette French, b. 28 Oct 1909 in Middlebury (Little Marsh), Tioga Co., PA, and living in 1920 also in Middlebury. She moved to Syracuse, NY [33], m. Eugene Gardiner Kemble (1903-1986), and had 2 children [33]. Mary d. 22 Jan 1991 in Ocala, Marion, FL, and is buried in the Watsontown Cemetery, Watsontown, Northumberland, PA.
6.14 Harriet Viola ÒKateÓ French, b. 22 Feb 1911 in Middlebury (Little Marsh), Tioga Co., PA, and living in 1920 also in Middlebury. She m. Lawrence D. Camenga and had son Bruce Camenga who lived in Riverside, CA [33]. She d. 15 Mar 2001 in Riverside, Riverside, CA. She is buried at the Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park & Mortuary, Riverside, Riverside, CA.
6.15 Edith Christien French [24] b. 4 Mar 1913 in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA, m. Everett Quentin Waterman, son of Jesse E. Waterman of Spencerport, NY, in 1942, d. 28 Jun 1970 [33]. Her daughter is Boneta (Bonnie) Sue Waterman, who m. Staughton [33]. She also had daughter Annette French Waterman who contributed information to this French line, as well as Bonnie Staughton. Everet was b. 1918 and d. 1987. Edit was buried at the Culpeper National Cemetery in Culpeper, Culpeper, VA.
From the Wellsboro Gazette in Wellsboro, PA, 5 Aug 1942.
Child of Berlin Carson French and Thelma Westerling, 5.25
6.16 Christopher Westerling French, b. 8 May 1940 in Boston, MA, d. 25 Aug 1989 in Norwalk, CT. He m. Sarah Quackenboss and was a Journalist for the Associated Press.
Christopher W. French, 49, Editor at A.P.
NORWALK, Conn., Aug. 27— Christopher W. French, an Associated Press newsman and administrator for 23 years and editor of the A.P. Stylebook since 1980, has died at age 49.
Mr. French's wife, Sarah, found his body at their home here Friday. The cause of death has not been determined.
Mr. French was born in Boston. He was a political science graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served four years in the Navy and then joined The Associated Press in 1966.
Mr. French was transferred in 1974 to New York from Tennessee. He worked on the central A.P. national news desk, where he was a national editor and supervisor. Six years later, he was named stylebook editor.
He is survived by his wife, the former Sarah Quackenboss; two daughters, Emily and Catherine; a sister, Suzanne French O'Brien of Hopkinton, N.H., and his mother, Thelma Westerling French of Massachusetts.
A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. today at Christ Episcopal Church in East Norwalk.
6.17 Suzanne French, m. _____ OÕBrien of Hopkinton, NH.
Seventh Generation
Children of Milton L. French, Sr., and Dorothy Tawney, 6.9
7.1* Milton L. French, Jr., ÒBuddyÓ, b. 17 Aug 1934 in Corning, Steuben Co., NY [8], m. Moira G. Perry on 6 Jun 1959 in Corning, Steuben Co., NY. She was b. 6 Sep in Slough, England [8]. Moira emigrated from Slough, England in 1959 [8]. Buddy was raised by his motherÕs parents Frank and Clara Dailey when his mother died of Leukemia before he was two years old. Milton went to work for Ingersoll-Rand right out of high school for $45/wk. He likes hunting, fishing, and woodworking [8].
Milton L. French Jr. and his wife Moira in Nov 2006 [8]
Children of Milton L. French, Sr., and Mary Elliott, 6.9
7.2* Jay Francis French ÒPeanutÓ, b. 23 Jun 1941 in Corning, Steuben, NY [8]. He. m1. Alice, had son Stephen and daughter Cindy, m2. Carol, had son Jesse. They live in Jacksonville, FL [8].
7.3 Sondra Locelia French ÒSis or ButchÓ, b. 8 Feb 1945 in Corning, Steuben, NY [8]. She m1. Vincent Stirpe of Corning, NY, and had 3 children: Karen, Katherine, and Jason [8]. She m2. Michael Owdienko in 1982 of Corning, Steuben, NY [8].
7.4* Walter James French ÒTimÓ, b. 3 Jul 1948 in Corning, Steuben, NY [8]. He m. Angelina Sagaria and lives in Corning, NY. They have two sons, John and Michael [8].
Eighth Generation
Photo of Four Generations: Baby Melvin Perry French sitting on his grandfatherÕs lap, Milton L. French, Sr. Next to him is his father, Milton L. French, Jr., and his great grandfather Francis John French [8]
Children of Milton L. French, Jr., and Moira Perry, 7.1
8.1* Melvin Perry French, b. 21 Sep 1962 in Corning, NY [8], m1. Pamela Ann Lema on 23 Aug 1986, div. 1999, m2. Mel Zurai in Aug 2000 in K. L. Malaysia. They live on Long Island, NY [8]. Melvin Perry French, American aerospace engineer. Registered professional engineer, Connecticut. Member American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Helicopter Society (activities chairman 1987-1988, president 1988-1989). Test and development engineer trainee Kaman Aerospace Corporation, Bloomfield, Connecticut, 1985, test and development engineer "C", 1985-1986, assistant project engineer, 1986-1988, project engineer, 1988-1989, flight test engineering group leader, 1989-1990, chief flight test engineer, 1990-1994, manager military marketing, 1994-1997, regional manager Southeast Asia, since 1997. Member credit committee Kaman Employee's Credit Union, Bloomfield, 1988-1992, board directors, 1992-1997, chairman board, 1997.
8.2 Paula Kaye French, b. 27 Sep 1967 in Corning, NY [8]. She lived in St. Louis, MO [8]. Paula d. 24 Jun 2007 at the age of only 39.
Three generations: Moira French, Aishah Marie French, Paula Kaye French, PaulaÕs friend John, Milton L. French Jr., Amy (Mel Zurai) French and her husband Melvin Perry French.
Children of Jay and Alice French, 7.2
8.3 Stephen French [8].
8.4 Cindy French [8].
Children of Jay and Carol French, 7.2
8.5 Jesse French [8].
Children of Walter French and Angelina Sagaria, 7.4
8.6 John French [8].
8.7 Michael French [8].
Ninth Generation
Children of Melvin French and Mei Zurai, 8.1
9.1 Aishah Marie French, b. Aug 2001 [8].
9.2 Rizq Adam French, b. 10 Mar 2008 [8].
Walpack, Sussex County, New Jersey
Montague was formed out of Walpeck, and is believed to be named for the Duke of Manchester, George Montague, as part of Sussex County. It was settled by 1701, when its people were ordered to vote in Ulster County, NY. They had come from Esopus (now, Kingston, NY), & followed the waterways and Native American trails. The Dutch West Indies Co., probably had trading posts here before the homesteads. The early settlement was known as Menissink - across from that island. The first settlers lived side by side with the Minsi [Lenni Lenape or Delaware tribe], and their property was deeded from the Indians. The treaty of Easton, in 1758, freed NJ from further Indian claims to land.
Until 1664, this area was controlled by the Dutch. Later, it was ruled by England and the Proprietors of East & West NJ. We shared one royal governor with NY until 1738. This area was included in the 1704 Minisink Patent from Queen Anne, which also covered property in present day NY, as our original northern boundary was to have extended to Station Point (near Cochecton, NY). New York also once claimed land as far south as Easton, PA and later to the southern tip of Minisink Is. Early town records note a Precinct of Menissink as of 1736 under Orange Cty. (recognized by NY in 1738). It came under Sussex County, NJ in 1755 and was renamed the Precinct of Montague in 1759. The compromise boundary between NJ and NY was settled at the fork of the Delaware & Neversink Rivers in 1769.
The Minisink Dutch Reformed Church organized in 1737, with its first building about 1/2 mile south of present site. It moved to the River Road location in 1827. The current structure was built in 1899. An early mill, built by Thomas Quick, was in our Millville area - before he moved to PA. The French & Indian War, necessitated that forts be erected along the river. Indian raids then continued through the Revolutionary War. The "Old Mine Road" was the early route used for trade and troop movement and was visited by Mohawk chief, Joseph Brant, and Count Pulaski. The first houses were made of stone, as wood was a sign of wealth. First industries were mills (sawmills & grist mills), blacksmiths, tanneries and small stores. Small communities developed within the township: Brick House, Millville, and Tappentown/ Duttonville. Brick House, with its historic hotel, had businesses, a post office - and was considered the "Village of Montague". River crossings were by ferry until the bridge to Milford was built about 1829. The D&H Canal caused present day Port Jervis, NY to develop as a center of commerce and the Erie Railroad further affected the future of Montague. Our town evolved into an agricultural community. Along with growing crops, people raised chickens, turkeys, hogs and cows. Between 1820 and the Civil War, many went West - to new frontiers. In 1850, our population was 1010. In 1920, it bottomed out at 534. Education began in one room schoolhouses throughout the community. The present K-6 elementary school site on Route 206 began with only 3 classrooms in 1955. Six additions followed, with the last in 1997.
This French family belonged to the Wallpack Dutch Reformed Church, Sussex Co., NJ. Church Register of the Wallpack Congregation, formerly spelled Walpeck. The Dutched Reformed Church of Walpeck, NJ, began on 31 May 1741. The Van Campen family were founders. They immigrated thru Staten Island, NY, as did the French family.
Wallpack Township, formed in 1731 out of Hunterdon County, included the present townships of Montague, Sandyston and the former Pahaquarry. The Delaware River forms the western boundary and the Old Mine Road, supposedly built by Dutch miners before 1664, traverses the township. From Historic Markers.
Graveyards or Cemeteries
Photographed by Joyce M. Tice - Reprinted with permission - Copyright Joyce M. Tice
French Hill
Cemetery, Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA
The French Hill Cemetery Association was incorporated September 24, 1894 by A.D. Shaff, N.T. Shaff and James Shaff. It is located in the northwest part of Middlebury Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Source is ÒJourney to Day Before Yesterday with Rhoda English LaddÓ, transcribed by Marion Waller Scherer [1]. This cemetery is referred to by the local people as the ÒAllenÓ cemetery [1]. Off the main road, Route 249 between Keeneyville and Little Marsh, is a road that winds up around the hills into an area well known as French Hill. To the north is Farmington Township and to the west, Chatham Township. French Hill was named for the French family. There was French Hill School and French Hill Cemetery. French families located on French Hill are as follows: Also see the Shaff family.
William, Esther and their children William Jr., Mariah, John W., Louise E. and Lucretia appear on the 1850 Census for Middlebury Township, Tioga County, PA.
William French and his wife Esther (Martin).
M. French died 1894 at the age of 63 years
Catherine French Palmer, b. 1844, d. 1921, inscription - Mother
Nathan T. French, b. 1858, d. 1929
Mary E. French, wife of Nathan
Nancy French, d. 21 June 1855 at the age of 71 years, inscription - Wife of Moses French, Sr.
Nancy A. French d. 9 Sept. 1846, 4 years old, inscription - daughter of Moses, Jr. and Rosanna French
Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga Co., PA
See website. See also Middlebury Union Cemetery.
Buried at the Union Cemetery in Middlebury, Tioga, PA.
French,
D- 003-n
Lot Owner - French, N. F.
French, Ann R. (Roseltha)
Maiden Name – Colegrove
Born – 1845
Died – 1929
Misc Info: Wife of John W.; Dau of Henry B. & Anna (Fox) Colegrove
A- 006-w
Lot Owner - French. John W.
French, Baby
Born – 1888
Died – 1888
Misc Info: Infant Son of John W. & Ann (Colegrove) French
A- 006-w
Lot Owner - French. John W.
French, Baby
Born – 1880
Died – 1881
Misc Info: Dau of John W.
& Ann (Colegrove) French
A- 006-w
Lot Owner - French. John W.
French, Baby
Misc Info: Stone between Eugene & Nellie French,
inscribed: Baby ADD.
C- 047
Lot Owner - French, Eugene
French, Baby
C- 073
French, Charles A.
Born - Jun 1864
Died - 1/9/1939
Misc Info: Son of Moses & Rosanna (Shaff) French; Spouse Sarah Jane
C- 131-e
Lot Owner - French
French, Charlotte
E.
Maiden Name – Decker
Born - 9/14/1887
Died - 7/20/1984
Misc Info: 2nd wife of Dwight C.
C- 182-w
Lot Owner - French, Dwight
French, David J.
Born - 8/23/1847
Died - 11/17/1928
Misc Info: Son of Samuel & Sophronia
A- 033-s
Lot Owner - French, Dave
French, Della
(Bella) A.
Maiden Name – Cummings
Born - 1/16/1850
Died - 1/25/1918
Misc Info: Ellen Della, Wife of David J.; Dau of Dwight & Sally (Worner)
Cummings; stone inscribed: Bella A. His Wife
A- 033-s
Lot Owner - French, Dave
French, Doane Beryl
Born – 1896
A- 015
French, Dora W.
Maiden Name – Wood
Born - Mar 1868
Died - 4/7/1941
Misc Info: Wife of John Elmer French; obit Dora W. Baer;
Dau of William H. & Catherine (Plank) Wood
A- 006-e
Lot Owner - French, John E.
French, Dwight C.
[Cummings]
Born - Jan 1876
Died - 3/9/1946
Misc Info: Son of David & Ellen Della (Cummings)
French
C- 182-w
Lot Owner - French, Dwight
French, E. J. M.
Misc Info: Footstone, found near Nathan E. & Idessa (Roupp) French stones
D- 192
Lot Owner - French, N. E.
French, Eugene
Born - 11/2/1864
Died - 3/16/1944
Misc Info: Son of William & Catherine (Smith)
French
C- 047
Lot Owner - French, Eugene
French, Gene G.
Born – 1904
Died - 6/3/1993
Misc Info: Eugene, Son of Eugene & Nellie; born 8/17/1903
(stone inscribed 1904)
C- 047
Lot Owner - French, Eugene
French, George E.
(Elmer)
Born - 10/15/1889
Died - 7/6/1958
Veteran Info: Vet. WW I, Cpl. U. S. Marines
Misc Info: Son of John Elmer & Dora (Wood) French
A- 006-e
Lot Owner - French, John E.
French, Glee V.
Maiden Name – Bryant
Born – 1907
Died - 9/13/1990
Misc Info: Velma Glee, Wife of Gene; Dau of Olaf G. & Gladys Bryant
C- 047
Lot Owner - French, Eugene
French, Helen
Maiden Name – Burley
Born - 12/21/1862
Died - 5/30/1921
Misc Info: Wife of Nathan T.; Dau
of Ebenezer R. & Martha J. (Churchill) Burley
B- 134-e
Lot Owner - French, N. T.
French, Henry
Misc Info: No stone (record from Naomi Gee)
E- Lot Number -
French, Hosea
Born – 1817
Died – 1887
C- 131
French, Idessa
Maiden Name – Roupp
Born - Jun 1884
Died - 11/21/1969
Misc Info: Wife of Nathan E.;
Dau of Charles H. & Harriet E. (McCracken) Roupp
D- 192
Lot Owner - French, N. E.
French, J. [John]
Elmer
Born - Oct 1862
Died - 2/12/1925
Misc Info: Known as Elmer;
Son of John W. & Ann R. (Colegrove) French
A- 006-e
Lot Owner - French, John E.
French, John W.
Born - 1/13/1835
Died – 1913
Veteran Info: Vet. Civil War, Co. D. 16 th Pa. Cav.
Misc Info: Son of William & Esther (Martin)
French; larger stone next to this one has fallen face-down from base (Aug 2015)
A- 006-w
Lot Owner - French. John W.
French, Maude B.
Maiden Name – Barton
Born - 8/4/1899
Died - 4/28/1977
Misc Info: Wife of George E.; Dau
of Allen & Clara (York) Barton
A- 006-e
Lot Owner - French, John E.
French, Mildred
Maiden Name – Brown
Born - 5/17/1885
Died - 5/12/1912
Misc Info: Wife of Dwight C.; Dau
of Gilbert & Wilhelmina (Losey) Brown
C- 182-w
Lot Owner - French, Dwight
French, Moses
Born – 1817
Died - 11/18/1887
Misc Info: Son of Moses & Nancy
C- 131-e
Lot Owner - French
French, Nathan
Born - 7/25/ 1880
Died - 11/5/1950
Misc Info: Nathan Edwin, Son of Nathan T. & Mary
(Eggleston) French
D- 192
Lot Owner - French, N. E.
French, Nellie V.
Born – 1880
Died - Oct 1957
Misc Info: Wife of Eugene; Dau
of Evaline McGuire; Burial Oct 1957
C- 047
Lot Owner - French, Eugene
French, Rosanna
Maiden Name – Shaff
Born - Dec 1821
Died – 1902
Misc Info: Wife of Moses; Dau
of John & Annis (McCarty) Shaff
C- 131-e
Lot Owner - French
---------------------------------------
John Wesley French, 1835-1913, Company A 16th PA Calvary
Anne E., wife of John, 1845-1929 (maiden name is Colgrove/Colegrove)
Charles A. French, 1864-1939
Eugene French, 1864-1944
Nellie V., 1880-1957
Nathan French, 1880-1950
Idessa, 1884- .
French Hill
Cemetery, Cameron, Steuben Co., NY
The French Hill Cemetery in Cameron, Steuben Co., NY (just north of Tioga Co.) lists many Frenches from an unknown French line.
Niles Valley
Cemetery
The Niles Valley Cemetery is about 30 minutes away from French Hill Cemetery and close to Middlebury Center.
Photographed by Joyce M. Tice - Reprinted with permission - Copyright Joyce M. Tice. Second Photo of Niles Valley Cemetery sign from Milton L. French, Jr. [8]
Walter E. French, his wife Flora Andrews, and their two infant children buried here.
John Lyman Cemetery,
PA
The John Lyman Cemetery is east of Roulette, Potter County, PA
FRENCH, Helen N. daughter of John C., born 1885 died 1912 age 27 - R04-L08
FRENCH, John C. spouse of Helen N., born 1856 died 1934 age 78 - R04-L08
FRENCH, Nehemiah spouse of Olive, born 1818 died 3/21/1906 age 88 - R04-L08
FRENCH, Olive spouse of Nehemiah born 1822 died 12/10/1887 age 65 - Maiden name - Churchill - 2nd Wife - R04-L08
DNA Testing
Administered by Julia French Wood. For any questions regarding DNA, please email Julia at juliaFWood@aol.com.
A proven source would be for a male with the surname French
of this line to take the DNA test. It is a simple test that doesnÕt 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. The FamilyTree DNA
website gives a special lower price to those with the surname French. Read
about those who approve of it: CustomersÕ
Comments and Testimonials. Julia French Woods, administrator of the French
DNA website, 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 without retaking the test. Check the FFA Home Page under DNA for
more information.