French Family Association
The Official Website of the Surname French
Marshall Co., Alabama Courthouse, 1888
Chart #185, Louis P. French, 1814
Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Marshall Co., Alabama,
and Navarro Co., TX
This chart updated by Mara French on 10/14/10. Numbers in brackets [ ] show sources and refer to the bibliography at the end of this chart. An asterisk (*) shows continuation of that line. Send any corrections or additions to this chart to marafrench@mindspring.com. Revisions: 2010.
NOTE: Please make any corrections or additions to this chart that you can and send them to Mara. Refer to this chart by chart number and revision date so that your information will be understood. Refer to each family member by their number. Additions are greatly appreciated. This chart has been widely distributed and is constantly being updated. You will be notified of the next revision.
Contents
Migration Path from Virginia to Tennessee
Background and History
Various online pedigrees suggest that Louis P. French was the son of James Lewis French, b. 19 Jun 1788 in Spartanburg, SC, died in 1870, and married Eleanor Shanks, both buried at the Old Ebell Church Cemetery in Ebell, Alabama. These same pedigrees suggest that the father of James Lewis French was Lafford French, 1753-1834 of Raritan Landing, NJ, and his parents Joseph French and Hannah Voorhis [12].
But this line belongs to FFA Chart #188 and DNA Test Group #1. This Louis P. French is from FFA Chart #185 and DNA Test Group 14.
The 1850 census of Marshall, Alabama, shows 3 French families living next to one another.
In 1814 this family was in KY, and in 1820-1828 in TN, then in 1834 for many years in Marshall, AL, and lastly to TX.
First Generation
The father of these 3 sons was born in Virginia according to the 1900 census.
1.1* Louis or Lewis P. French, b.
14 Aug 1814 in KY. In the 1880 census, his son William states that his
father was born in TN, and his other son Lewis Matt states that his father was
born in South Carolina. The 1850 census of Marshall, AL, states that Louis P.
French was born in Kentucky. At this time he was 35 and most likely he knew
where he was born. Louis d. 16 Mar 1876 in Navarro Co., TX,
m1. Mary (Polly) Lawrence on 4 Apr 1833 in Blount Co., AL. She was b.
1814 in AL and d. 1854 in AL. She is listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL,
as 35, living with her husband Louis P., 35, a farmer, born in KY, and their
children as listed below. She was the mother of all the children listed below.
She probably died during the childbirth of her last child, Lewis Matt, in 1854.
Louis P. French then m2. Levisa
(or Loucinda?) Blakely in 1855 in Marshall Co., AL.
She was b. 1829 in AL.
Title: WILL OF LEWIS P FRENCH 25 SEP 1874 VOL. R, PAGE
825 PROBATE MINUTES; NAVARRO CO. TEXAS
BURIAL: Lewis P. French buried at Raleigh Cemetery,
Navarro County, Tex
CENSUS:
1850 Marshall, AL - Louis P. French & wife, Mary
1860 Marshall Co., AL, Guntersville - Louis P. French
& wife, Louisa
1870 Blount Co., AL - French, Lewis, & wife, Louvicy
1.2* Moses French, b. 1820 in TN, m. Loucinda age 29 in the 1850 census, and with their 7
children. Loucinda was b. in AL.
1.3* Lafford or Lafferd Berry (Dick) French, b. 2 Nov 1827 in Warren
Co., TN, m. Matilda Elvira Walker (known as Elvira) age 18, listed in the 1850
census of Marshall, AL. She was b. 7 Dec 1831 in Marshall Co., AL. In the 1900
census of Navarro, TX, Lafford was 72, stated that
his father was born in Virginia and his mother in Kentucky. In 1900 Lafford was widowed. In 1900 he was living with his
daughter, Sylvania French, who was 35 and widowed, born in TX, and his
granddaughter, Bertha D. Spence, born in Mar 1887 in TX, age 13, single. He was
also living with his grandson, Reginald E. Spence, b. Sep 1888 in TX. In 1900
they were living in Frost Town, Navarro Co., TX. The 1860 census shows Lafford living in Navarro, TX, working as a miller, age 32,
with his wife Elvira age 28, and their 5 children. Elvira d.
in Pine Tavern, Bullitt, KY, of pneumonia at age 38 in 1870.
Second Generation
Children of Louis (or Lewis) P. and Mary (Lawrence) French,
1.1
2.1 Margaret Jane French, b. 15 Mar 1834 in Marshall, AL, listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL, as 16 years old.
2.2 Elmira Ann French, b. 1836 in AL, listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL, as 14 years old.
2.3 Sarah C. French, b. 1838 in AL, listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL, as 12 years old.
2.4 Joseph Benton French, b. 28 Nov 1840 in Marshall, AL, listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL, as 9 years old. Not listed in the 1860 census or thereafter.
2.5 James M. French, b. 1843 in Marshall, AL, listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL, as 6 years old. Listed in the 1870 census of Marshall, AL, age 25 living with his brother Moses, age 23, Sarah age 23, William B. age 2, and Lewis under 1. Neither parent is listed – their mother had died and their father died 6 years after the census.
2.6* Moses Wesley (Wes) French, b. 26 Dec 1846 perhaps in Marshall Co., AL, listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL, as 4 years old. Moses d. 10 Aug 1920 in Navarro Co., TX, and is buried at the Brushy Prairie Cemetery. He m. Sallie Carter in 1871. She was b. 30 Dec 1853 in AL and d. 22 Mar 1883 in Navarro Co., TX. He was known as Westly or West. He was a farmer. Sallie, as well as both her parents, were born in Alabama [3]. In 1880, they were living in Navarro, TX [3].
According to the 1870 census of District 4, Lee, Mississippi, Sallie Carter is age 19, born in Alabama, the dau. of Jane Carter (age 65) living with her siblings Rebecca A. Carter (25), and Martha J. Carter (age 23). She d. 22 Mar 1883 in Navarro Co., TX, and Moses W. French m2. Fannie V.
Fannie Victoria Barross French was b. 1866 in Hill, TX, and d. 1961 in Tarrant, TX [9].
In the 1880 census, West (or Wesley) is listed twice. This time he is listed in Precinct 6, Williamson, TX, age 32, born ca. 1848 in Alabama, living with his wife Sallie, both his parents were born in Alabama, he was a farmer, living with his wife, Sallie (age 26), and 4 children: Ada French (age 8), Corral French (age 6), Samuel French (age 4), and Etta French (age 2). Now we see that Corral and Carrol and Carroll have various spellings. All these children were born in TX. The family must have moved during census taking from Navarro to Williamson, TX, or vice versa --- probably Williamson to Navarro because in 1920 he was living in Navarro.
By the 1920 census (the only other census where I find Wesley), he has remarried to Fannie V., age 53, born in TX, whereas Wesley was 74. They are living in Justice Precinct 5, Navarro, TX, living with their children: Ala French (age 15), Ruth French (age 12), and Fray French (age 9). It is almost as if he had 2 families years apart, but the census clearly states they are his daughters and son (Fray), all born in TX.
Living nearby Wesley in Navarro, TX, in 1920 was J. M. French (age 32) and his wife Annie (age 27), their son Ray D, age 8, dau. Edna (age 5), son Lonnie Ray (age 2 9/12), and dau. Gladys (age 2/12). They were all born in TX, and J. M. FrenchÕs father was born in Alabama and his mother in Texas, indicating that J. M. French was most likely the son of WestÕs 2nd wife. J.M French was born ca. 1888.
Civil War - Confederate Pensions
French, Fannie #49542 Husband: Moses Wesley
Moses & Wife are bur at Brushie Prairie Cem. Moses served in the cavalry of the 9th Alabama with
Captain John McKinzie under Nathan Bedford Forest TX
[Fannie French] drew a pension from his service, from May 1, 1931 until her
death on November 8 1961,
2.7 Charlotte A. French, b. 1849 in AL, listed in the 1850 census of Marshall, AL, as 1 year old.
2.8 William T. French, b. 1851 in AL. William is listed in the 1880 census of Tarrant, TX, living with his wife Prudence, age 24, and their children Lucy A., 4; Noli B. 3; and Noah M. 4/12, born in Feb. 1880. The census states that Prudence was stung by a centipede. William states that he was a farmer, born in Alabama, and that his father was born in Tennessee and his mother in Alabama. This just shows how 2 siblings in the same census can identify their parentsÕ birth place completely different (see Lewis Matt French below).
2.9 Lewis Matt French, b. 1854 in Marshall, AL. Lewis is listed in the 1870 census of Blount, Alabama, living with his father Lewis, age 56, a housekeeper Louvicy age 41, his brother William age 19, Lewis was 15 himself, his sister Catharine age 12, Mary age 10, Elizabeth age 7, Glinmoore age 4, and John age 2. ThereÕs no indication of the relationship of these Frenches except they were all born in Alabama. In the 1880 census of Tarrant, TX, Lewis M. is listed as age 25 and living in Tarrant, TX with his wife Eller V., age 24, and his son Elonzah G. French age 4 and daughter Elizabeth French age 1. He states that both his parents were born in South Carolina. Next door to him was living his brother William.
Children of Moses and Loucinda French, 1.2
2.10 James O. French, b. 1841 in AL, according to the 1850 census of Marshall, AL.
2.11 Julia Ann French, b. 1843 in AL, according to the 1850 census of Marshall, AL.
2.12 Sally Ann French, b. 1845 in AL, according to the 1850 census of Marshall, AL.
2.13 Martha J. French, b. 1847 in AL, according to the 1850 census of Marshall, AL.
2.14 Permenta E. French, b. 1848 in AL, according to the 1850 census of Marshall, AL.
2.15 Palmira C. French, b. 1850 in AL, according to the 1850 census of Marshall, AL.
Children of Lafford B. and Elvira French, 1.3
2.16 Permtia E. French, b. 1850 in AL, according to the 1860 census of Navarro, TX.
2.17 Sarah J. French, b. 1852 in TX, according to the 1860 census of Navarro, TX.
2.18 Palmyra L. French, b. 1853 in TX, according to the 1860 census of Navarro, TX.
2.19 Winford A. French, b. 1855 in TX, according to the 1860 census of Navarro, TX.
2.20 Rhoda E. French, b. 1856 in TX, according to the 1860 census of Navarro, TX.
2.21 James B. French, b. 1857 in TX, according to the 1860 census of Navarro, TX.
2.22 Emily Elizabeth French, b. 28 Sep 1859 in Navarro Co., TX, according to the 1860 census of Navarro, TX. She is buried at the Raleigh Cemetery. She m. Joseph Livingston Francis who was b. 17 Jun 1854 in Cleveland, OH [12].
Third Generation
Children of Moses W. and Sallie (Carter) French, 2.6
3.1 Una or Ada French, b. 1873 [3].
3.2* Carrol Franklin (or
H.) French, b. 23 Sep 1874 in Waco, McLennan Co., TX. The family
remained in TX, in Riesel, Houston, Brazoria Co., Bay City, Richmond, and Texas
City. Carrol d. 20 Nov 1925 in West Columbia, TX. He m. Margrett Ann Sims on 23 Nov 1891 in Stein Beck Bend, TX,
the daughter of Dr. Sims and Ann Boggs. She was b. 10 May 1868 in MS and d. 16
Feb 1928 in Houston, TX. The 1920 census shows Carrol
B. French living in Buffalo, Latimer Co., OK, age 45, b. ca. 1875 in TX, a
farmer, married to Minette French age 51, his father
and mother were born in Alabama. Both of CarrolÕs parents
were born in TX [5]. Carrol was a farmer [5].
Carrol F. French is listed in the 1900 census of Justice Precinct 5, Falls, TX, living with his wife Margrett. She is listed as born in MS along with both parents [5]. The census [2] states he was b. Sep 1869 in TX. In 1900, he was 30, his wife 32, and his children were: Fannie French (age 7), William H. French (age 5), John French (age 4), Lucinda French (age 2), and Nate French (age 7/12). Margrett was b. May 1868, Fannie was b. Sep 1892, William H. was b. Jul 1894, John was b. Dec 1895, Lucinda was b. 1902, all in TX. CarrolÕs mother and father were both born in TX. Carrol was a farmer.
In the 1880 census, Carrol is spelled Carroll, listed as living in Navarro, TX, age 7, born ca. 1873, the son of West French (age 35) and Sallie (age 32). His father and mother were born in Alabama and are living with CarrolÕs siblings: Una French (age 8), Sam French (age 4), and an unnamed French, age 2.
Ref. [4] is unsure whether or not this is the same Carrol who m. Margrett Ann Sims. One of the two Carrol Frenches married Margrett Ann Sims 23 Nov 1891 in Stein Beck Bend, TX, daughter of Dr. Sims and Ann Boggs. She was born 10 May 1868 in Mississippi, and died 16 Feb 1928 in Houston, TX. There are two men with this name. One is Carrol Franklin French, and the other is Carrol H. French. Both lived in Texas during the same timeframe.
3.3* Samuel (called Sam) French, b. 1876 [3]. In the 1910 census, Sam is 33, b. ca. 1877, his father was born in Alabama and his mother in Texas, he was m. to Cora, and lived in Justice Precinct 5, Navarro, TX. His children were Tommie French (age 8), Matie French (age 6), Leonard French (age 3), and Hervey French (age 1) [8]. All children were born in TX [8]. SamuelÕs father was born in Alabama and his mother in Texas [5]. Samuel was a farmer [5].
3.4 Etta French, b. 1878 [3]. Their mother died in 1883 when her 4 children were all under 10 years of age.
Supposedly there is an Eva Jayne French who m. James Carl Haynes. Eva is related to Moses, she was b. in 1893 in Navarro, TX, d. 1923 in Matagorda, TX [9].
Children of Moses Wesley and Fannie Victoria (Burross) French, 2.6
3.5 Ala (dau.) French, b. 1905 in TX [7].
3.6 Ruth French, b. 1908 in TX [7].
3.7 Albert Fray or Troy (son) French, b. 16 Mar 1910 in TX [7], d. 19 Oct 1999, buried in the Brushy Prairie Cemetery, Navarro Co., TX. He grew up in Navarro County, southwest of the Brushy Prairie Cemetery and his parents are buried there also. He was survived by his wife, Edna Leal ÒLadyÓ Merrell, whom he married on 5 Nov 1932, and a son, Velton Douglas French [10].
Fourth Generation
Children of Carrol F. and Margrett Ann (Sims) French, 3.2
4.1 Fannie French, b. Sep 1892 [2]. Fannie shows up in the 1910 census, age 17, b. ca. 1893, as the daughter of C. H. and Margrett French. The ÒC. H.Ó appears not to be Carrol Franklin French. It shows her mother Margrett as born in Mississippi. The family is living in Justice Precinct 8, McLennan Co., TX in 1910. C. H. French is 41, Margrett is 42, Fannie is 17, William is 15, John is 13, Lula is 12, Glyass is 7, Newton is 9, and Erwin is 5 [5]. Most likely Fannie was married by 1920.
4.2 William H. French, b. Jul 1894 [2] [5].
4.3 John French, b. Dec 1896 [2] [13].
4.4 Lucinda (Lula) French, b. Aug 1897 [2] [5].
4.5 Nate French, b. Oct 1899 [2]. He probably died before 1910 as he is not listed in the census [5], or he may be the Nathan French b. 21 Nov 1901, d. Oct 1971 in Wagner, Phillips Co., Montana.
4.6 Newton French, b. 1901 [5].
4.7 Glyass (probably Gladys) French, b. 1903 [5].
4.8* Ervin or Erwin Alexander French was born 27 Oct 1906 in Riesel, McLennan Co., TX [5], and died 10 Dec 1972 in Houston, Harris Co., TX. He m1. Lessie Lee Elliott on 26 Jul 1924 in Brazoria Co., TX. She was the daughter of Mathew Elliott and Margaret Hubbard. She was born 16 Oct 1909 in Bay City, TX, and died 03 Sep 1971 in Bay City, TX. He m2. Eillean June Williams 15 May 1939 in Richmond, TX. She was the daughter of George Williams and Lottie White. She was born 25 Jun 1911 in Texas City, TX, and died 26 Feb 1990 in Houston, TX.
Ervin French is listed in the 1930 census living with his wife, Lessie in Precinct 1, Austin, TX, and born ca. 1907. He is residing with his 3 sons: J. Carrie French (age 5), Hubert R. French (age 2), and Robert E. French (age 1). All 5 of them were born in TX. ErvinÕs mother and father were both born in TX. Ervin was an electrician working in the oil fields [6].
Children of Sam and Cora French, 3.3
4.9 Tommie French, b. 1902 in TX [5].
4.10 Matie French, b. 1904 in TX [5].
4.11 Leonard French, b. 1907 in TX [5].
4.12 Hervey French, b. 1909 in TX [5].
Fifth Generation
Children of Ervin A. and Lessie Lee
(Elliott) French, 4.8
5.1 J. Carrie French, b. ca. 1924 [6].
5.2 Ervin French, Jr., b. 1925 according to the 1930
census of Austin, TX.
5.3 Hubert Richard French, b. 13 Jul 1927 in Houston,
Harris Co., TX. He m. Betty Lou Pennock on 2 Mar 1947
in Reno, Nevada, the daughter of Lawrence Pennock and
Ina Sipps. She was b. 8 Sep 1928 in Presque Isle,
Wisconsin, and d. 3 Jan 1998 in Houston, TX [6].
5.4 Robert E. French, b. 1929 according to the 1930
census of Austin, TX [6].
Migration Path from Virginia to Tennessee
Was there a popular route from Virginia to Tennessee that
families used to migrate in the late 1700's?
From the north
people followed the Old Wagon Road down the east side of the Appalachians
southward through Virginia. The Wilderness Road veered west from the Great
Wagon Road thru the Cumberland Gap. The actual road went on to Boonesboro in Kentucky but once on the west side of the
Appalachians it was simple for settlers to travel south into the Watauga
Settlements. One of the favored routes from central North Carolina was the
Little Tennessee River. Settlers floated the river from Buncombe County,
Ashville, over into Tennessee. This travel pattern is written about in 'Our
Kin'. Getting thru the mountains was an awesome undertaking at the time. Only
the Indian trails existed for the most part. One of those into this part of the
country was the Unicoi Trail. It came from Fort Prince George, Old Ninety Six
and north to the Valley Towns (Murphy). The road along the Unicoi Trail still
exists from Murphy over to Tellico Plains. http://www.waywelivednc.com/before-1770/É
There are maps
at the link provided. If you provided a surname someone might be able to give
more information as some migrations are know by name.
Bibliography
[1] DNA testers
[2] 1900 census of Justice Precinct 5, Falls, TX.
[3] 1880 census of Navarro, TX.
[4] Jeanette S. French, email: jfrench1@earthlink.net
[5] 1910 census of Justice Precinct 8, McLennan, TX, showing Fannie French as 17.
[6] 1930 census of Precinct 1, Austin, TX.
[7] 1920 census, Justice Precinct 5, Navarro, TX.
[8] 1910 census, Justice Precinct 5, Navarro, TX.
[9] Sally Smith, sallys@citlink.net (good in 2007).
[10] Peggy Loar, email: peggy@dhc.net (good in 1999).
[11] Marshall Co. Alabama Vital Records: http://www.trackingyourroots.com/marshall.htm
[12] Descendants of Elizabeth Giles website: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/s/t/e/Judith-A-Stevens/ODT1-0001.html
[13] FFA Chart #188:
http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jsfrench&id=I0979