French Family Association
The Official Website of the Surname French
Penhurst Church
Chart #E42, Thomas French
Penhurst and Brightling, County Sussex, England
Montana Territory
Lawenceburg, Lawrence Co., Tennessee
This chart updated by Mara French on 9/6/10. 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.
Contents
Records from the East Sussex Record Office in Lewes, Sussex, England
Penhurst, Sussex, England Parish Register, Baptisms 1692--1901
Penhurst, Sussex, England Parish Register, Marriages 1693--1753
Penhurst, Sussex, England Parish Register, Burials 1693--1948
History and Background
This French family goes back a long ways in Penhurst. Thomas
French may have been from a long line of French descendants who lived in
Penhurst in the early 1600s, in specific, Thomas French lived in Penhurst as an
adult between 1617-1626 per the records below.
His grandson could have been the Thomas French below of the First Generation.
Most of this French family remained in Sussex near Penhurst,
except for James Jason French of the 8th generation, who was
christened 8 Oct 1843 in Penhurst, Sussex, England. Sometime after 1871 James
immigrated to America on a coal boat. He is still listed on the 1871 British
census; therefore, he immigrated between 1871 and 1876 to Ohio, the year he
married Mary, and they had their first child in 1877. He later moved to Lawrence
Co., Tennessee.
Penhurst (on left) is only 4 miles from Battle (to the
right) where the actual Battle of Hastings took place on 14 Oct 1066. William
the Conqueror landed at Hastings on the coast of the English Channel in 1066,
sailing from Normandy, France. It was said that the first man with the surname
French was aboard that ship. Having only a first name, he was given the surname
French. Therefore, the French language was spoken in this region early on and
it has been difficult searching for the French family and have the language or
French Huguenot pop up most of the time. Brightling is 8 miles from Battle.
Ashburnham and Penhurst are civil
parishes in the Rother district of East
Sussex, England, situated to the west of Battle. The two parishes share a joint parish council which
also covers the settlements of Brownbread Street, Ponts Green and Ashburnham
Forge. Neither of the parishes have many dwellings, Ashburnham having a
population of 303, whilst Penhurst has just 52 inhabitants. A tax
assessment record in Penhurst in 1747 shows only 13 houses.
Do not confuse Penhurst in Kent with Penhurst in Sussex. The
Penhurst in Kent is a lot larger and better known, but they are totally
different places and not connected to one another at all.
First Generation
1.1* Thomas French,
b. ca. 1638, died 21 Feb 1704. He was a carpenter in Penhurst [7].
1.2* John French, b.
ca. 1640, a mercer (a dealer in textile fabrics), wrote his will on 23 May
1713, proved 31 May 1715 in Brightling [7]. In his will he mentions his
children (most of them died before he did), his grandchildren, but not his
wife; therefore we assume he was a widower. He made Thomas Cover, his
son-in-law, the executor of his will. William Cooke deeded John French of
Brightling, mercer, a messuage and premises called BakerÕs Garden in Brightling
on 25 Oct 1659 containing ¼ acre [1]. John m. Elizabeth [12].
Probate of the Will of this date of John French of Brightling mercer SAS-RF/1/86 23 May 1713
Contents:
Bequest to John French, Thos. French, and Stephen
French, sons of testator's son John
French decd., of los. apiece at their ages
of 21 years. To John French, son
of testator's son Edward French
decd., of 10s. at 21. yers. And to Edward French and Stephen French, sons of testator's son Edward French 10s. equally between them
Devise to grandchild Edward French, son of the said Edward French decd. of "my sent hold" messuage and mill
called Brightling windmill, together with certain "sent hold" lands
in Brightling containing 4 acres in the occupation of John King and which was
surrendered in September 1707 in Burwash Manor Court to the use of his Will
To grandchild Stephen French, son of the said Edward French, the messuage or tenement with land and premises
belonging on Brightling Down in Brightling in the occupation of Thos. Waters
and John King, held by testator by Lease for lord Pelham or his ancestors
Devise of the messuages or tenement in which the
testator was dwelling with the land and premises belonging to daughter
Elizabeth the wife of Thomas Cover, for her life and after her decease to
Robert Cover in fee
To the said Elizabeth Cover the messuage, tenement,
lands and premises in Brightling near a place called Twelve Oakes, held on
Lease from Lord Pelham and in the occupation of William Pont and Widow Blewett
To granddaughter Elizabeth Cover £100 at 21 years. or
marriage To grandson Robert Cover, £50 at 21 years To Granddaughter Mary Cover,
£100 at 21 or marriage. To son, Christopher French, 20s. if he comes to demand it
Residuary legatees and
executors: Elizabeth Cover and son Thomas Cover. Proved in P.C.C., 31 May, 1715
Deed of feoffment SAS-RF/1/78 25 Oct 1659
Contents:
By the said William Cooke to John French of Brightling, mercer, - for £83 - of the said
messuage and premises called Baker's Garden in Brightling
Witnesses to deed:- Thomas
Grant, Robert Spiller. To livery of seisin:- Wm. Thawyer, Thmas Hucke, Richd. Hucke
(mk)
Deed Poll of Quitclaim SAS-RF/1/81 10 Oct 1676
Contents:
By the said John Hart to John
French of Brightling, mercer, of and in
the said 2 messuages and plot of ground called Baker's Garden in Brightling.
Signature of John Hart, seal gone. Witnesses:- Jane Snelling, John Cruttenden
Deed Poll of Quitclaim SAS-RF/1/82 1 Nov 1676
Contents:
By William Skinner of Brightling, carpenter, to the
said John French of and in the said 2
messuages and plot of ground in Brightling. Signature and seal
Witnesses:- John Dawe, Tho:
Frensh
Deed Poll of Assignment SAS-RF/1/193 8 Mar 1681
Contents:
By Thomas Bryant, executor of the Will of the said
John Bryant, John Bryant of Backly, Sussex, son of the said John, and Constant
Bryant, mother of the said Thomas and John, to John French of Brightling, of the said premises and the said
Lease; which said premises were devised by the Will of the said John Bryant
dated 7 Jan, 1675 (1676) to John Bryant his son as'one house which he purchased
of Richard Crutall containing 2 acres in Brightling, with a proviso for the
payment of 20s. a year to Constance his mother
Marks of Thomas Bryant and
Constance Bryant and signature of John Briant and seals. Witnesses:- John
Kallenden, Thomas French
Deed Poll of Assignment SAS-RF/1/194 10 Dec 1681
Contents:
By John French
to Thomas Croocher of Brightling, collier. Signature, John French, and seal
Witnesses:- John Kallenden, Wm. Leathbetter (mk), Wm.
French
St. Thomas A Becket, Brightling Parish Church, Sussex, England. The earliest parts of this church are from the 13th century.
The pyramid is the tomb of the one-time MP ÒMad JackÓ
Fuller.
Second Generation
Children of Thomas French, 1.1
2.1* Thomas French,
b. ca. 1668 of Brightling Parish, m. Anne Betts from Penhurst Parish on 26 Mar
1695 [7]. Couples usually married in the town of the bride or in her parentsÕ
hometown. Wadhurst is just north of Brightling.
Counterpart mortgage for £30 PAR498/26/1/1 29 Apr 1692 [8]
Former reference:
PAR498/26/1/1
Contents:
Robert Newnham of Wadhurst, salesman, to Robert Wood
of Ticehurst, husbandman
messuage in Wadhurst Town in two dwellings, with the
close and backside, occupied by RN and Thomas French
W: Samuel Newington, Thomas Shorte
Endorsed: receipts for interest, 1699-1723
2.2 Ann French of
Penhurst Parish m. John Fairhall of Ashburnham on 18 Dec 1704 [7]. John
Fairhall moved to Rye in 1816, and to Mountfield in 1822 [1].
Children of John and Elizabeth French, 1.2
2.3* John French,
chr. 12 Jan 1658 in Brightling as the son of John and Elizabeth French,
deceased by 1713 at the time his father wrote his will [7]. He m. Elizabeth
because she is listed as his wife in Brightling along with son John chr. 24 Oct
1697 [12].
2.4 Thomas French,
chr. 18 Nov 1660 in Brightling as the son of John and Elizabeth French [12].
2.5 Stephen French,
chr. 20 Jan 1662 in Brightling as the son of John and Elizabeth French [12].
2.6* Edward French,
chr. 17 Mar 1667 in Brightling as the son of John and Elizabeth French [12]. He
was deceased by 1713 when his father died [7]. He m. Hannah because she is
listed as his wife in Brightling along with son Stephen chr. 12 Dec 1698 [12].
2.7 Christopher French,
chr. 3 Dec 1675 in Brightling as the son of John and Elizabeth French [12]. He
was still living in 1713 when his father died [7].
2.8 Elizabeth French,
b. ca. 1677 of Brightling Parish, m. Thomas Cover of Mountfield on 17 Apr 1707
[7]. They were both still living in 1713 when her father died [7]. They had
children Elizabeth, Robert, and Mary Cover [7]. We are not sure how the
following will ties in to this line.
Probate of the Will of this date of Elizabeth
French of Brightling, widow SAS-RF/1/198 13 May 1707 [8]
Contents:
Nominal legacies to son-in-law Thos. Whapham and his
children and to daughter Hannah Bouring and her children. Devise to daughter
Mary Cruttenden of the cottage wherein the testatrix was dwelling and all
goods, leases and personal estate, byut Stephen Coney junr. of Burwash, gent.,
to have authority to lease the cottage and premises and to sell and dispose of
the goods and chattels, and to put the money arising out at interest for the
benefit of said daughter, with provision for grandchildren. Executor: the said
Stephen Coney
Proved at Lewes, 5 Jan., 1718-19
Deed of feoffment SAS-RF/1/89 17 Oct 1735
Contents:
By Thomas Cover of Mountfield, mercer, and Elizabeth
Cover of Brightling, spinster, only daughter of the said Thos. Cover, to John
Fuller junr. of Brightling, esq., - for £110 - of the messuage or tenement
called Baker's Garden with outhouses, gardens &c. in Brightling, bounding
to lands of John Fuller, E., S. and W. and to the high street from Brightling
Down to Brightling church, N
Signatures, Tho. Cover, Eliz. Cover and seals
Witnesses to deed and livery:- Tho. Jenkin, George
Bills
2.9 Robert French,
chr. 26 Jun 1678 in Brightling, son of John and Elizabeth French [12]. He must
have died before 1713 as he is not mentioned in his fatherÕs will.
Third Generation
Children of Thomas and Anne (Betts) French, 2.1
3.1 Daniel French,
chr. 22 Mar 1696 in Penhurst as the son of Thomas and Anne [7].
3.2 Thomas French,
chr. 10 Jul 1698 in Penhurst as the son of Thomas and Anne [7].
3.3 John French,
chr. 2 Feb 1701 in Penhurst as the son of Thomas and Anne [7], d. 18 Sep 1703,
age 2 ½ [7].
3.4 John French,
chr. 19 Dec 1703 in Penhurst as the son of Thomas and Anne [7].
Children of John and Elizabeth French, 2.3
3.5 Joseph French,
chr. 2 Apr 1693 in Brightling, son of John and Elizabeth French. He must have
died before 1713 as he is not mentioned in his grandfatherÕs will.
3.6 Richard French,
chr. 11 Mar 1694 in Brightling, son of John and Elizabeth French. He was not
living by 1713 because he is not mentioned in his grandfatherÕs will.
3.7 John French, chr.
24 Oct 1697 in Brightling, son of John and Elizabeth French. He was under 21 in
1713 when his grandfather died [7].
3.8 Elizabeth French,
chr. 30 Jun 1700 in Brightling, dau. of John and Elizabeth French [12]. Not in
grandfatherÕs will.
3.9 Barbara
French, chr. 16 Jul 1704 in Brightling,
dau. of John and Elizabeth French [12]. Not in grandfatherÕs will.
3.10 Thomas French,
under 21 in 1713 when his grandfather died [7].
3.11 Stephen French,
under 21 in 1713 when his grandfather died [7].
Children of Edward and Hannah French, 2.6
3.12 John French, chr.
27 Mar 1692 in Brightling, son of Edward and Hannah French. He was under 21 in
1713 when his grandfather died [7].
3.13* Edward French chr.
17 Mar 1695 in Brighting, son of Edward and Hannah French. He was named in his
grandfatherÕs will of 1713 [7]. He m. Sarah.
Deed of feoffment SAS-RF/1/270 6 Jun 1739
Contents:
By the said Anne Faustin to Edward French of
Brightling, yeoman - for £70 - of the messuage, garden and premises called
Priest House in Brightling
Signature, Ann Fosten, and armorial seal (as in
SAS/RF/1/268)
Witnesses to deed and livery :- J Fuller junr., Wm
Shadwell
3.14 Stephen French chr.
12 Dec 1698 in Brightling, son of Edward and Hannah French. He was named in his
grandfatherÕs will of 1713 [7]. In the will he received the messuage or
tenement with land and premises belonging on Brightling Down in Brightling in
the occupation of Thos. Waters and John King, held by testator by Lease for
lord Pelham or his ancestors.
Fourth Generation
Children of Edward and Sarah French, 3.13
4.1 Edward French,
chr. 7 Dec 1720 in Brightling, son of Edward and Sarah French [12].
4.2 Stephen French,
chr. 13 Nov 1723 in Brightling, son of Edward and Sarah French [12].
Fifth Generation
Children of either Edward of Stephen French, 4.1 or 4.2, when
family moved to Penhurst
5.1* Thomas French,
b. ca. 1750, m. Elizabeth Brissenden in Penhurst, Sussex, England [7]. They
probably married after 1768 when their first child was baseborn. It could be
that Thomas died in 1782 before his third child, John, was born because he did
not sign for JohnÕs birth on 10 Dec 1782, and Thomas and Elizabeth had no more
children.
Sixth Generation
Children of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brissenden) French, 5.1
6.1 Mary French,
chr. 14 Sep 1768 in Penhurst, baseborn, daughter of Elizabeth Brissenden [7].
Mary m. William Upton on 10 Aug 1828 in Penhurst, Sussex, England. See http://thesussexweald.org/P3.asp?PId=Ti.Vill.
Bastardy bond PAR498/34/3/34 14 Dec 1774
Former reference:
PAR498/34/3/34
Contents:
William Apps of Cousley Wood Street in Wadhurst, mason
bound in £40 to pay 1s 6d per week for the child to be born to Elizabeth
Brissenden of Wadhurst, singlewoman
6.2* Thomas French,
chr. 14 Aug 1774 in Penhurst,
County Sussex, England [17]. He m. Mary Anne Stapley (or Shapeley) on 7 Apr
1799 by bann in Penhurst. She was b. 1 Jan 1774 in Sedlescombe, d. at age 73 in
1847 in Penhurst. Mary's father was William Stapley and her mother was Mary. Her paternal grandparents were Thomas Stapley and Mary Mitchell. She was an only
child. Thomas French died 25 Feb 1838 at age 63, as he is not listed in
the census of that year, but his wife is listed as age 65 and a widow. Mary
died 16 Nov 1847 at age 73 [7].
6.3 John French,
chr. 10 Dec 1782 as the son of Elizabeth in Penhurst [7]. Perhaps JohnÕs father
and likewise ElizabethÕs husband died in 1782 just before John was born, or
else they would have had JohnÕs name in the christening record. However, I
could not find such a record at the Sussex Record Office in Lewes. John was
also the last child born to this couple.
Penhurst Parish Church in June 2010, photos taken by Mara French. The 14th-century parish church is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel.
Back of Penhurst Parish Church.
I could not find any gravestone with the name French on it,
either in front or in the back of the churchyard. Some of the surnames in this
cemetery are Barden, Creasey (related to the French family), Wreen, Mitchell,
Hoad, Bourner, Partridge, Broomhall, Cook, Waddle, Lade, Isted, Lodge, Parsons,
Holdroyd, Peters, Broomhall, Lovell, and Pennington. Also see surnames of the
rectors below. Actor Harry H. Corbett is also buried here (28 Feb 1925 –
21 Mar 1982). Few gravestones remain on the church sides and front. The
separate lot of gravestones in the back is much newer.
French family probably attended this church from 1770 onward. During this time, the church united to Ashburnham, a nearby town. The following generation was part of these worshippers. There are still members of this French family living in Penhurst and the surrounding area.
St. PeterÕs Parish Church, Ashburnham
Seventh
Generation
Children of Thomas and Mary (Stapley) French, 6.2
7.1* William French,
chr. 7 Jul 1799 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Thomas and Mary
[7]. William m. Mercy Deeprose probably ca. 1822 as their first child was born
in 1823. William and Mercy French are both listed in the 1841 British Census as
age 40 [12]. William worked in a laboratory.
7.2* John French, b.
17 May 1801 in Penhurst, Sussex, England [4], m1. Mary Message [4] (another
record shows her name to be Mary A. Roberts on ancestry.co.uk), m2. Elizabeth
who was chr. in 1821 in Ninfield, Sussex, England [12]. John d. in 5 Jun 1877
in Penhurst, age 76.
John is listed in the 1841 census of England as 35 years of
age in Penhurst, Sussex, England, living with Mary French age 20 his wife, Mary
French age 65 (his mother, a widow), Daniel French age 2, and Delia French age
3 mo. (see 1841 England census image
below). John is not listed in the Penhurst Parish Records as baptized there.
Between 1770 to 1810 the Penhurst parish had services held in Ashburnham, a
nearby town. We need to check those parish records. Iron work in the area ended
in 1816. Ref. [4]Õs great-great-grandfather.
1841 England Census above
John French is listed in the 1841 census of England as 35,
b. ca. 1806, in Penhurst, Sussex, England, living with Mary French age 20, Mary
French age 65, Daniel French age 2, and Delia French age 3 mo.
The 1851 census lists John as age 50 living with Mary age
33, and their 3 children: Danical 12, Dely 10, and James 7. (see 1851
England census image below). Mary was born
in Warbleton ? difficult to read. All others were born in Penhurst. ÒDoÓ stands
for ditto. John was a farm laborer. Mary was b. 1855 and d. 1937.
1851 England Census above
It appears from the 1871 England Census below, that John was
still alive and married to Elizabeth and living with their children Danile, 32,
and James, 27. Delia is not listed – perhaps she married. This census
records is proof that the family did not immigrate until after 1871. This is
logical, because they do not appear in the U.S. in the 1870 census. Elizabeth
was born in Painfield? All others were born in Penhurst. It is assumed his
first wife and the mother of his children died between 1851 and 1871. John is
buried along the right side of the graveyard in Penhurst and his grave is
clearly marked with a large headstone; however, I could not find this
gravestone in June 2010.
1871 England Census above
7.3 Thomas French,
chr. 21 Nov 1802 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Thomas and Mary [7].
Thomas died 28 Dec 1820 at age 18 in Penhurst [7].
7.4 Elizabeth French,
chr. 10 Feb 1805 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of Thomas and
Mary [7]. Elizabeth d. 4 Feb 1829, age 24, in Penhurst [7]. Elizabeth never
married.
7.5 Joseph French,
chr. 11 Jan 1807 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Thomas and Mary
[7]. He is listed in the 1841 census with his wife, Eleana 30, and their
children Liger 5, and George 4 mo. Living in Ashburnham, Sussex.
7.6* Robert French,
chr. 16 Jun 1811 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Thomas and Mary
[7]. Robert m. Mary A. probably in 1835, as their first child was born in 1836.
Robert d. 15 Mar 1884, age 72, in Penhurst [7]. Mary was b. 1814 and died only
5 days before her husband on 10 Mar 1884. Robert is listed in the 1881 England
Census as age 70, living with his wife Mary A. in Penhurst at the Glebe,
working as a farm bailif, and living with his daughter Harriet age 29 and
grandson James Creasy age 8 [12].
7.7* Stephen French,
chr. 31 Oct 1813 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Thomas and Mary
[7]. Stephen d. 21 Apr 1896, age 82, in Catsfield [7]. Stephen is listed in the
1881 England Census as age 69, living in a house called ÒBlue DoorsÓ, a widow,
living with his son George 29, and GeorgeÕs wife Ann 31, and their children
(StephenÕs grandchildren) Alfred 6, Henry 4, and Edith 1 [12]. Stephen was a
general laborer and George was a carpenter.
7.8 Harriet French,
chr. 25 Feb 1816 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Thomas and Mary
[7].
7.9 George French,
chr. 20 Sep 1818 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Thomas and Mary
[7]. George moved to Surrey where he married.
Eighth
Generation
Children of William and Mercy (Deeprose) French, 7.1
8.1 Harriot French,
b. 1823, age 18 in the 1841 England Census, living with parents William and
Mercy, both age 40 [12].
8.2 Mary French, b.
1826, age 15 in the 1841 England Census, living with parents William and Mercy,
both age 40 [12].
8.3 Thomas French,
b. 1832, age 9 in the 1841 England Census, living with parents William and
Mercy, both age 40 [12].
8.4 James French,
chr. 10 Aug 1834 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of William and Mercy
[7]. Listed as age 6 in the 1841 England Census, living with parents William
and Mercy, both age 40 [12].
8.5 Elizabeth French,
b. 1836, age 5 in the 1841 England Census, living with parents William and
Mercy, both age 40 [12].
8.6 Eliza French, b.
1639, age 2 in the 1841 England Census, living with parents William and Mercy,
both age 40 [12].
Children of John and Mary (Message) French, 7.2
Send Ripley, Surrey, England, at Tannery Bridge, 1909
8.7* George French,
chr. 7 Jan 1838 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of John and Mary [4]
[7]. Ref. [4]Õs great-grandfather. George m1. Jane who was born in 1847. Jane
French died on 6 Jul 1881 at age 34 in Send, Sussex [4] [7] apparently from a
disease that she picked up whilst working as a maid in India [4]. George is
listed in the 1901 England Census as age 53 and living with Mary, his wife, in
Send Ripley, Surrey, England. Mary was born in 1847 in Hurst Berkshire [4].
They have children Mildred J. 24, Robert G. 15, and Kenneth J. 11. The 1901
census states that George was born in Penhurst and he was a market gardener.
George m2. Mary Blake, allegedly related to William Blake, the poet [4]. With
Mary Blake he had 2 sons: Robert and Kenneth James French [4]. Mary was a
tartar, only tiny, but she ruled the roost [4]. She wasnÕt scared of anyone, and apparently Robert, her
eldest son, took after her [4]. George died on 1 Dec 1933, age 86, in Goodgrave
[7].
During the Napoleonic War (1803-1815), there was a problem
with the Frenches as one of KayÕs great-grandmothers came from Sark [4], a
small island in the Channel Islands. Apparently the local colonel asked him to
do some smuggling, then had him press ganged (a body of men employed to enlist
men forcibly into service in the army or navy) so he could seize the house. His
wife was given an old farm to live on out of charity but she was furious. She walked
to London from Penhurst and complained at the Houses of Parliament, but it did
her no good. I think the Frenches must have been quite wealthy at some point as
they owned lovely clocks and ornaments and also inherited beautiful things [4].
8.8 Daniel French,
chr. 17 Mar 1839 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of John and Mary [4]
[7]. He is listed in the 1841 census of England as age 2. Daniel d. 6 May 1889,
age 50, in Penhurst [7]. Daniel is listed on the 1881 England Census in
Penhurst, age 42, living with Elizabeth French age 60, and George Veness age
73. Elizabeth was his step-mother and a widow, and George was a lodger. Daniel
worked in an agriculture lab. It states he was born in Penhurst and his
step-mother was born in Ninfield [12].
8.9 Robert French,
b. 1840 in Penhurst, Sussex, England [4]. (Not in parish records. Perhaps not
of this family)
8.10* Horace French,
chr. 17 May 1840 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of John and Mary [4]
[7]. Horace m. Lucy Vigor on 29 Oct 1872 in Brightling [12]. He was a
wheelwright (a person who makes or repairs wooden wheels) [7]. Lucy was chr. 19
Dec 1847 in Brightling, the dau. of John and Esther (Carter) Vigor [12]. Horace
is listed in the 1881 England Census as born in Penhurst, age 40 in 1881, a
wheelwright, married to Lucy, and living in the wheelwright area. He lives with
his children Horace 6, Percy 3, and Bertram 10 months. Horace is listed in the
31 Mar 1901 census as age 60, living in Asleys Green, Brightling, Sussex [12].
8.11 Delia French,
chr. 14 Mar 1841 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of John and Mary
Ann [4] [7]. She is listed in the 1841 census of England as age 3 months which
means she was probably born in 1841.
8.12* James Jason French, chr. 8 Oct 1843 in Penhurst, Sussex, England. Ref. [12] says he was
born on 29 Aug 1843 in Penhurst. He married Mary Jane Senden or Sinden [12].
In the 1841 England Census in Penhurst, Sussex, England are
Daniel b. ca. 1839; Delia b. ca. 1841; Harris b. ca. 1840; John b. ca. 1806;
Mary b. ca. 1816; Mary b. ca. 1838; Mary b. ca. 1821; Mary b. ca. 1776 (who
could have been Thomas FrenchÕs wife); Robert b. ca. 1811; and Robert b. ca.
1836.
In the 1851 census in Penhurst, Sussex, England, James is
listed as age 7, living with his sister Dely age 10, and brother Danical age
12.
It appears from the 1871 England Census below, that JamesÕ
father John was still alive and married to Elizabeth and living with their
children Danile, 32, and James, 27. This census records is proof that the
family did not immigrate until after 1871. This is logical, because James does
not appear in the 1870 U.S. Federal Census.
1871 England Census above
James Jason French m. Mary Jane Sinden [4] ca. 1876 in Ohio
[11]. According to the 1900 U.S. census, Mary J. was b. Oct 1845 in Ohio. Both
of her parents were born in England according to the 1880 U.S. census when she
was living in Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., Ohio. James is no longer listed in the
1881 England Census. By 1890 they were living in TN when their last 2 children
were born. However, there is a Mary Sinden listed as age 28, b. ca. 1843 in
Penhurst, Sussex, England, a servant (cook) for the George and Mary Quinn,
listed in the 1871 England Census. This seems undoubtedly her. Her parents are
listed as James and Mary Sinden [12].
James was buried on 28 May 1917 at the Shaw Cemetery on Hwy
64 East from Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN, age 73. His wife, Mary Jane
Sinden, was also buried there – she died 31 Dec 1937 at age 82 of
senility [13]. In the 1920 census, Mary J. is listed as single living with her
daughters Florence and Jennie and her granddaughter Hattie Shaw and grandson
Johnie Shaw.
One of these siblings, most likely James, married a woman
who was part of the family who invented the Bakelite Company (dealing in
plastics), a Division of Union Carbide & Carbon Corp in 1939. The Bakelite
Corporation was formed in 1922 from a merger of three companies: the General
Bakelite Company from 1907, the Condensite Company, and the Redmanol Chemical
Products Company. Mostly likely Bakelite was in New York as the inventor, Leo Hendrik Baekeland,
had moved to New York in 1889 and was buried at Sleepy Hollow, NY, in 1944.
James Jason also bred Suffolk horses, which were shown at
the New York Show. Suffolk horses shown below. These horses, along with Welsh
ponies and Shropshire sheep were imported in 1906.
There is a record of ÒaÓ J. French, born in 1843 in England,
age 29, who immigrated to New York from Liverpool, England, on the ship ÒCity
of LondonÓ arriving on 10 Sep 1872. Another reference says James immigrated to
the US with his company, working his passage to America on a coal boat [4], and
moved to Kalispell, MT. Ref. [4]Õs great-great uncle. This ship was built in
1863. The last sailing was on 25 Feb 1875.
ÒCity of LondonÓ ship, graphic produced 24 Aug 1872, see http://www.norwayheritage.com/p_ship.asp?sh=cilon
8.13 Harriet French, b. ca. 1848 in Penhurst, Sussex, England [4]. No
record of her.
Children of Robert and Mary A. French, 7.6
8.14 Robert French,
chr. 3 Jan 1836 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the son of Robert and Mary
[7]. Robert is listed in the 1841 census as born and living in Penhurst, age 5,
with his sister Mary age 3 and his brother Harris age 1. Robert is working in
an agricultural laboratory. He is in the 1851 census
8.15 Mary Anne French,
chr. 24 Jun 1838 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of Robert and
Mary [7]. Mary Ann m. James Creasy on 25 Dec 1860 in Ashburnham, Sussex,
England. James was b. in 1833 in Ashburnham. In the 1861 England Census, James
is listed as b. 1834 in Ashburnham, Mary A. Creasy his wife as born in 1839 in
Penhurst, and Goerge French born in 1848 in Penhurst, a boarder. In the 1871
England Census, James Creasey is listed as born in 1833 in Ashburnham, his wife
Mary A. born in 1836 in Penhurst, their son George J. Creasey born in 1864 in
Ashburnham, and their daughter Jane A. Creasey born in 1866 in Ashburnham. Mary
Ann died 4 Dec 1926, age 77, in Catsfield [7]. The Creasey family have
gravestones in the Penhurst Parish Churchyard.
8.16 Horace French,
chr. 1840 in Penhurst as the son of Robert and Mary A. French, age 11 in the 1851
British Census.
8.17 Margaret French,
chr. 13 Feb 1842 in Penhurst as the dau. of Robert and Mary A. French, age 10
in the 1851 British Census [7].
8.18 Jane Ann French,
chr. 3 Sep 1843 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of Robert and
Mary [7]. Jane was age 8 in the 1851 British Census. Jane Ann never married.
8.19 Matilda French,
chr. 4 Jan 1846 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of Robert and
Mary [7]. Matilda was age 5 in the 1851 British Census. Matilda d. 3 Feb 1866
at age 20, at the Penhurst Glebe, a piece of land serving as part of a
clergymanÕs benefice and providing income. Matilda never married.
8.20* George French,
chr. 19 Dec 1847 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of Robert and
Mary, at the Penhurst Glebe, a piece of land serving as part of a clergymanÕs
benefice and providing income [7]. George was age 3 in the 1851 British Census.
George is listed in the 1881 England Census as age 34, a domestic servant
(butler) to Catherine M. Wood, living on Wood Hill near Send and Ripley in
Surrey County. George died 11 Nov 1925, age 74, in Catsfield [7].
8.21 Elisabeth French,
chr. 25 Nov 1849 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of Robert and
Mary [7]. Elisabeth was age 1 in the 1851 British Census.
8.22 Harriet French,
chr. 29 Feb 1852 in Penhurst, Sussex, England, as the daughter of Robert and
Mary, at the Penhurst Glebe, a piece of land serving as part of a clergymanÕs
benefice and providing income [7]. Harriet is listed in the 1881 England Census
as age 29 and living with her parents [12].
Children of Stephen French, 7.7
8.23* George French,
chr. ca. 1852, m. Ann ca. 1875 [12]. They are listed in the 1881 England Census
living with his father; his mother was deceased. George was a carpenter.
Ninth Generation
Children of George and Jane French, 8.7
9.1 Mildred (or Matilda) J. French, b. 1877 in Send, Surrey. ÒMinÓ as she was known,
was a wonderful lady, and fell in love with one of her cousins, one of the
Hobday boys, who tragically was killed in WWI. She never married but helped
raise Kenneth French (10.3) and his sisters at the farm in Send. Matilda was
raised by her stepmother Mary after her own mother died.
On the church wall are memories to the Hobdays, two cousins
who were killed in WW1 [4]. One of our ancestors survived the Charge of the
Light Brigade [4], which was a disastrous charge of British cavalry led by Lord
Cardigan against Russian forces during the Battle of Balaclava on 25 Oct 1854
in the Crimean War.
Ref. [3] emailed me that on the church wall are memories to
the Hobday family in Penhurst, two cousins of the French family who were killed
in WW1. Photo taken in June 2010 by Mara French. Stephen George Hobday, DCM,
lieutenant 3rd Bn Toronto Regt of Canada, died 8/10/1916. Walter
James Hobday, private 24th Bn Victoria Rifles of Canada, died
16/6/1916. See Roll
of Honour from St. Peter, Ashburnham, East Sussex. Also see Ashurnham
Past.
Children of George and Mary (Blake) French, 8.7
9.2 daughter French,
stillborn [4]. It is not known the order of this stillborn child (one of five).
9.3 daughter French,
stillborn [4]. It is not known the order of this stillborn child (one of five).
9.4 daughter French,
stillborn [4]. It is not known the order of this stillborn child (one of five).
9.5 daughter French,
stillborn [4]. It is not known the order of this stillborn child (one of five).
9.6 daughter French,
stillborn [4]. It is not known the order of this stillborn child (one of five).
9.7* Robert G. French,
b. 1887 in Send, Surrey. He used to shock the locals by his open expressed
views on religion and politics, and his constant demand that the Royal Family
should be put up against a wall and shot. In those days , you didnÕt say such
things! Robert married, and had a son Robert Jr. who married a lady called
Enid, and they had a daughter Rosemary.
9.8* Kenneth James (Jim) French, b. 1890 in Send, Surrey. Jim, as he was referred
to, m. Nellie Steer and had 3 children: Jean, Ken, and Cynthia. Nellie Steer
was b. 1891 in Horsell, Surrey. JimÕs granddaughter, Kay, says he was a
wonderful old guy though, very very much like the actor Peter Ustinov.
Peter Ustinov, b. 16 Apr 1921 in
London, England
Jim French was a fantastic shot, and won medals at Bisley, Surrey, England, which is notable for rifle shooting. Ref. [4]Õs grandfather. He remained in England.
A group of instructors and students of the Hythe School of
Musketry in Bisley, England, ca. 1905. No French shown.
No more French baptisms in Penhurst between 1883 and 1901,
the time period I checked [7].
Children of Horace and Lucy (Vigor) French, 8.10
The 1881 England Census lists these children as born in
Brighting, but the Sussex Parish Register lists them as born in Penhurst.
9.9 Robert John French,
chr. 17 Nov 1873 in Brightling, son of Horace and Lucy French [12].
9.10 Horace French,
chr. 1875 in Penhurst according to the 1881 England Census [12].
9.11 Percy French,
chr. 2 Sep 1877 in Penhurst as the son of Horace and Lucy [7].
9.12 Bertham or Bertram French, chr. 8 Aug 1880 in Penhurst as the son of Horace and Lucy [7].
9.13 Leah Louisa French,
chr. 26 Aug 1883 in Penhurst as the daughter of Horace and Lucy [7].
9.14 Archibald French,
chr. 24 Jul 1887 in Brightling, son of Horace and Lucy French [12]. In the 1901
census, he was 13 years old and living at AsleyÕs Green in Brightling, Sussex.
He enlisted in the military at age 28 while living at OxleyÕs Green,
Brightling, Sussex, England. Archibald d. in 1970 at Hastings, Sussex.
9.15 Victor Chester French, chr. 24 Jul 1890 in Brightling, son of Horace and Lucy French [12].
Children of James Jason and Mary Jane (Sinden) French, 8.12
All these children were born in the United States. Only John
and George carry on the French surname.
9.16 Harriet Margaret French, b. 1877 perhaps in Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., Ohio [11]. Harriet was
age 2 in the 1880 census of Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., OH, living with her
parents and brother John Henry. Harriet was not living with her parents in the
1900 U.S. census.
9.17* John Henry French,
b. Aug 1879 perhaps in Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., Ohio [11]. John H. is listed
in the 1900 U.S. Census as born in Ohio, living in Civil District 9, Lawrence
Co., TN, with his father James who was born in England, and his mother Mary J.
who was born in Ohio. This record tells us that James and Mary were married in
the U.S. and therefore James immigrated between 1871 and 1876 [11]. John was a
farmer in 1900 [11]. John was living in Civil District 9, Lawrence Co., TN in
1910 with his wife Sula, age 22 [11]. She was born in TN [11]. They are still
living in the same place in 1920 [11]. John and Sula were living in District 9,
Lawrence Co., TN in the 1930 census with their son, Gerald A. French, age 11,
born in 1919. John Henry died on 28 Oct 1966 and is buried at the Shaw Cemetery
in Lawrence Co., TN, [14]. Sula French m2. Hinkle, and if this is correct, she
is buried at the Raleigh Cemetery in Navarro Co., TX, date not given; she is
buried with a lot of other Frenches.
9.18 Florence Meria French, b. 12 Apr 1881 perhaps in Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., Ohio [11].
Florence is listed in the 1900 U.S. Census as born in Ohio, living in Civil
District 9, Lawrence Co., TN, with her father James who was born in England,
and her mother Mary J. who was born in Ohio. This record tells us that James
and Mary were married in the U.S. and therefore James immigrated between 1871
and 1876 [11]. In the 1910 U.S. census, she was living in Civil District 9,
Lawrence Co., TN, with her parents [11]. Florence was still living with her
parents in the 1920 U.S. census, single [11]. Florence died of coronary
thrombosis at age 52 on 22 Nov 1933, unmarried [13].
9.19* George William French, b. Dec 1882 perhaps in Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., Ohio, d. 1975 in
Montana, age 93 [11]. George m. Lizzie Bell Shaw. George lived in Lawrence, TN
in the 1900 census, age 18. He also lived there in the 1910 and 1920 census. In
1930 he lived in Dillon, Beaverhead Co., Montana, age 48, and died there in
1975 at age 93. Lizzie was b. 5 May 1887 in Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS and d. 23
Nov 1975 in Dillon, Beaverhead Co., Montana [11]. She was the daughter of Harry
Elsworth Shaw and Lula Margaret Beal [11]. George was a teamster according to
the 1930 census of Dillon, Beaverhead Co., MT.
9.20 Mary May French,
b. Apr 1885 perhaps in Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., Ohio [11].
9.21 Ada Maranda French,
b. Aug 1887 perhaps in Mill Creek, Coshocton Co., Ohio [11]. In the 1910 U.S.
census, she was living in Civil District 9, Lawrence Co., TN, with her parents
[11].
9.22 Clara Maude French,
b. May 1891 in TN [1]. She m. Ed Dennis and had child named Novella Joyce Dennis
who lives in FL [16].
9.23 Jennie (or Jane) Mildred French, b. Mar 1895 in TN [1]. In the 1910 U.S. census,
she was living in Civil District 9, Lawrence Co., TN, with her parents [11]. Before
Jennie married, Ralph was born and given her maiden name of French
[16]. Ralph married Juanita Ezzell of Lawrenceberg, TN and had Martha Lynn
French (who married Alan Fletcher and live in Decatur, AL) and Barbara Janice
French (prefers to go by Janice) (who married Lesley Bowers and live in
Hunstville, AL). Jennie m1. Belford Peter Royse and had another child, Thelma
who lives in Lawrenceberg, TN [16].
Children of George and Ann French, 8.23
9.24 Alfred French,
b. ca. 1875 probably in Ashburnham [12].
9.25 Henry French,
b. ca. 1877 probably in Ashburnham [12].
9.26 Edith French,
b. ca. 1880 probably in Ashburnham [12].
Tenth Generation
Children of Robert G. French, 9.7
10.1* Robert French,
b. ca. 1907 or later, m. a lady called Enid, and they had a daughter Rosemary
[4].
Children of Kenneth J. (Jim) and Nellie (Steer) French, 9.8
10.2 Jean M. French,
b. Jan-Feb-Mar 1924 in Guildford, Surrey, England [4].
10.3 Kenneth G. A. French, b. Apr-May-Jun 1925 in Guildford, Surrey, England, and remained in
England [4]. He m. _______ Cooper. His cousin Yenzie Harmer still lives down in
Ashburnham and she can remember the family history well [4]. On my trip to
Penhurst in June 2010, I (Mara French) discovered Yenzie had moved to Ninfield,
as told to me by Norman Harman, a distant relative who farmed the land to the
left of the Penhurst church (below) and lived behind the church.
This is the farm to the left of the church. You can see one gravestone on the church side. Norman Harman, a distant relative of the French family, works this farm and told me that Penhurst has about 20 houses with 38 voters. Wikipedia states that Penhurst has 52 inhabitants. He said some people named French are still in the area, but most live in Brightling.
10.4 Cynthia French, b. Jan-Feb-Mar 1927 in Guildford, Surrey, England, m. ____ Dingwall and had son Colin Dingwall [4]. She also had a daughter who married ______Wilson and had son Mark Wilson [4]. She had a daughter, Vanessa, who married ______ Blue. Cynthia has grandchildren with the surname Gill [4].
Children of John Henry and Sula French, 9.17
All these children were born in the United States.
10.4 Vesta French,
b. 1911 in Civil District 9, Lawrence Co., TN [11]. She is listed in the 1920
US Federal Census as the dau. of John and Sula French. By 1930 she was probably
married as she is not listed by her maiden name in the census.
10.5 Gerald A. French,
b. 1918 in Civil District 9, Lawrence Co., TN [11]. He is listed in the 1920 US
Federal Census as the son of John and Sula French. He m. Gladys Alleen Lautz on
2 Dec 1946 in Lawrence, TN.
r
Children of George William and Lizzie Bell (Shaw) French, 9.19
All these children were born in the United States.
10.6 Perry Roberts French, b. 27 Dec 1906 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN, d. 7 Nov 1982 at age 75 in Plains, Sanders Co., Montana [11]. His name is listed in the Social Security Death Index. He m. Ortha Velma Stephens on 17 Dec 1928 in Butte, Montana. She was b. 31 Oct 1909 in Thayer, Union Co., Iowa and d. Jun 1997 in Plains, Sanders Co., Montana. They had at least 2 children per ancestry.com.
10.7 Ruby Velma French, b. 15 Jul 1910 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN, d. Aug 2007 at age 97 in Dillon, Beaverhead Co., Montana [11].
10.8 Walter William French, b. 20 Jun 1913 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN, d. 26 Oct 2006 in Klamath, Klamath Co., OR [11]. He m. Laura Ruth Waro who was b. 8 Jul 1913 in Bainville, Williams Co., Montana, d. 7 Aug 2003 in Klamath, Klamath Co., OR, and had two children. Laura Ruth French is listed in the Social Security Death Index. George is listed in the 1930 census of Dillon, Beaverhead Co., Montana as age 16, living with his father George W. 47, his mother Lizzie B. 42, and siblings Walter W. 16, Edgar A. 13, Amy S. 10, Edna M. 7, Harry B. 5, and Luther L. 1 [11].
10.9 Edgar Allmore French, b. 4 Dec 1915 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN, d. 4 Nov 1995 in Plains, Sanders Co., Montana at age 79 [11]. His death record is listed in the Social Security Death Index.
10.10 Ana or Amy S. French, b. 1920 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN, and was 3 months old at the 1920 census [11].
10.11 Edna M. French, b. 1923 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN according to the 1930 census of Dillon, Beaverhead Co., Montana [11].
10.12 Harry B. French, b. 1925 in Dillon, Beaverhead Co., MT, according to the 1930 census of Dillon, Beaverhead Co., Montana [11]. He d. 25 Apr 1999 in Anacortes, Skagit, WA according to the social security death index. He enlisted for WWII on 4 May 1943 in Montana for the duration of the War. He had 2 years of high school and worked as a farm hand before enlisting, and was single without dependents.
10.13* Luther L. French, b. 15 Jun 1929 in Dillon, Beaverhead Co., MT, according to the 1930 census of Dillon, Beaverhead Co., Montana [11]. In 2005 Luther L. French owned property in Kalispell, Montana located on the south side of Woodland Avenue between South Woodland Drive and Willow Glen, requesting that the City of Kalispell to annex the territory into the City. He lived at 1560 Lehi Lane in Kalispell, MT. His family includes Jean (his wife), James (son), and Cynthia French (dau.).
10.14 one more daughter French, need to look in 1940 census.
10.15 another daughter French, need to look in 1940 census.
The social security death index shows a Bob French of Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN, born 22 May 1905, died Nov 1969, age 64. It also shows a James D. French, born 9 Aug 1929, died 25 Apr 1988, age 58 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence Co., TN.
Eleventh
Generation
Children of Robert and Enid French, 10.1
11.1 Rosemary French
in England [4].
Children of Kenneth G. A. French and Cooper, 10.3
11.2 Kay M. French, b.
Oct-Nov-Dec 1964 in Surrey S.W., England, and lives in 2010 in Nottinghamshire,
England – this information has not been verified. Kay has cousins Colin
Dingwall (JeanÕs son); Mark Wilson (JeanÕs grandson); Vanessa Blue (CynthiaÕs
daughter); and the Gills, who are CynthiaÕs grandchildren.
Kay French
11.3 Andrew Kenneth R. French, b. Oct-Nov-Dec 1967 in Surrey, N.W., England.
Children of Luther L. and Jean French, 10.13
All Children were born in the United States.
11.4 Cynthia Ann French,
b. ca. 1960.
11.5 James Ray French,
b. ca. 1961.
Records in Penhurst
Bargain and Sale, 1626
Bargain and sale, ASH/4501/497, 25 Feb 1626, documents held
at East Sussex Record Office, The Maltings, Castle Precincts, Lewes, BN7 1YT,
England, http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/useourarchives
By RICHARD MARTINE of Ardinglie, yeoman, to BARTHOLOMEW
JEFFERIE of Herstmonceux, yeoman, and ELIZABETH his wife - for £214 - of a
messuage and 23 ac. of land, 3 ac. of meadow and 11 ac. of woodland in Penhurst
and Ashbornham called the Knoll, Perriers Croft and Hames, bounding as
follows:- as the messuage called the Knolle with buildings, gardens &c. to
the highway from Penherst church to Battall, S., demesnes of Penhurst manor,
W., a garden called Dickdens garden, N. and the kingsway from Stephens Crouch
to Brightling, W.. Perriers crofte bounding to the highway from Stephens Crouch
to Brightling, W., lands called Jenninges of William Cooper, N. and William
Haye, gent., S. and E. The Hames:- bounding to Cowlands, E. and S., lands late
of Sir John Ashborneham and demesne lands of Penhurst, W. and S. and other
lands sold, N. The residue (except ¾ ac. of brookeland) lying together
to demesne lands of Penhurst, W., the highway from Penhurst to Battell, N.,
John Atkins, E. and the Hames, S
Signature, Michaell Martin
Witnesses to deed and livery of seisin:- John Elphicke (mk),
Thos. French (mk), William Wimble
Grant, 1620
Grant, ASH/4501/458, 25 Mar 1620, documents held at East
Sussex Record Office.
By WILLIAM RELFE of Ashborneham, gent., to JOHN ELFRED alias
ELVERED of Hoo, gent., of an Annuity of £40 charged upon all the lands
tenements &c. of the said William Relfe in Penhurst, except the lands
called Crepe and Janyns alias Jenyngs and lands in Penhurst demised to Thomas
French; with a proviso for defeazance on
payment by the said Wm. Ralfe of £500. Signature, William Relfe, and sea
Witnesses:- Nicholas Eversfield, W. Langham, John Ellis
Bond, 1617
Bond, SAM/84, 12 Nov 1617, documents held at East Sussex
Record Office.
Elizabeth Dodd of Hastings, spinster and Thomas French of Penhurst
For suffering a common recovery on premises as in SAM/82
Witness: Melchior Raynolds
Fine, 1669
Fine, ASH/4501/889, 1669, documents held at East Sussex
Record Office.
Between WILLIAM BUCKE, querent, and RICHARD RELFE, gent.,
and ELIZABETH his wife, THOMAS SHARPE, gent., and JANE his wife, JAMES RELFE,
gent., and JOHN FRENCH, deforciants, of
a messuage, barn, stable, garden, orchard, 20 ac. of land, 4 ac. of meadow, 6
ac. of pasture and 11 ac. of wood in Penhurst and Ashburnham. Michs. term, 21
Chas. II (In duplicate)
Feoffment, 1623
Feoffment, SAM/82B, 21 Jun 1623, documents held at East
Sussex Record Office.
Thomas Frenche of
Penhurst, yeo., to (b) William Wymble of Dallington, founder, and Anne his w.,
d. of Thomas Frenche
Messuage, buildings etc., closes, gardens now in occ. of
Christopher Castreet, abutting N. and S. to the highway from Pevensey Bridge to
the castle, E. to a lane leading to Pevensey church, W. to the land late
Constance Mathewmans called Sallmons green, which premises (a) lately purchased
of Elizabeth Dod
Witnesses: Edward Osborne, Christopher Castreet, John
Wimbell, Richard [?]
Feoffment, 1513
Feoffment SAM/71 4 June 1513
John Frenche and
Agnes his w., formerly w. of Thomas Osborn, formerly of Winchelsea, to Richard
Havell of Pevensey
Messuage, and garden in Pevensey, between the vicarage and
the highway leading from Westham to Pevensey Bridge on the E., and abutting the
footway to the Castle through certain land belonging to the church on the S.,
and the lands formerly Stephen Coke called Redynge towards the W. and the
messuage formerly Palmers towards the N. which premises Agnes had from her
husband Thomas Osborn
Witnesses: William Jede of Winchelsea, Richard Byseley,
Richard Walke
Records from the East Sussex Record Office
in Lewes, Sussex, England
Penhurst, Sussex, England Parish
Register, Baptisms 1692--1901
I (Mara French) researched these records at the East Sussex
Record Office in Lewes in June 2010:
|
Baptism Date |
Name at Birth and Parents Names |
Information |
|
22 Mar 1696 |
French, Daniel, son of Thomas & Anne |
|
|
10 Jul 1698 |
French, Thomas, son of Thomas and Anne |
|
|
2 Feb 1701 |
French, John, son of Thomas and Anne |
died young |
|
19 Dec 1703 |
French, John, son of Thomas and Anne |
|
|
14 Sep 1768 |
French, Mary, daughter of Elizabeth Brissenden |
Baseborn |
|
14 Aug 1774 |
French, Thomas, son of Thomas and Elizabeth |
|
|
10 Dec 1782 |
French, John, son of Elizabeth |
|
|
7 Jul 1799 |
French, William, son of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
17 May 1801 |
French, John, son of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
21 Nov 1802 |
French, Thomas, son of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
10 Feb 1805 |
French, Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
11 Jan 1807 |
French, Joseph, son of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
16 Jun 1811 |
French, Robert, son of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
31 Oct 1813 |
French, Stephen, son of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
25 Feb 1816 |
French, Harriet, daughter of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
20 Sep 1818 |
French, George, son of Thomas and Mary |
|
|
10 Aug 1834 |
French, James, son of William and Mercy |
|
|
3 Jan 1836 |
French, Robert, son of Robert and Mary |
|
|
7 Jan 1838 |
French, George, son of John and Mary |
|
|
17 Mar 1839 |
French, Daniel, son of John and Mary |
|
|
17 May 1840 |
French, Horace, son of Robert and Mary |
|
|
14 Mar 1841 |
French, Delia, son of John and Mary Ann |
|
|
13 Feb 1842 |
French, Margaret, daughter of Robert and Mary |
|
|
3 Sep 1843 |
French, Jane Ann, daughter of Robert and Mary |
|
|
8 Oct 1843 |
French, James Jason, son of John and Mary |
|
|
4 Jan 1846 |
French, Matilda, daughter of Robert and Mary |
|
|
19 Dec 1847 |
French, George, son of Robert and Mary |
Vicarage Glebe |
|
25 Nov 1849 |
French, Elisabeth, daughter of Robert and Mary |
|
|
29 Feb 1852 |
French, Harriet, daughter of Robert and Mary |
Glebe |
|
2 Sep 1877 |
French, Percy, son of Horace and Lucy |
Horace was a wheelwright |
|
8 Aug 1880 |
French, Bertham, son of Horace and Lucy |
Horace was a Wheelwright |
|
26 Aug 1883 |
French, Leah Louise, daughter of Horace and Lucy |
|
Penhurst, Sussex, England Parish
Register, Marriages 1693--1753
I researched these records at the East Sussex Record Office
in Lewes in June 2010. The entries for Brightling in the Penhurst Parish
Records tell us that this French family is one and the same.
|
Marriage Date |
Name of Groom and Bride and their church affiliations |
Information |
|
26 Mar 1695 |
French, Thomas of Brightling parish, m. Betts, Anne of
Penhurst |
|
|
17 Apr 1707 |
French, Elizabeth of Brightling parish, m. Thomas Cover of
Mountfield |
|
|
18 Dec 1704 |
French, Ann of Penhurst parish m. John Fairhall of
Ashburnham |
|
|
7 Apr 1799 |
French, Thomas m. Mary Shapeley |
by banns |
|
10 Aug 1828 |
Mary French m. William Upton |
|
Penhurst, Sussex, England Parish
Register, Burials 1693--1948
I researched these records at the East Sussex Record Office
in Lewes in June 2010. The entries for Brightling in the Penhurst Parish
Records tell us that this French family is one and the same.
|
Burial Date |
Name and Age at Death |
Information |
|
18 Sep 1703 |
John French, son of Thomas and Anne |
died age 2 1/2 |
|
21 Feb 1704 |
Thomas French (no description given), wills book says he
was a carpenter in Penhurst, 1704 A45, p. 245, age 53 |
b. 1651 |
|
13 Jul 1778 |
Thomas French (no description given) |
* |
|
28 Dec 1820 |
Thomas French, 18 years |
b. 1802 |
|
19 May 1825 |
Sarah French, 30 years, living in Battle, may have been
the wife of a French born ca. 1790. |
*, b. 1795 |
|
21 Sep 1824 |
Charlotte French, 14 months, living in Battle, perhaps the
daughter of Sarah above. |
*, b. 1823 |
|
4 Feb 1829 |
Elizabeth French, 24 years |
b. 1805 |
|
25 Feb 1838 |
Thomas French, 63 years |
b. 1775 |
|
6 May 1838 |
George French, 4 months? Not sure if I copied this
correctly. |
* |
|
16 Nov 1847 |
Mary French, 73 years |
b. 1774 |
|
8 May 1856 |
Mary French, 40 years, perhaps the wife of a French born
ca. 1814. |
*, b. 1816 |
|
3 Feb 1866 |
Matilda French, 20 years |
Glebe, b. 1846 |
|
6 Jul 1881 |
Jane French of Send, age 34, GeorgeÕs first wife. |
b. 1847 |
|
10 Mar 1884 |
Mary French of Penhurst, age 70 (wife of Robert below) |
b. 1814 |
|
15 Mar 1884 |
Robert French of Penhurst, age 72 |
b. 1812 |
|
6 May 1889 |
Daniel French of Penhurst, age 50 |
b. 1839 |
|
21 Apr 1896 |
Stephen of Catsfield, age 82 |
b. 1814 |
|
11 Nov 1925 |
George French of Catsfield, age 74 |
b. 1851 |
|
4 Dec 1926 |
Mary Ann of Catsfield, age 77 |
b. 1849 |
|
1 Dec 1933 |
George French of Goodgrave, age 86 |
b. 1847 |
|
27 Aug 1948 |
Mildred Jane French of 10 Warren Road, Guildford, age 71 |
b. 1877 |
*Cannot find this person to add
to this chart.
Bibliography
[1] The National Archives at the KEW in London. More than
100 Frenches are listed in this file. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=179-raf_2-1&cid=-1#-1
[2] An online pedigree that mentions Thomas French who was
b. in 1774 in Penhurst has other Frenches listed as born in Bexley Heath and
Brasted, Kent, England. We do not know if these Frenches are related or not.
See http://familytrees.genopro.com/IainTait/CompleteTreeCompilation/default.htm.
Email: contact@beath.net.
[3] East Sussex Record Office, http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/useourarchives
[4] Kay Cooper-Lewis, email: kayc136@hotmail.com (email good in 2010).
My great great grandfather is John French, born in
1801 in Penhurst and he married a Mary Message. He had my gt grandfather George
in 1838, Daniel in 1839, Robert in 1840, Horace in 1841, James in 1843, Delia
in 1843 and Harriet in 1848. However my father who is 85 has said the history
is all very confusing as he used to visit Penhurst as a child and the many
members of the family had the same name. If you walk down the right side of the
graveyard at Penhurst, you can still see JohnÕs grave clearly marked with a
large headstone. I (Mara French) could not find this stone when I visited
Penhurst in June 2010.
George moved to Surrey where he married my gt
grandmother. My father was told of a great uncle who emigrated to America, but
he thought it was to Orange county. Apparently he married a woman who was part
of the family who made Bakelite, and he bred Suffolk horses which were shown at
the New York County show. My father can remember being shown a photo that had
been sent over when he was little.
Apparently during the Napoleonic war there was a
problem with the Frenches as one of my great grandmothers came from Sark.
Apparently the local colonel asked him to do some smuggling, then had him press
ganged (a body of men employed to enlist men forcibly into service in the army
or navy) so he could seize the house. His wife was given an old farm to live on
out of charity but she was furious. She walked to London from Penhurst and
complained at the Houses of Parliament, but it did her no good. I think the
French's must have been quite wealthy at some point as my father can remember
the lovely clocks and ornaments they had, and my gt grandfather inherited some
beautiful things. Unfortunately though, my grandfather never locked his front
door, he was so trusting. Dad often went round to find dealers in the house who
had bought things for coppers. Luckily dad stopped those, but by the time
grand-dad died, there was nothing of any value left. Grand-dad French was a
wonderful old guy though, very very much like the actor Peter Ustinov. He was a
fantastic shot, and won medals at Bisley.
Dads cousin Yenzie still lives down in Ashburnham and
she can remember the family history well. On the church wall are memories to
the Hobdays, two cousins who were killed in WW1. Also apparently one of our
ancestors survived the Charge of the Light Brigade too.
Have a lovely time in England, you will love Penhurst.
The old farm is just rubble now but I have a very old painting of it, I
will send you a photo.
[5] Willa Norwood, email: wnor@networksplus.net (good in 2004).
[6] Website of Thomas French and Mary Stapley, http://familytrees.genopro.com/IainTait/CompleteTreeCompilation/default.htm?page=family-ThomasFrenchAndMaryStapley-fam04462.htm
[7] Penhurst Parish Register, copied from the original
handwritten book at the East Sussex Record Office in Lewes, Sussex, England in
June 2010 on Mara FrenchÕs research trip there. The Penhurst Parish Register
started in 1692.
[8] The National Archives website: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=179-par498&cid=-1#-1,
Parish of Wadhurst, East Sussex. The following data is unknown to this line:
Deed Poll of Assignment SAS-RF/1/196 3 Oct 1692
Contents:
By Elizabeth French, wife of Daniell French to Thomas Turner of
Brightling - for £60 of the said premises. Witnesses:- John Atkins, Thomas
French
Probate of the Will of this date of John French of
Brightling mercer SAS-RF/1/86 23 May 1713
Contents:
Bequest to John French, Thos. French, and Stephen
French, sons of testator's son John
French decd., of los. apiece at their ages
of 21 years. To John French, son of testator's son Edward French decd., of 10s.
at 21. yers. And to Edward French and Stephen French, sons of testator's son
Edward French 10s. equally between them
Devise to grandchild Edward French, son of the said
Edward French decd. of "my sent hold" messuage and mill called
Brightling windmill, together with certain "sent hold" lands in
Brightling containing 4 acres in the occupation of John King and which was
surrendered in September 1707 in Burwash Manor Court to the use of his Will
To grandchild Stephen French, son of the said Edward
French, the messuage or tenement with land and premises belonging on Brightling
Down in Brightling in the occupation of Thos. Waters and John King, held by
testator by Lease for lord Pelham or his ancestors
Devise of the messuages or tenement in which the
testator was dwelling with the land and premises belonging to daughter
Elizabeth the wife of Thomas Cover, for her life and after her decease to
Robert Cover in fee
To the said Elizabeth Cover the messuage, tenement,
lands and premises in Brightling near a place called Twelve Oakes, held on
Lease from Lord Pelham and in the occupation of William Pont and Widow Blewett
To granddaughter Elizabeth Cover £100 at 21 years. or
marriage To grandson Robert Cover, £50 at 21 years To Granddaughter Mary Cover,
£100 at 21 or marriage. To son, Christopher French, 20s. if he comes to demand
it
Residuary legatees and executors: Elizabeth Cover and
son Thomas Cover. Proved in P.C.C., 31 May, 1715
1.1 John French, wrote will on 23 May 1713, proved 31
May 1715
2.1 John French, deceased
by 1713
3.1 John
French, under 21 in 1713
3.2
Thomas French, under 21 in 1713
3.3
Stephen French, under 21 in 1713
2.2 Edward French, deceased
by 1713
3.1 John
French
3.2
Edward French
3.3
Stephen French
2.3 Elizabeth French, m.
Thomas Cover
3.1
Elizabeth Cover
3.2
Robert Cover
3.3 Mary
Cover
2.4 Christopher French
[9] Thomas French ca. 1570-1634 of Dallington, Lullington,
Ashburnham, and Brightling, Sussex, England. Website: http://www.mandywillard.co.uk/surnames/french/thomas_1570.htm.
Also see http://www.mandywillard.co.uk/surnames/french/family.htm.
[10] French family living in the Penhurst area in 2010 from
website http://www.thephonebook.bt.com/publisha.content/en/search/residential/search.publisha
1.
C French
Tel:
(01424) 838163
2, Pk Vw
, Brightling, Robertsbridge, TN32 5HE
2.
C French
Tel:
(01424) 838271
Glebe
Farmhouse , Brightling, TN32 5HE
3.
G French
Tel:
(01435) 865571
Beech Cott
, Old Heathfield, Heathfield, TN21 9AE
4.
J French
Tel:
(01424) 870966
31
Vinehall Fm Vinehall Rd, Mountfield, Robertsbridge, TN32 5JW
5.
J French
Tel:
(01424) 838563
Churchlands
, Brightling, Robertsbridge, TN32 5HG
6.
J.C French
Tel:
(01424) 893658
Pound
Cott The Pound, Ashburnham, Battle, TN33 9NR
7.
J.C French
Tel:
(01424) 892580
Pound
Cott The Pound, Ashburnham, Battle, TN33 9NR
8.
L.M French
Tel:
(01424) 773440
18 Loose
Fm Cott Rest Home Hastings Rd, Battle, TN33 0TG
9.
M French
Tel:
(01424) 773041
7 Mount
Joy, Battle, TN33 0EQ
10.
P French
Tel:
(01424) 870375
Little
Dorrells Main Rd, Whatlington, Battle, TN33 0NR
11.
S French
Tel:
(01424) 838258
3
Hollingrove, Brightling, TN32 5HU
[11] ancestry.com, also see http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/10529135/person/-625331331.
[12] ancestry.co.uk. Earlier Frenches in Penhurst or
Brightling, Sussex, England, from ancestry.co.uk, include:
John French, chr. 21 Mar 1566 in Brightling, son of
Henrieque French
John French, chr. 12 Jan 1658 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
Thomas French, chr. 18 Nov 1660 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
Stephen French, chr. 20 Jan 1662 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
Edward French, chr. 17 Mar 1667 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
Christopher French, chr. 3 Dec 1675 in Brightling, son
of John and Elizabeth French
Robert French, chr. 26 Jun 1678 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
John French, chr. 27 Mar 1692 in Brightling, son of
Edward and Hannah French
Joseph French, chr. 2 Apr 1693 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
Richard French, chr. 11 Mar 1694 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
Edward French, chr. 17 Mar 1695 in Brighting, son of
Edward and Hannah French
John French, chr. 24 Oct 1697 in Brightling, son of
John and Elizabeth French
Stephen French, chr. 12 Dec 1698 in Brightling, son of
Edward and Hannah French
Elizabeth French, chr. 30 Jun 1700 in Brightling, dau.
of John and Elizabeth French
Barbara French, chr. 16 Jul 1704 in Brightling, dau.
of John and Elizabeth French
Edward French, chr. 7 Dec 1720 in Brightling, son of
Edward and Sarah French
Stephen French, chr. 13 Nov 1723 in Brightling, son of
Edward and Sarah French
(No French records in Brightling for 150 years between 1723 – 1873).
Robert John French, chr. 17 Nov 1873 in Brightling,
son of Horace and Lucy French
Orpah French, chr. 3 Jan 1875 in Brightling, dau. of
Reuben and Caroline French
Archibald French, chr. 24 Jul 1887 in Brightling, son
of Horace and Lucy French
Victor Chester French, chr. 24 Jul 1890 in Brightling,
son of Horace and Lucy French
Grace French, chr. 7 Jun 1891 in Brightling, dau. of
John and Elizabeth (Maude) French
Clara (French), chr. 1 May 1853 in Brightling, dau. of
Harriet French
[13] Lawrence County, Tennessee Deaths, 1925-1938, Surnames
E-F: http://www.tngenweb.org/lawrence/lawdt38e.htm
[14] Find-A-Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/,
created by Paula McCarter Smith, send email to allenslady@hotmail.com.
[15] French researchers in Coshocton Co., OH: Linda
Appenzeller, appie@mhtc.net, and Stuart
French, sfrench789@yahoo.com,
website: http://coshoctonohio.pa-roots.com/FamilyTrees/leavengood.html
[16] Alan Fletcher, email: al_fletcher@comcast.net, email good
in 2010. Website: http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/2602001/person/805005977?ssrc=
[17] Anita Hooper, My gt gt grandfather was William Hook born circa 1803 in Penhurst Sussex. He married Mary French and they had many children (Thomas, Charlotte, Sarah, Jane, Rachel, Masiah) including my gt grandmother Elizabeth. William and Mary are buried in Penhurst churchyard yet depiste many attempts I have been unable to find their baptism or marriage although both giver Penhurst as their palce of birth and they seem to have lived there nearly all their lives. Is anyone out there decended from the Hook family or have any ideas? Thomas by the way was supposed to have been the strongest man in Sussex and had 13 daughters all over 6ft tall, a slight exaggeration I suspect but there may be a shred of truth in it.
[18] The National Archives, Parish of Ashburnham: Warrant to
arrest putative father, PAR233/34/2/17, 13 Jan 1824, Thomas French of Brighton,
painter, father of an illegitimate child to be born to Mary Maltman of
Ashburnham, single woman. Record PAR233/34/4/24, 11 May 1824, gives a
maintenance order to Thomas of Brighton, labourer (painter deleted) to pay £2
costs, 6s maintenance and 2s per week maintenance for his illegitimate son born
on 20 Mar 1824 to Mary Maltman of Ashburnham, single woman, who is to pay 6d
per week.