French Family Association

The Official Website of the Surname French

The House Surrounded by the Red Line is Cliff Cottage on French’s Walk in
Cuskinny, Cork Co., Ireland. The house is for sale. The next house eastward
is the home of the French family, French’s Walk leading from their woodland,
which is linked with Cliff Cottage [4]. East in this case is right
and the French home cannot be seen.
See location description below.

French Park is a dead end road with 7 houses. It may well be that those houses are built on land that has been sold off from what was part of the French property [3]. The port of Cobh is to the left and the area of the French home is east of, and outside, the city. Using the “e” in the word French’s Walk, the French cottage is directly under that, near the water. Directly above the “e” is a house (one of 7). That house is the house you can see at the top right of the aerial photo above this photo.

Chart #IREE, French Family of Cuskinny,
Cork Co., Ireland

This chart updated by Mara French on 3/31/09. Numbers in brackets [ ] show the source material 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: 2008, 2009.

Note:

This is a very extensive ffrench family. There is so much information online about them that I plan to include only a small part here. I am mainly trying to research the connection of the French, ffrench, and de Freyne families born in Ireland who immigrated to America. With this particular line, so far there are no immigrants to America.

I researched your line to the best of my ability trying to find immigrants to the U.S. The difficulty with the research was plentiful. Old records detailing a French family begin with the most prominent figure, then go on to his heir which is not necessarily his son, but the relationship is unexplained. Then in the middle of the record, they talk about the founder of the line in that particular city, but the relationship is unknown. Most first sons are documented because they inherited everything. The latter sons migrated to gain strength, and the daughters were hardly mentioned at all. Many of these latter children died unmarried. Several French men added surnames to their surname that were of royalty, usually from their mother’s side, such as, Conrad O’Brien-ffrench. I was able to construct more accurate lineages when I learned that tacking on “Fitz” to a name meant “son of”, such as James French Fitz-Edmund, Peter French Fitz-John, and Edmond French Fitz-Robuck [18], in other words, James was the son of Edmund French.

Origination of the Surnames ffrench and de Freynes

Surname French in Ireland from Counties Wexford, Roscommon, Galway, Cork, Mayo, etc.

Emigration, Irish Charts

Other Ireland Notes on the Surname French

Bibliography

History and Research

This family descends from Richard French who d. in 1651, leaving a bequest to the poor of St. Finn Barr’s parish (or St. Finbarry’s parish) in the city of Cork, which is still paid from property belonging to the family. His son, Dr. James French, was mayor of Cork in 1696. Matthew French was another son of Richard, who was ancestor through his fifth son, Alderman James French, of the families of French, of Marino and Cuskinny, County Cork [15].

The greater portion of the present estate are derived from George Towgood, a captain in the Cromwellian army, whose decendant, Mary Towgood, m. Savage French in 1729. She was the dau. of Sampson Towgood, Esq. of Goodwood, Co. Cork. [1].

First Generation

1.1* Richard French, b. ca. 1615 in Cork, d. in 1651, leaving a bequest to the poor of St. Finn Barr’s parish in the city of Cork, which is still paid from property belonging to the family. He m. Elizabeth and had 5 sons and 4 daughters [1].

St. Finn Barr’s Cathedral in Cork

Second Generation

Children of Richard and Elizabeth French, 1.1

They had issue: five sons and four daughters.

2.1 Edmond French, b. ca. 1640 in Cork [17], married and had issue [19].

2.2 Richard French, b. ca. 1642 in Cork [17].

2.3* Matthews French, b. ca. 1644 in Cork [17]. Esq. of Cork, m. Jane Dymond, sister of Captain Philip Dymond [15]. He was Justice of the Peace of Co. Cork, married, and had issue [19].

2.4 Bate French, b. ca. 1645 in Cork [17], Sheriff of Cork in 1688, married and had issue [19].

2.5 Elizabeth French, b. ca. 1647 in Cork [17], m. William French [19].

2.6 Sarah French, b. ca. 1649 in Cork [17]. She married Richard Newman in Cork before 1651. Richard d. 1693. Sarah d. 1692. Richard Newman was J.P. for the county of Cork, purchased Drunnneene from Sir Richard Kyrle, other land in County Cork incl. 4 messuages in city of Cork, above property became Manor of Newberry (ref. Landed Gentry of Ireland), will dated 12 Nov 1691, proved 27 Jan 1693/4 P.C. Ireland.

2.7 Martha French, b. ca. 1650 in Cork. Martha m. Thomas Frankland who was b. ca. 1645 in Cork [17]. Thomas was an ancestor of the Franklands of Ashgrove, Great Island, Co. Cork [19].

2.8 Anne French, b. ca. 1651 in Cork [17].

2.9* James French, b. ca. 1665 in Cork [17]. Mayor of Cork in 1696, the fifth son [15]. His will was proved 15 Nov 1711 [1]. He m. Elizabeth Savage Diamond, sister of Captains Philip and Edward Diamond, and had 6 sons and 2 daughters [1]. She was b. ca. 1670 in Cork, Ireland, the daughter of James Edward Diamond and Sarah Frances Lester [17]. See list of Lord Mayor of Cork. Although the early years are not shown, you will notice a Sean French who served as Mayor of Cork from 1925-1937 when he died in office. He was the longest serving Cork Lord Mayor since the foundation of the state. This Sean French was b. 29 May 1890 and died 12 Sep 1937 and was not the son of James. Perhaps the Sean French listed in 1976 was Sean’s son or grandson.

Boat on the river at French’s Quay, Cork. Frenche's Quay is named after James French who was a wine merchant in Cork in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. His house stood at the foot of Barrack Street adjoining present-day Frenche's Quay. James French was very prominent in the civic life of Cork. He was a member of Cork Corporation, a magistrate and was Mayor of Cork in 1696. His business interests dovetailed with his civic activities as he frequently supplied the wine which was drunk by the city fathers on festive occasions. His son Philip served as Mayor of Cork in 1715 and another son Abraham held the same office in 1717. It is quite likely that the Vikings had a settlement along what later became French's Quay [16].

Third Generation

Children of Matthew and Jane (Dymond) French, 2.3

3.1* Valentine French, born at Kinsale ca. 1668, son of Matthew French, esq. of Cork. He entered T.C.D. as Pensioner when 15 years old on 24 Apr 1684, and obtained a Scholarship in 1687. He was ordained Priest, at Cork, on 3 Oct 1692. From 1692 to 1697 he was R. Rathcoony, and from 1697 to his death in 1732, was R. V. Little Island. He was also from 1694 to 1697, a Vicar Choral of Cork; from 1697 to 1704, P. St. Michael’s; and from 1704 to 1732, P. Killaspugmullane. He held in 1696 the curacy of Ballydeloughy, and in 1704 that of Killaspugmullane. From 1718 to 1732 he was Dean of Ross, and from 1725 to 1732 Vicar of Carrigtwohil. He m. on 12 Apr 1705 to Anne Burrowed, of St. Multose, Kinsale [15].

3.2 second son [15].

3.3 third son [15].

3.4 fourth son [15].

3.5 Alderman James French of the families of French of Marino and Cuskinny, County Cork [15]. (fifth son) In 1705 Alderman James French of the city of Cork left one pound per annum to the poor of Kilbrogan, out of the holding known as French’s Slip (quay), a wharf on the Cork riverfront.

Children of James and Elizabeth (Diamond) French, 2.9

They had issue: six sons and two daughters.

3.6* Savage French, Esq. of Cork, b. 1704 [5] in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17], d. 12 Nov 1769 Marino Cork [5], will was approved 31 Jan 1770, m. 10 Jan 1729 to Mary Towgood, dau. of dau. and ultimate heir of George Towgood, Esq., by Catherine Crofts his wife, dau. and eventually co-heir of Alderman Christopher Crofts, of Cork, and had issue [1]. They were married at St. Nicholas, Cork, Ireland [17]. Mary d. in 1765 in Bath, England [17]. Will of Mary Towgood French [11]:

FRENCH MARY otherwise TOWGOOD, wife of SAVAGE FRENCH, parish of St Nicholas Cork. 1/11/1764.........My husband SAVAGE FRENCH exor. My eldest son SAMPSON TOWGOOD FRENCH. My 3 ygr sons SAVAGE FRENCH, RICHARD TEMPLE FRENCH and MATTHEW DEANE TOWGOOD FRENCH. My five dtrs. My dtr Elizabeth Savage French, my dtr Catherine French, my dtr Melian Towgood French, my dtr Sarah French and my dtr Dorcas French.

My estate in (Baronies of) East and West Carbery Co. Cork which devolved to me from my father and my deceased Uncle Sampson Towgood. Wit. John McDonald, Cork. linen Weaver, William O'Brien of South suburbs of said city, nailor. Thos. Costello Glasseen, suburbs of said city linen weaver and bleacher. Memorial witnessed by Thos. Costello James Wherland the younger Cork Gent. Savage French (seal) Source Registry of deeds Vol.2 1746/1780

3.7 Richard French, b. ca. 1705 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17].

3.8 James French, b. ca. 1706 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17].

3.9 Philip French, b. ca. 1707 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. This date must be incorrect as he was Sheriff in 1712. Served as Sheriff of Cork in 1712 [19], and Mayor of Cork in 1715 [16]. Philip m. Penelope Townshend in 1713 and d. between Nov 1733 and March 1734. They had issue, a daughter Elizabeth, b. ca. 1713.

3.10 Abraham French, b. ca. 1708 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. Served as Mayor of Cork in 1717 [16].

3.11 Edward French, b. ca. 1709 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17].

3.12 Susanna French, b. ca. 1710 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. She m. on 5 Sep 1698 to Richard Cox, Esq., eldest son of Sir Richard Cox, Bart., lord chancellor of Ireland [1]. They had 2 children: Mary Cox and Richard Cox [19].

3.13 Frances French, b. ca. 1711 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17].

Fourth Generation

Children of Valentine and Anne (Burrowed) French, 3.1

4.1 Valentine French, b. in Cork in 1712, entered T.C.D. in 1730, being then 18 years old.

4.2 Dean French d. in Oct 1732 before the 21^st of that month. He had daughter Anne, m. 1734 to William Johnson, Esq. [15].

4.3 Laurence French [15].

4.4 Jane French [15].

4.5 Martha French [15].

Children of Savage and Mary (Towgood) French, 3.6

They had 15 children: 8 sons and 7 daughters.

4.6 Charles Savage French, b. 26 Jan 1732 in Cork, Ireland [17].

4.7 George Towgood French, b. 25 Feb 1733 in Cork, Ireland [17].

4.8 James French, b. 25 Mar 1734 in Cork, Ireland [17]. This James just have died in his youth, as another son was named James in 1744, 11 years later. According to Ref [17], he d. 8 Mar 1736.

4.9 Melian Elizabeth French, b. 8 Nov 1738 in St. Finbarry, Cork, Ireland [17]. Died young [5].

4.10 Mary Towgood French, b. 7 Mar 1739 in St. Finbarry’s, Cork, Ireland [18].

4.11 Catherine French [11] [14], b. 12 Sep 1741 in St. Finbarry, Cork, Ireland [17], m. Rev. Michael Henry Becher on 10 Jan 1767 at St. Nicholas, Cork, Ireland, and had 6 children: Mary, John, Michael, Helena, George, and Elizabeth [12]. Michael Henry Becher was born in 1735, the third son of John Becher and Mary Townsend [14]. Catherine's grandson (son of her son Michael Henry Becher) was named Richard Savage French Fane Becher in 1837 in honour of his Great Grandfather Savage French [14]. Catherine was mentioned in her mother’s will of 1/11/1764.

4.12* Savage French, b. 18 Oct 1742 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17] [5], d. 8 Nov 1805 [5] in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17], Esq. of Cuskinny, who m. Mary Millard on 29 Sep 1770 [1] [5]. She was b. ca. 1747, the dau. of Rev. Thomas Millard, and she d. 23 Mar 1815 in Marino, Cork [5]. Mentioned in his mother’s will, 1/11/1764. They had issue.

4.13 James French, b. 15 Jan 1744 in Cork, Ireland [17]. This son must have died before 1764, as he is not mentioned in his mother’s will.

4.14 Melian Towgood French [11], bp. St. Finbars, Cork, Ireland on 10 Jun 1745. Melian was mentioned in her mother’s will of 1/11/1764. She m. Morgan O’Donovan in 1766 [17]. He was b. in Ballincalleh, Cork, Ireland [17] Melian d. 1813. They had 7 children: Morgan, Savage, Philip, Sampson Towgood, Henry Becher, Mary Towgood, and Ann Becher O’Donovan, all born between 1769-1776 in Ballincalleh, Cork, Ireland [17].

4.15 Sarah French [11], b. 7 Nov 1746 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. Sarah was mentioned in her mother’s will of 1/11/1764.

4.16 Dorcas French [11], b. 20 Feb 1748 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. Dorcas was mentioned in her mother’s will of 1/11/1764.

4.17 Sampson Towgood French [11], b. ca. 1749 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. He was mentioned in his mother’s will of 1/11/1764.

4.18 Richard Temple French [11], b. ca. 1750 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. Mentioned in his mother’s will as one of her three younger sons of 1/11/1764. Richard m. Honora Hamen who was b. ca. 1755 in Limerick, Ireland [17]. They had 2 children: Mary Towgood French and William French, who was b. ca. 1812 in Cork, Ireland [17].

4.19 Matthew Deane French [11], b. 13 Apr 1751 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. Mentioned in his mother’s will as one of her three younger sons of 1/11/1764. Matthew d. 11 Jun 1784 in Bath, Somerset, England [17].

4.20 Elizabeth Savage French [11], b. ca. 1752 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17]. Mentioned in her mother’s will of 1/11/1764.

Fifth Generation

Children of Savage and Mary (Millard) French, 4.12

5.1* Savage French, heir, Esq. of Cuskinny, b. 1776 in Marino, Cork, Ireland, d. 25 Nov 1834 in Cuskinny [5], m. 2 Sep 1806 to Clotilda-Elizabeth Dring, the dau. of the Rev. Robert Dring of Rock Grove, Co. Cork [1] [5] [7]. They were married in Carrigtwohill, Cork, Ireland [18]. She was b. ca. 1768 in Rock Grove Cork, d. 9 Aug 1832 in Cuskinny [5]. Savage d. 28 Nov 1834. They had issue [1]. He graduated on 20 May 1795 at age 18 from the University of Oxford and received a B.A. in 1799 and an M.A. in 1802, bar-at-law, at Middle Temple in 1804, as the brother of Thomas who received his degree in 1798 from the University of Oxford [6]. Savage received a certificate issued in the County of Cork with respect to the killing of game in 1779 [9].

5.2* Thomas George French, b. 8 Aug 1780 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17], m. 11 May 1811 to Charlotte-Granville Grenfell, dau. of Pascoe Grenfell, Esq., M.P. of Taplow House, Co. Bucks [1]. She d. Mar 1845. Thomas received his degree on 9 Nov 1798, age 18 from the University of Oxford, and his B.A. in 1801 at Worcester College, Oxford [1] [6]. He was deacon at Cloyne on 12 Sep 1802, and was J.P. for Co. Cork, and resided at Marino, Passage West [15]. He d. 1866, brother of Savage who graduated in 1795 from the University of Oxford [1] [6]. Thomas was a magistrate for Co. Cork and Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club. They had issue.

5.3 Sampson-Towgood French, b. ca. 1782 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [17], d. unmarried in 1831 [1].

Sixth Generation

Children of Savage and Clotilda-Elizabeth (Dring) French, 5.1

They had issue of 14 children: five sons and nine daughters [1].

6.1* Sampson-Towgood-Wynne French, of Cuskinny, Co. Cork, J.P., b. 19 Jul 1807 in Cuskinny, Cork, Ireland, d. 12 Nov 1878 [1] [5], m. 12 Sep 1837 to Phebe-Maria Perry, youngest dau. of Samuel Perry, Esq. of Woodrooff, Co. Tipperary and his wife Hon. Deborah Prittie, sister of the late Lord Dunalley [1]. Phoebe was b. ca. 1815 in Woodruffe, Co. Tipperary [7] and d. 7 Sep 1893 [5] in Cuskinny, Cork, Ireland [7]. Sampson received his degree on 16 Jun 1859, age 18 from the University of Oxford [6]. He had issue [1]. He owned 5,310 acres in Cuskinny.

6.2 Robert-Dring French, R.N., b. 2 Oct 1808 in Marino, Cork, Ireland, d. 24 Mar 1838, age 30 [1].

6.3 Elinor-Elizabeth French [1], b. ca. 1810 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 2 Apr 1885 [17].

6.4 Maria-Clothilda French, b. ca. 1811 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 27 Feb 1828 or 1830 [17] [1].

6.5 Elizabeth-Frances French, b. ca. 1813 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 3 Aug 1830, probably also of cowpox as her sister Frances [1].

6.6 Frances-Melian French, b. 8 Nov 1814 in Cuskinny, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 24 Feb 1830 of cowpox, d. unmarried [5] [1].

6.7 Helen-Louisa French [1], b. ca. 1815 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 11 Feb 1892 [17].

6.8 Henrietta-Catherine French, b. ca. 1816 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 5 Apr 1829 [1].

6.9 Charlotte-Georgina French, b. ca. 1818 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18] [1], d. 30 Dec 1884 [17].

6.10 Georgina-Wilhelmina-Temple French [1], b. ca. 1820 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 27 Jan 1903 [17].

6.11 Melina-Dorothea French [1], b. 25 Jan 1823 in Cuskinny, Cobh, Cork, Ireland [18], d. 4 Dec 1905 at Retreat, died unmarried [5].

6.12* Thomas-Fitz-Gerald French [1], b. 25 Jan 1825 in Cuskinny, Cork, Ireland, d. 30 Dec 1884 [17], m. 28 Jun 1859 to Harriet-Selina Molloy, second dau. of James Molony, Esq. of Kiltanon, Co. Clare and had one dau. and five sons [1] [5]. Harriet-Selina was b. ca. 1839 in Kitanon Cla [5]. They had dau. Agnes Melian French, b. 21 Oct 1868 in Cuskinny, Cobh Cork, died unmarried [5]. He was rector of Castleconnell [1].

6.13 Matthew-Deane-Towgood French, R.N., b. ca. 1826 in Cuskinny, Cobh, Cork, Ireland [18], d. in Tahiti on 16 Dec 1813 on board H.M.S. “Basilisk” [1].

6.14 William Temple French, b. 26 Jul 1831, d. 9 Sep 1851 age 20 in Marino, Cork, Ireland [18] [1].

Children of Thomas George and Charlotte-Granville (Grenfell) French, 5.2

6.15 Pascoe-Savage French, b. 1 Dec 1814/15 at Marino, Cork, Ireland [1]. Only son. He owned 2,849 acres in Cuskinny. He d. 24 Sep 1893 at age 77 in Marino.

6.16 Georgiana-Hill French [1].

6.17 Emily-Grenfell French [1].

6.18 Louisa-Augusta French, m. Hon. Robert Hare, and d. in 1853 [1].

6.19 Henrietta-Caroline French [1].

6.20 Eleanor-Dorcas French [1], m. 12 Jan 1859 to Major Stuart, R. E. [1].

Seventh Generation

Children of Sampson and Phebe-Maria (Perry) French, 6.1

7.1* Savage French, b. 25 Jun 1840 of Christ Church, Oxford [1] [7], d. 19 Sep 1922, m. 29 Apr 1869 to Frances (Fanny) Maria Gough, dau. of George Cough of Rathronan. She was b. 1844 in Rathronan House, Clonmel, Tipperary, Ireland, d. 12 Nov 1935 [5]. Ref [7] says he d. 19 Sep 1922. Ref [2] says he m. Lady Mary Aldworth and died in 1922 [2]. He received his degree on 16 Jun 1859, age 18 from the University of Oxford, his B.A. in 1863 [6].

Lady Mary Aldworth (1840s-1920). Lady Mary Aldworth was born in Bandon, Co. Cork, daughter of Francis Bernard, 3rd Earl of Bandon. She married Colonel Richard William Aldworth of Newmarket Railway Company and was its principal supporter and promoter. Lady Mary was also involved in the development of the railway. She attended meetings for many years during the building of the railway from Banteer to Newmarket. In 1888, she turned the first sod of the railway and remained interested in the work. When the line was opened on November 30th 1889, she drove the last spike into position and a celebration lunch was held afterwards at Newmarket Court. The Folklore Commission report in University Collage Dublin states that "Lady Mary Aldworth of Newmarket had a dog which died and over which she erected a headstone which cost £30. It may still be seen in the neighbourhood of Newmarket". The dog's name was Coppy as can be seen from the photograph of the headstone. Lady Mary is often confused with Lady Elizabeth, the only Lady Freemason who lived one hundred years before her. See website: http://www.bbgreenway.org/ heritage/newmarketcourt.htm. See her diary about the senior officer on the coast of Ireland, website: http://www.kinghallconnections.com/17-qtn.html

7.2 Samson Towgood Wynne French (twin), b. 17 Mar 1842 [1] [7], in Cuskinny, Cork, and d. Mar 1842 in Cuskinny, Cork, Ireland [1]. Both twins died in infancy.

7.3 Henry Thomas French (twin), b. 17 Mar 1842, d. Mar 1842 [1] [7]. Both twins died in infancy.

7.4 Samson Towgood Samuel French, b. 28 Jun 1843, d. 22 Feb 1847 in Cuskinny, Cork [1] [7].

7.5 Deborah French [1], b. 1843 in Cuskinny, Cork, and d. 26 Aug 1858, age 15 [7].

7.6 Elizabeth-Anne French [1], b. ca. 1844 in Cuskinny, Cork, and d. in Sep 1871 [7].

7.7 Caroline-Mary French [1], b. in Cuskinny, Cork, and d. 6 Apr 1873 [7]. She m. Joseph Sladen Esq., son of Joseph Saint Barbe Sladen and Elizabeth Banks on 1 Nov 1864/65, and had 4 children: Arthur, Lawrence, Sampson, and Ernest [7].

7.8 Phoebe-Maria-Catherine French (or Phebe) [1], b. ca. 1846 in Cuskinny, Cork [7].

Children of Thomas Fitzgerald and Harriet Selina (Molony) French, 6.12

They had 9 children: 6 sons and 3 daughters, all born in Cuskinny, Cork, Ireland [17].

7.9 Lucy Selina French, b. 10 Apr 1860 [17].

7.10 Fitzgerald Charles French, b. 1 May 1861 [17].

7.11 Riversdale Sampson French, b. 28 Dec 1862 [17].

7.12 Deane French (female), b. 28 May 1964 [17].

7.13 Arthur James French, b. 3 Oct 1865 [17].

7.14 Raymond William French, b. 11 May 1867 [17].

7.15 Agnes Melian French, b. 21 Oct 1868 [17].

7.16 Frederick Beresford French, b. 18 Nov 1869, d. 5 Dec 1875, age 6 [17].

7.17 Henry O’Donovan French, b. 12 Apr 1872 [17].

Eighth Generation

Children of Savage and Fraces Maria (Gough) French, 7.1

8.1 Sampson Gough French, b. 23 Jan 1870 in Cuskinny, Cork, d. 12 Feb 1900 [7].

8.2 Hugh French, b. 30 Jul 1871 in Cuskinny, Cork [7].

8.3 Capt. Charles Newenham French, chr. 13 Jul 1875 in Cuskinny, Cork [7].

8.4 Lieut. Wilfred Frankland French, b. 9 Nov 1880 in Cuskinny, Cork [7].

8.5 Mary Charlotte French, b. ca. 1880 in Cuskinny, Cork [7].

8.6 Marjorie Harriette French, b. ca. 1881 in Cuskinny, Cork [7].

8.7 Dorothy Melian French, b. 18 Aug 1884 in Cuskinny, Cork [7], d. 12 May 1979, m. 19 Dec 1911 to Francis H. W. Goolden who was b. ca. 1882, eldest son of Edwin G. Goolden of Crookhame Grove Berks, England [5] and had 2 children: Joyce Majorie Goolden, b. ca. 1912 in Cookham Grove, Cookham, Berkshire, England, and Wanda Melian Goolden, b. ca. 1913 in Cuskinny, Cork, Ireland [7].

The Cuskinny House of Savage French

"Cuskinny House”, the old French house is on the Western shore of Cuskinny Bay. The Tay Road ends at the gates and gate lodge of the house (i.e. at the South Eastern end of the road). The house is in the middle of this aerial view, surrounded by grassy areas and then by trees. The buildings are those near the water. There are farm buildings to the North West of it. You can make out the southern end of the Tay road. It comes in at an angle from the top of the photo. See: http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/cgi-bin/displayimage.cgi?id=3088&size=f&type=a1. Also see: http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/cgi-bin/viewsite.cgi?siteid=3088

The Cuskinnny House is to the right of the word “Cuskinny” near the shore, not the larger letters saying Cuskinny. See website: http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/cgi-bin/displayimage.cgi?id=3088&size=f&type=m1

Getting a map of this area is difficult. Website: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Cuskinny&ie=UTF8&ll=51.857742,-8.267083&spn=0.002949,0.006866&t=k&z=17

The townland is Cuskinny, parish is Templerobin, barony is Barrymore, Queenstown No, 1 (Rural). The landowner for houses No. 1 to 6 is Savage FRENCH. Landowner for houses No. 7 to 9 is Lady Mary ALDWORTH, and it seems evident that the coachman in No. 8 is employed by Lady Mary. The picture in my mind is of two large houses which are probably in a rural area, East of Cobh. Some servants for these two houses live in smaller houses nearby, while others live in the "big house". If anyone out there is familiar with the area, I wonder if they know if these houses are still in existence, perhaps used for some other purpose in this more modern age? Or, if long gone, can tell me roughly where they were on a modern map of the Cuskinny area? I know, once you find out a bit more about a family in the past, you get nosey trying to put together a fuller picture of that life. Would appreciate any snippets of info about Cuskinny in 1911. Thanks Art Pearse in Ontario, Canada 2006

"Cuskinny House”, the old French house is on the Western shore of Cuskinny Bay. The Tay Road ends at the gates and gate lodge of the house (i.e. at the South Eastern end of the road). You might be able to find it on Google Earth.

The buildings are those near the water. There are farm buildings to the North West of it.

You can make out the Southern end of the Tay road. It comes in at an angle from the top of the photo, about 2/3rds across from the left to right.

Talk has it that the Tay Road is so named because the French family would travel along it to take tea with a family (name?) on the Western side of Cobh - and v.v. "

The aerial view given by the estate agent appears to be further west than the satellite view I originally looked at. Cuskinny House appeared to be in a more rural area. Today's satellite view is much less clear. I don't know how often a satellite view is renewed.

The 1911 census, as well as confirming the family names also gave us a building return showing that there were two 1st class and seven 2nd class houses in that immediate area. The Savage French house had 35 rooms, 13 front windows, 16 outbuildings. Lady Aldworth's house had 12 rooms, 9 front windows, and 8 outbuildings.

The other seven houses were more modest. Email from Art Pearse, Nov 2008.

Location of the French Cuskinny House

Ref [3] Art Pearse sent me the following email:
By making adjustments to my system, I was able to greatly improve my reading of the satellite view. Took me a long time to reconcile the aerial and satellite views. So, for what it's worth, here are my observations, based on some knowledge and some guessing.

Though difficult to see on satellite, Cliff Cottage is approx. 500 feet from the end of the road marked French's Walk, and close to the water.

In satellite view, there are 7 houses at the east end of French's Walk, 5 on North side of road, 2 on South side. The house visible at the top right of the aerial view is the first of the houses on the North side.

I think the large property which is approx 1800 feet Northeast of Cliff Cottage contains the French house. A red blob near the house is perhaps a tree. The square area North of that is perhaps a formal garden. Art in Ontario, Canada.

Bibliography

[1] From A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland, by Bernard Burke, Published by Harrison, 1858, 1404 pages. Website:
http://books.google.com/books?id=CZNmAAAAMAAJ&dq=Carrorea+Galway+Ireland&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0

[2] Karen Bell, Email: JAKS-Corner@T-Online.de (email good in 2006 – no longer good in 2009).

[3] Art Pearse, Email: apearse@muskoka.com (email good in 2008).

[4] Spencer Auctioneers, Cliff Cottage, Cobh, Co. Cork for sale by private treaty in one lot, price €1.0 million in 2008. This website may be deleted when the property is sold, but it tells somethings about the French house. Website:
http://www.spencerauctioneers.com/cliffcottage.htm

Cliff Cottage on French’s Walk, Cobh, Co. Cork

Surrounded by its own historic woodlands and gardens, the property (Cliff Cottage) is one of a few "elegant villas" in "wooded demesnes" accessed from French's Walk. The next house eastward is Cuskinny, the home of the French family (French's Walk leading from their woodland), which is linked with Cliff Cottage by plant exchange.

Cobh, formerly the country's main emigration port, is a striking town - with many distinctive streets climbing the steep slope of a hill on top of which is St. Colman's Cathedral. Cobh has a wide range of banks, shops and commercial facilities, together with a good selection of pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. The town has a large number of luxury cruise liners and Tall Ships visiting the deep water terminal, all of which will pass close to Cliff Cottage. Cultural facilities and entertainments, often focused on Cobh's strategic location and its rich maritime history include Cobh Museum, the Sirius Arts Centre, "The Queenstown Story", Cork Harbour cruises and the Titanic Trail. With over 5 km of water frontage, Cobh is popular for a wide range of water based activities including wind surfing, sailing and deep sea fishing, whilst the Promenade provides easy walking with superb town, park and sea views.

The house is listed on the Register of Protected Structures on the 2005 Development Plan, which records the property as having pitched slate roof with rendered chimney stacks, rendered walls, timber sash windows, and timber paneled door. The property is described as: "This early nineteenth century house is representative of the villa style architecture that was employed in the residential development of Cobh throughout the nineteenth century. Set overlooking the sea, this fine building forms part of the picturesque nineteenth century urban fabric that makes Cobh a unique and architecturally significant town."

Directions to Property: From Pearses Square go West along West Beach, East Beach and up the hill, bearing right into Harbour Row. Follow this to the end and at the intersection in the dip, go straight on up East Hill. Follow the main road as it bears left through a row of houses and then right. Take the next turning right between a pillar and a wall into French's Walk. Proceed over three speed bumps and where the road widens, bear right downhill over a new tarmacadam driveway. Ignore the fork to the left and continue down to the property.

[5] Family Tree, search for French. Website:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~nickred/trees/melian.PDF Chart prepared by Nick Reddan from data supplied by Rosemary Coleby.

[6] Alumni Oxonienses by the University of Oxford, Joseph Foster, p. 495-496. Website:
http://books.google.com/books?id=sxwFAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA496&lpg=PA496&dq=Cuskinny+Sampson+Towgood+Wynne+French&source=bl&ots=V04DoEYnQM&sig=ri7SY-ddIKcuknGtoJsWrYvcCU8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PPA495,M1 1715-1886 including their parentage, birthplace and year of birth with a record of their degrees, by Joseph Foster, 1891.

[7] Irish Descendants of Richard Perry and Mary Malbon, website:
http://www.jessandra.de/perryofwoodroofe/d1.htm Website by Karen Bell, see Ref [2], Hauptstrasse 38, 56244 Freirachdorf, Germany, email: rakobell@yahoo.de

[8] The Peerage, website: http://www.thepeerage.com/p27182.htm

[9] Certificates Issued in the County o Cork with respect to the killing of Game, from the New Cork Evening Post, Monday 24 Mar 1800. Website:
http://www.corkrecords.com/KillingOfGameCounty.htm

[10] The History of the County and City of Cork, by Charles Bernard. Website:
http://books.google.com/books?id=j-eJYkRRda8C&pg=PA412&lpg=PA412&dq=French+Marino+Cork+Ireland&source=web&ots=hXpWuu15Pl&sig=AEMxq_ZMBPSK753QZpxXo_fRpig&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result p. 412.

[11] Lorraine, Email: rainel2@bigpond.com, sent the will of Mary Towgood French. Apparently Philip French was brother of Savage Fr. ?His dtr(?) Eliz Fr. md Wm Baldwin, brother to my 5xgt gm Elizabeth Baldwin of Curravody. You probably have Thomas Beecher's will. If not, is on my site. Philip's will is going to be on my site also, as it contains info re wits. relevant to my ancestors.

[12] The Becher Family of Cork, Website:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~becher/index.htm

[13] Family of Ronayne or Ronan, website:
http://ronayne.dyndns.org/phpGedView/index.php?command=gedcom Click on Search, and then enter French for many more ancestors in this French line.

[14] Jenny Stiles, jstiles@optusnet.com.au, website: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~becher/index.htm. Jenny is daughter of a Becher. She writes: I have just been reading your interesting website on the Irish French family. I wondered if you know when "Cuskinny" was built? Is it the same one that the family would have lived in the 1700's? My connection is through Catherine FRENCH, born on the 12th September 1741 & the daughter of Savage FRENCH & Mary TOWGOOD. However, your chart shows her married to Samuel Townsend, when in fact she married the Rev Michael Henry BECHER on the 10th Jan 1767 at St Nicholas, Cork. The childrens names on the chart are correct. I have not been able to find a date of death for Catherine [FRENCH] BECHER, so if you ever come across it, I would love to know. Catherine's grandson [son of her son Michael Henry Becher] was named Richard Savage French Fane BECHER in 1837 in honour of his Great Grandfather Savage FRENCH.

[15] Clerical and Parochial Records of Cork, Cloyne, and Ross, by William Maziere Brady, 1864, p. 428, taken from Diocesan and Parish Registries in the principal libraries and public offices of Oxford, Dublin, and London, and from private or family papers. Website: http://books.google.com/books?id=q18NAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Clerical+and+Parochial+Records+of+Cork+Cloyne&ei=pXfRSeH4A43aMZu2qcoP