| Notes |
- Lieutenant William French's story begins in the quaint town of Halstead, Essex, England, where he was born on March 15, 1603. His life took a pivotal turn in 1635 when he, his wife Elizabeth, and their young children embarked on the "Defence" for the New World. This journey was not without its trials; the ship faced storms and a perilous leak, but ultimately, they arrived safely in Boston on October 3, 1635.
William's life in the New World was one of service and leadership. He first settled in Newtown, now Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he purchased land in 1639. His involvement in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston, where he served as Junior Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Ensign, showcased his commitment to the community's defense and governance.
In 1652/3, William moved to Billerica, Massachusetts, becoming one of its original proprietors. His roles in the town were varied and significant. He was appointed to solemnize marriages, chosen to sit in the Deacon's seat, and served as a commissioner to establish country rates. As one of the first selectmen, he held a position of trust and responsibility, reflecting the community's confidence in his leadership.
William's dedication to education and religious instruction was evident in his service on a committee to examine children and servants in reading, religion, and the catechism. His political involvement extended to being the first Deputy or Representative of Billerica in the General Court at Boston.
His first wife, Elizabeth, passed away in 1668, and he later married Mary (Lathrop) Stearns, the widow of John Stearns. This union brought together a large blended family, with children from both marriages.
William's commitment to the cause of Indian instruction is highlighted in his letter to a friend in England, which was published as the tract "Strength out of Weakness." This work provided a detailed account of the testimony of an Indian convert, illustrating his interest in cross-cultural relations and religious outreach.
William French passed away on November 20, 1681, in Billerica, leaving behind a legacy of public service, community leadership, and a commitment to the betterment of his adopted homeland. His life story is a testament to the challenges and opportunities faced by early American settlers and the significant role they played in shaping the history of the United States.
- The official website of the surname French has excellent information on the French family including Thomas French.
http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTSWEB/ChartEB.htm
LIEUT. WILLIAM FRENCH
Immigrant in the "Defence" 1635 from Hartwick
Lieut. William French or Frenche, tailor, son of Thomas and Anne French, born 15 March 1603 at Halstead, Co. Essex, England, died 20 Nov 1681 aged 78 Billerica, Middlesex Co., Ma. William married 1st in England, Elizabeth ( ), born 1603 Canturbury, England and died 31 March 1668 at Cambridge, Ma. The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy by F. A. Virkus, v. 7, p. 852 says William French's wife was Elizabeth Godfrey. William married 2nd to Mary (Lathrop) Stearns, the daughter of Thomas Lathrop of Barnstable, and the widow of John Stearns, she later married Isaac Mixter. William, as shown by the record in the custom house, came with his family in the Defense from London, England in 1635 when he was aged 32, wife Elizabeth 30, Francis 10, Elizabeth 6, Marie 2 1/2, John 5 mo's. In the winter of 1634 he sailed in the "Defense" from Hartwick, but the vessel was driven back by storms and the journey was postponed until summer. Sailing once more proved perilous for the ship sprang a leak, but arrived safely at Boston, Ma. on October 3rd, 1635. Admitted freeman 1636. Educator. He settled first at Newtown where he purchased land in 1639, now called Cambridge. When the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston was organized William was an early member and held the rank of Junior Sergeant in 1643, First Sergeant in 1646, and Ensign in 1650. He also became a member of the militia company at Cambridge of which he was made Lieutenant on March 26, 1647, and later Captain. In 1652/3 he removed to Billerica, eighteen miles north of Boston, where he was one of the original proprietors. Appointed to solemnize marriages. He held many offices of trust, showing that much confidence was placed in him when to hold office was to bear great responsibility. In 1659 he was chosen "to sit in the Deacon's seat", and appointed comitioner to establish the cuntry rates. In 1660 he was one of the first selectmen and served nine years. In 1661 he served on a committee to examine children and servants in "reading, religion, and the catechism." In 1660 he was the first Deputy or Representative of Billerica in the General Court at Boston, taking his seat in 1663. Evidence of his activity in the cause of Indian instruction is found in a letter written by him to "a godly friend in England," the famous tract entitled "Strength out of Weakness" published in London and re-printed by the Boston Historical Society, (Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 3d S. vol. iv. p. 149-196) in which he gives a detailed account of the testimony of an Indian convert. His land in the town amounted to two hundred and fifty acres, which were increased by subsequent allotments in later divisions.
Children: of William and Elizabeth French
FRANCIS b. Eng. abt 1624, m. Lydia Bunnell
Elizabeth b. Eng. abt. 1629, m. Robert Eliot of Dedham
Mary b. Eng. abt. Jan 1633, m. Nathaniel Dunkler
John b. Eng. abt Feb 1635, bp. by Mr. Hooker in Cambridge
m. Abigail Coggan
Sarah b. Cambridge March 1638, prob. d. young
Jacob b. Cambridge 16 March 1640, d. 20 May 1713 aged 73 Billerica, m. Mary Champney
Hannah b. Cambridge 12 April 1641, d. 20 June 1642
Hannah b. Cambridge 16 Feb 1644,
m. 6 Sept 1661 John Brackett, had nine ch.
Samuel b. Cambridge 3 Dec 1645, d. 15 July 1646
Samuel b. abt 1648, m. Sarah Cummings
Children: of William and Mary French
Mary b. Billerica 3 Apr 1670, m. Mr. Sharp
Sarah b. 29 Oct 1671, m. Joseph Crosby, had twelve ch.
Abigail b. 14 Apr 1673, d. 13 Apr 1674
Hannah b. 25 Jan 1676, m. John Childs
Contact:
Susan Dorris
dorris@onecliq.net
IMMIGRANT ANCESTORLIEUT. WILLIAM FRENCHImmigrant in the "Defence" 1635 from Hartwick
Lieut. William French or Frenche, tailor, son of Thomas and Anne French, born 15 March 1603 at Halstead, Co. Essex, England, died 20 Nov 1681 aged 78 Billerica, Middlesex Co., Ma. William married 1st in England, Elizabeth ( ), born 1603 Canturbury, England and died 31 March 1668 at Cambridge, Ma. The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy by F. A. Virkus, v. 7, p. 852 says William French's wife was Elizabeth Godfrey. William married 2nd to Mary (Lathrop) Stearns, the daughter of Thomas Lathrop of Barnstable, and the widow of John Stearns, she later married Isaac Mixter. William, as shown by the record in the custom house, came with his family in the Defense from London, England in 1635 when he was aged 32, wife Elizabeth 30, Francis 10, Elizabeth 6, Marie 2 1/2, John 5 mo's. In the winter of 1634 he sailed in the "Defense" from Hartwick, but the vessel was driven back by storms and the journey was postponed until summer. Sailing once more proved perilous for the ship sprang a leak, but arrived safely at Boston, Ma. on October 3rd, 1635. Admitted freeman 1636. Educator. He settled first at Newtown where he purchased land in 1639, now called Cambridge. When the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston was organized William was an early member and held the rank of Junior Sergeant in 1643, First Sergeant in 1646, and Ensign in 1650. He also became a member of the militia company at Cambridge of which he was made Lieutenant on March 26, 1647, and later Captain. In 1652/3 he removed to Billerica, eighteen miles north of Boston, where he was one of the original proprietors. Appointed to solemnize marriages. He held many offices of trust, showing that much confidence was placed in him when to hold office was to bear great responsibility. In 1659 he was chosen "to sit in the Deacon's seat", and appointed comitioner to establish the cuntry rates. In 1660 he was one of the first selectmen and served nine years. In 1661 he served on a committee to examine children and servants in "reading, religion, and the catechism." In 1660 he was the first Deputy or Representative of Billerica in the General Court at Boston, taking his seat in 1663. Evidence of his activity in the cause of Indian instruction is found in a letter written by him to "a godly friend in England," the famous tract entitled "Strength out of Weakness" published in London and re-printed by the Boston Historical Society, (Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 3d S. vol. iv. p. 149-196) in which he gives a detailed account of the testimony of an Indian convert. His land in the town amounted to two hundred and fifty acres, which were increased by subsequent allotments in later divisions.
Children: of William and Elizabeth French
FRANCIS b. Eng. abt 1624, m. Lydia Bunnell
Elizabeth b. Eng. abt. 1629, m. Robert Eliot of Dedham
Mary b. Eng. abt. Jan 1633, m. Nathaniel Dunkler
John b. Eng. abt Feb 1635, bp. by Mr. Hooker in Cambridge
m. Abigail Coggan
Sarah b. Cambridge March 1638, prob. d. young
Jacob b. Cambridge 16 March 1640, d. 20 May 1713 aged 73 Billerica, m. Mary Champney
Hannah b. Cambridge 12 April 1641, d. 20 June 1642
Hannah b. Cambridge 16 Feb 1644,
m. 6 Sept 1661 John Brackett, had nine ch.
Samuel b. Cambridge 3 Dec 1645, d. 15 July 1646
Samuel b. abt 1648, m. Sarah Cummings
Children: of William and Mary French
Mary b. Billerica 3 Apr 1670, m. Mr. Sharp
Sarah b. 29 Oct 1671, m. Joseph Crosby, had twelve ch.
Abigail b. 14 Apr 1673, d. 13 Apr 1674
Hannah b. 25 Jan 1676, m. John Childs
Contact:
Susan Dorris
dorris@onecliq.net
Back
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/il/topic/history/FrenchWilliam.html
Found here: http://ntgen.tripod.com/bw/french_index.html
Note: References below to "TGM" are for the "The Great Migration", Vol 2, sketch of William French, released in 2001, by Anderson, Sanborn and Sanborn. This is the latest and greatest material on William French of Cambridge.
Origins
The origins of William French are unknown. I quote another researcher: "There are so many discrepancies and suppositions concerning the English ancestry of William FRENCH that it is best to omit all references to possibilities until such time as the conflicts are resolved."
He definitely was not the William French reported in earlier genealogies as baptized in Halstead, Essex, England, on 15 Mar 1603; as a 1637 London, England, will for another William French has been found and proved to be the one born in Halstead. See NEHGR 65:284-86 and TGM.
His origins are reported as unknown in TGM.
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The Immigrant
Born: About 1603-5. Per reference in his will that he was 76 when he made his will in 1679 = 1603. Age on passenger list was 30 in 1635 = 1605.
Immigrated: 1635 on the ship Defence, probably with first wife, Elizabeth (___) and four children, ages 5 months to age 10. Embarked probably Harwich, England August 10, 1635, landed Boston, October 2, 1635. On Cambridge Freeman's list of 3 Mar 1635/6.
See passenger list of the Defence Note William is listed in a different section from his family. Note he is shown as servant to Roger Harlakenden. I haven't learned what that was about.... Also note that an Elizabeth French, aged 30, was named once with children and no father; and an Eliza French, aged 32, was named in a different place, directly under William French, servant of Roger Harlankenden... I haven't learned what that is about, either. Was she listed twice? A different woman?? The children listed here do appear to be confirmed later in his will, so this does appear to be his family, but the presentation in this passenger list does raise some questions.
This situation is not mentioned in TGM, leading me to believe the above may be a transcription error and that there was only one Elizabeth Lathrop listed on that list.
Occupation: Tailor (TGM)
Residence: Landed at Boston, moved within days to Cambridge (1635). Was then one of the founders of Billerica, Middlesex Co, Mass and removed there probably about 1652. (Billerica was called the Shawhine Grant until 1655.) On Freeman's list of 03/03/1635/36.
Spouse: He was married twice:
1) Elizabeth, identity unknown, born about 1605 (aged 30-32 on Defence passenger list, England, died March 31, 1668, in Billerica, Mass. She was about 63 years of age when she died. Ten children born from about 1624-1648.(I have seen references to her surname as both Godfrey and Symmes, but TGM reports her identity as unknown. There was a Sarah Simes on the Defence passenger list with them.)
2) Mary Lathrop (Thomas2, John1), born October 04, 1640 in Barnstable, Mass, her second husband. She was 37 years younger than William French! They married May 06, 1669, when William was approaching 70 years of age, and then they had four children! Mary first married John Stearns and had five children with him. So this household had 14 children and five step-children!!
Mary married Isaac Mixer, Jr. on June 29, 1687, as her third husband, after William French died. Mary outlived Isaac Mixer, Jr. and died sometime after 1735, after she was 95 years old.
Titles, Positions: Was a Selectman for Billerica for nine years. He was sometimes referred to as "Lieut", a role he had in the militia.
Died: November 20, 1681, in Billerica, Middlesex Co, Mass
Will/Estate: His will was made June 5, 1679, inventory taken November 20, 1681. William had already provided for his children prior to the time of writing his will. However he did make bequests to his grandchildren. The children from his second marriage, and his wife, participated in the division of the estate.
From: The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles, p 208:
(Midd. V: 276-278) I William French of Billerica aged about seaventy& six I have already given to all my children that have been already married their portions, I add as followeth to eldest son John French, to Wm. the son of Jacob French, to Elizabeth ye Daughter Richard Ellis, to Jonathan ye son of Jonathan Hides, to ye eldest Daughter of Jonathan Peake, to Marah ye Daughter of Jno. Brackett, which are all my grandchildren.
Remainder unto my wife, & to those children born to me by her. Wife and Jacob French to be executors. Made 5 June 1679. Presnce of Samll. Whiting Junr., Jonath. Danforth Sen. Proved 20 Dec. 1681.
8 Dec. 1681. Mary French Executrix to ye Estate of Lt. French her dec'd Husband made oath to Inventory.
(Midd. XVI: 413) Lt William French of Billerica (Who deceased 20 Nov. 1682) Division of his Estate, the widow one third, to Mary French (now Sharp) eldest dau., to Sarah French, to Hannah French. Dated 6 Dec. 1687.
The widow's part was set off from the estate of her 1st husband John Stearns, deceased, consented to by Sarah Crosby, Mary Dunklin, Hannah Child, daughters of the within mentioned Wm. French. Dated 20 Aug. 1722.
Probable Siblings:
William French administered the estate of John French of Cambridge and was named his brother in those probate records. This John was also a tailor.
He may also have been a brother to Richard French of Cambridge. (Lived in vicinity, named a son Samuel, as did William, etc - but no firm proof). Richard is probably the father of Samuel French who married Sarah Cummings (see below and TGM.)
On-line biographies of William French:
Biography of William French at the Michael Roman Page.
Biography of William French and one line of his family, along with English ancestry, at the Stephen Lawson page. (This page has moved. If anyone know where it moved to, please write me. Thanks.)
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Notable Kin
Notable French's include Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph and Charles Goodyear, discoverer of the vulcanization process for rubber.
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Sources and Resources
Primary Source
The primary source for William French is the recently released "The Great Migration", 2001, Vol 2, pp 588-593, by Anderson, Sanborn, and Sanborn. This is a series of books that follows the "The Great Migration Begins", and is a part of the Great Migration Study Project of the NEHGS.
Other Sources
Ancestry of Hattie Whitney, Michael Roman
The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles, 1913
History of Cambridge, Massachusetts 1630-1877, Pg 278
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Notes, Questions, Errata
There were several other New England immigrants with the surname French. Be careful out there... lots of opportunity for mixups.
NOT son of Thomas French of Halstead, Essex, England. That Thomas French did have a William French born in 1603, but he has been proven to be a William French who died in England and is not our immigrant. See NEHGR 65:284-86 and TGM.
Three Daughters Named Hannah
William had three daughters named Hannah. The first, born 1641, died young. The second, still from the first wife, born 1644, lived to adulthood and married John Brackett. But, she died in 1674, and he then named yet another daughter Hannah, this one from the second wife, Mary Lathrop. She was born 1676, married John Child, and is my ancestor.
Samuel French md Sarah Cummings, was probably son of Richard French - not William.
From The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles, 1913. p 207, which shows Samuel as a son of Richard and Martha (___) French of Cambridge:
"Proof has not been discovered, of the statement found among written authorities, that Lieut. Samuel French, who m. Sarah Cummings, is the son of Lieut. William and 1st wife Elizabeth (Symmes?) French of Billerica. From the Cambridge Records we find that [a] Samuel, the son of William and Elizabeth French, was b. 3 Dec. 1645, and bur. 15 July 1646, and no other son by the name of Samuel was born to William French in Cambridge. But the Cambridge records do show that Richard and Martha French had a son Samuel b. 13 July 1653."
This conclusion is shared by TGM.
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Subsequent Generations
Thomas French family taken by Indians at the Deerfield Massacre. Thomas French's wife was killed as the Indians took a group of 112 English citizens north to Canada. Thomas and two children were "redeemed" (I guess that means released, probably for ransom, but I don't see details.), two children married Canadians (I don't know if that means they were "sold" to French Canadians or what happened there), and one lived an Indian life. I had this reference here when I thought, based on Bullard, that this Thomas was a grandson of John French of Cambridge, brother of William French of Billerica. It now seems that most believe him to be a descendant of Thomas and Susan (Riddesdale) French of Ipswich (Thomas > John > Thomas m Mary Catlin). If that is true, he's not related to us, but I will leave this link here anyway, as it is fascinating history.
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Children of William French and of Mary Lathrop:
Descendants of William French
1 William French 1604 - 1681
.. +Elizabeth (___) 1605 - 1668
........... 2 Francis French 1624 - 1681
............... +Lydia Bunnell 1643 - 1708
........... 2 Elizabeth French 1629 - 1681
............... +Richard Ellis 1629 - 1694
........... 2 Mary French 1633 - 1672
............... +Jonathan Hyde 1626 - 1711
........... 2 John French 1635 - 1712
............... +Abigail Coggan 1637 - 1662
........... *2nd Wife of John French:
............... +Hannah Burrage 1643 - 1667
........... *3rd Wife of John French:
............... +Mary Rogers 1650 - 1677
........... *4th Wife of John French:
............... +Mary Littlefield 1640 - 1719
........... 2 Sarah French 1638 - 1694
............... +Jonathan Peake 1637 - 1700
........... 2 Jacob French 1640 - 1713
............... +Mary Champney 1640 - 1681
........... *2nd Wife of Jacob French:
............... +Mary Convers 1650 - 1686
........... *3rd Wife of Jacob French:
............... +Mary (___) 1650 - 1709
........... *4th Wife of Jacob French: << this wife not in TGM
............... +Ruth (___) 1650 - 1730
........... 2 Hannah (1) French 1641 - 1642
........... 2 Hannah French 1644 - 1674
............... +John Brackett 1637 - 1686
........... 2 Samuel French 1645 - 1646
*2nd Wife of William French:
.. +Mary Lathrop 1640 - 1735
........... 2 Mary French 1670 -
............... +Robert Sharp 1670 -
........... *2nd Husband of Mary French:
............... +Nathaniel Duncklee 1670 -
........... 2 Sarah French 1671 -
............... +Joseph Crosby 1671 -
........... 2 Abigail French 1673 - 1674
........... 2 Hannah French 1676 - 1766 << my ancestor
............... +John Child 1669 - 1748
Since I am also descended from Mary Lathrop, I am half cousin to the descendants of Mary from her first marriage to John Stearns:
Descendants of Mary Lathrop
Descendants of Mary Lathrop
1 Mary Lathrop 1640 - 1735
.. +John Stearns 1630 - 1669
........... 2 Isaac (1) Stearns 1658 - 1659
........... 2 Samuel Stearns 1659 - 1735
........... 2 Isaac Stearns 1661 - 1739
............... +Mary Merriam 1664 -
........... 2 Nathaniel Stearns 1663 -
........... 2 Thomas Stearns 1665 - 1696
............... +Rebecca Chamberlain 1662 -
*2nd Husband of Mary Lathrop:
.. +William French 1604 - 1681
........... 2 Mary French 1670 -
............... +Robert Sharp 1670 -
........... *2nd Husband of Mary French:
............... +Nathaniel Duncklee 1670 -
........... 2 Sarah French 1671 -
............... +Joseph Crosby 1671 -
........... 2 Abigail French 1673 - 1674
........... 2 Hannah French 1676 - 1766
............... +John Child 1669 - 1748
*3rd Husband of Mary Lathrop:
.. +Isaac Mixer 1630 - 1716
+Birth: 1605
Essex, EnglandDeath: Nov. 20, 1681
Billerica
Middlesex County
Massachusetts, USA
There are many discrepancies regarding William's parentage, so it is best not to speculate.
He is an immigrant ancestor who arrived aboard the "Defence", Edward Bostock, Master, which had left England after 18 July 1635 and arrived in Boston 8 October 1635.
WILLIAM FRENCH, came to New England in the ship Defence in 1635, with his wife Elizabeth and four children, Francis aged 10, Elizabeth 6, Mary 2 1/2, and John 5 months. William French is entered on the passenger list as servant to Mr. Harlakenden, "no doubt for purposes of deception," Savage says. Emigration at that time was not the unrestricted right of English Puritans. The child John was baptized on their arrival at New Towne (Cambridge) by the Rev. Thomas Hooker, a fellow-passenger whose name does not appear on the shipping list, since his departure, had it been known to the authorities, would no doubt have been prevented.
In the French family at Cambridge other children were born: Sarah, Jacob, two Hannahs, a Samuel who died young, and a second Samuel, whose birth is not recorded.
William French was made a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony the 3rd of March 1635/6, and a member of the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company in 1638. His home in Cambridge was on what is now the westerly side of Dunster Street about midway between Harvard Square and Mt. Auburn Street. He bought this property in 1639 and sold it to William Barrett June 10th, 1656.
Settlement of Billerica (Shawshin) was begun about 1653 and William French was one of the first proprietors. The town was incorporated in 1655 and in the printed account of the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary it is stated (giving as reference Rec. Massachusetts vol. iv, pt. 2, p. 383) that in 1659 Lt. French, for Billerica and Chelmsford, was empowered to join in marriage within those towns or limits such persons as shall desire the same, being authorized by law. In March 1659/60, when the first selectmen (townsmen was the old name) were chosen, he was one of the five. As Lieutenant in the local militia he did garrison duty during King Philip's war.
The official website of the surname French has excellent information on the French family including Thomas French.
http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTSWEB/ChartEB.htm
LIEUT. WILLIAM FRENCH
Immigrant in the "Defence" 1635 from Hartwick
Lieut. William French or Frenche, tailor, son of Thomas and Anne French, born 15 March 1603 at Halstead, Co. Essex, England, died 20 Nov 1681 aged 78 Billerica, Middlesex Co., Ma. William married 1st in England, Elizabeth ( ), born 1603 Canturbury, England and died 31 March 1668 at Cambridge, Ma. The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy by F. A. Virkus, v. 7, p. 852 says William French's wife was Elizabeth Godfrey. William married 2nd to Mary (Lathrop) Stearns, the daughter of Thomas Lathrop of Barnstable, and the widow of John Stearns, she later married Isaac Mixter. William, as shown by the record in the custom house, came with his family in the Defense from London, England in 1635 when he was aged 32, wife Elizabeth 30, Francis 10, Elizabeth 6, Marie 2 1/2, John 5 mo's. In the winter of 1634 he sailed in the "Defense" from Hartwick, but the vessel was driven back by storms and the journey was postponed until summer. Sailing once more proved perilous for the ship sprang a leak, but arrived safely at Boston, Ma. on October 3rd, 1635. Admitted freeman 1636. Educator. He settled first at Newtown where he purchased land in 1639, now called Cambridge. When the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston was organized William was an early member and held the rank of Junior Sergeant in 1643, First Sergeant in 1646, and Ensign in 1650. He also became a member of the militia company at Cambridge of which he was made Lieutenant on March 26, 1647, and later Captain. In 1652/3 he removed to Billerica, eighteen miles north of Boston, where he was one of the original proprietors. Appointed to solemnize marriages. He held many offices of trust, showing that much confidence was placed in him when to hold office was to bear great responsibility. In 1659 he was chosen "to sit in the Deacon's seat", and appointed comitioner to establish the cuntry rates. In 1660 he was one of the first selectmen and served nine years. In 1661 he served on a committee to examine children and servants in "reading, religion, and the catechism." In 1660 he was the first Deputy or Representative of Billerica in the General Court at Boston, taking his seat in 1663. Evidence of his activity in the cause of Indian instruction is found in a letter written by him to "a godly friend in England," the famous tract entitled "Strength out of Weakness" published in London and re-printed by the Boston Historical Society, (Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 3d S. vol. iv. p. 149-196) in which he gives a detailed account of the testimony of an Indian convert. His land in the town amounted to two hundred and fifty acres, which were increased by subsequent allotments in later divisions.
Children: of William and Elizabeth French
FRANCIS b. Eng. abt 1624, m. Lydia Bunnell
Elizabeth b. Eng. abt. 1629, m. Robert Eliot of Dedham
Mary b. Eng. abt. Jan 1633, m. Nathaniel Dunkler
John b. Eng. abt Feb 1635, bp. by Mr. Hooker in Cambridge
m. Abigail Coggan
Sarah b. Cambridge March 1638, prob. d. young
Jacob b. Cambridge 16 March 1640, d. 20 May 1713 aged 73 Billerica, m. Mary Champney
Hannah b. Cambridge 12 April 1641, d. 20 June 1642
Hannah b. Cambridge 16 Feb 1644,
m. 6 Sept 1661 John Brackett, had nine ch.
Samuel b. Cambridge 3 Dec 1645, d. 15 July 1646
Samuel b. abt 1648, m. Sarah Cummings
Children: of William and Mary French
Mary b. Billerica 3 Apr 1670, m. Mr. Sharp
Sarah b. 29 Oct 1671, m. Joseph Crosby, had twelve ch.
Abigail b. 14 Apr 1673, d. 13 Apr 1674
Hannah b. 25 Jan 1676, m. John Childs
Contact:
Susan Dorris
dorris@onecliq.net
IMMIGRANT ANCESTORLIEUT. WILLIAM FRENCHImmigrant in the "Defence" 1635 from Hartwick
Lieut. William French or Frenche, tailor, son of Thomas and Anne French, born 15 March 1603 at Halstead, Co. Essex, England, died 20 Nov 1681 aged 78 Billerica, Middlesex Co., Ma. William married 1st in England, Elizabeth ( ), born 1603 Canturbury, England and died 31 March 1668 at Cambridge, Ma. The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy by F. A. Virkus, v. 7, p. 852 says William French's wife was Elizabeth Godfrey. William married 2nd to Mary (Lathrop) Stearns, the daughter of Thomas Lathrop of Barnstable, and the widow of John Stearns, she later married Isaac Mixter. William, as shown by the record in the custom house, came with his family in the Defense from London, England in 1635 when he was aged 32, wife Elizabeth 30, Francis 10, Elizabeth 6, Marie 2 1/2, John 5 mo's. In the winter of 1634 he sailed in the "Defense" from Hartwick, but the vessel was driven back by storms and the journey was postponed until summer. Sailing once more proved perilous for the ship sprang a leak, but arrived safely at Boston, Ma. on October 3rd, 1635. Admitted freeman 1636. Educator. He settled first at Newtown where he purchased land in 1639, now called Cambridge. When the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston was organized William was an early member and held the rank of Junior Sergeant in 1643, First Sergeant in 1646, and Ensign in 1650. He also became a member of the militia company at Cambridge of which he was made Lieutenant on March 26, 1647, and later Captain. In 1652/3 he removed to Billerica, eighteen miles north of Boston, where he was one of the original proprietors. Appointed to solemnize marriages. He held many offices of trust, showing that much confidence was placed in him when to hold office was to bear great responsibility. In 1659 he was chosen "to sit in the Deacon's seat", and appointed comitioner to establish the cuntry rates. In 1660 he was one of the first selectmen and served nine years. In 1661 he served on a committee to examine children and servants in "reading, religion, and the catechism." In 1660 he was the first Deputy or Representative of Billerica in the General Court at Boston, taking his seat in 1663. Evidence of his activity in the cause of Indian instruction is found in a letter written by him to "a godly friend in England," the famous tract entitled "Strength out of Weakness" published in London and re-printed by the Boston Historical Society, (Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., 3d S. vol. iv. p. 149-196) in which he gives a detailed account of the testimony of an Indian convert. His land in the town amounted to two hundred and fifty acres, which were increased by subsequent allotments in later divisions.
Children: of William and Elizabeth French
FRANCIS b. Eng. abt 1624, m. Lydia Bunnell
Elizabeth b. Eng. abt. 1629, m. Robert Eliot of Dedham
Mary b. Eng. abt. Jan 1633, m. Nathaniel Dunkler
John b. Eng. abt Feb 1635, bp. by Mr. Hooker in Cambridge
m. Abigail Coggan
Sarah b. Cambridge March 1638, prob. d. young
Jacob b. Cambridge 16 March 1640, d. 20 May 1713 aged 73 Billerica, m. Mary Champney
Hannah b. Cambridge 12 April 1641, d. 20 June 1642
Hannah b. Cambridge 16 Feb 1644,
m. 6 Sept 1661 John Brackett, had nine ch.
Samuel b. Cambridge 3 Dec 1645, d. 15 July 1646
Samuel b. abt 1648, m. Sarah Cummings
Children: of William and Mary French
Mary b. Billerica 3 Apr 1670, m. Mr. Sharp
Sarah b. 29 Oct 1671, m. Joseph Crosby, had twelve ch.
Abigail b. 14 Apr 1673, d. 13 Apr 1674
Hannah b. 25 Jan 1676, m. John Childs
Contact:
Susan Dorris
dorris@onecliq.net
Back
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/il/topic/history/FrenchWilliam.html
Found here: http://ntgen.tripod.com/bw/french_index.html
Note: References below to "TGM" are for the "The Great Migration", Vol 2, sketch of William French, released in 2001, by Anderson, Sanborn and Sanborn. This is the latest and greatest material on William French of Cambridge.
Origins
The origins of William French are unknown. I quote another researcher: "There are so many discrepancies and suppositions concerning the English ancestry of William FRENCH that it is best to omit all references to possibilities until such time as the conflicts are resolved."
He definitely was not the William French reported in earlier genealogies as baptized in Halstead, Essex, England, on 15 Mar 1603; as a 1637 London, England, will for another William French has been found and proved to be the one born in Halstead. See NEHGR 65:284-86 and TGM.
His origins are reported as unknown in TGM.
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The Immigrant
Born: About 1603-5. Per reference in his will that he was 76 when he made his will in 1679 = 1603. Age on passenger list was 30 in 1635 = 1605.
Immigrated: 1635 on the ship Defence, probably with first wife, Elizabeth (___) and four children, ages 5 months to age 10. Embarked probably Harwich, England August 10, 1635, landed Boston, October 2, 1635. On Cambridge Freeman's list of 3 Mar 1635/6.
See passenger list of the Defence Note William is listed in a different section from his family. Note he is shown as servant to Roger Harlakenden. I haven't learned what that was about.... Also note that an Elizabeth French, aged 30, was named once with children and no father; and an Eliza French, aged 32, was named in a different place, directly under William French, servant of Roger Harlankenden... I haven't learned what that is about, either. Was she listed twice? A different woman?? The children listed here do appear to be confirmed later in his will, so this does appear to be his family, but the presentation in this passenger list does raise some questions.
This situation is not mentioned in TGM, leading me to believe the above may be a transcription error and that there was only one Elizabeth Lathrop listed on that list.
Occupation: Tailor (TGM)
Residence: Landed at Boston, moved within days to Cambridge (1635). Was then one of the founders of Billerica, Middlesex Co, Mass and removed there probably about 1652. (Billerica was called the Shawhine Grant until 1655.) On Freeman's list of 03/03/1635/36.
Spouse: He was married twice:
1) Elizabeth, identity unknown, born about 1605 (aged 30-32 on Defence passenger list, England, died March 31, 1668, in Billerica, Mass. She was about 63 years of age when she died. Ten children born from about 1624-1648.(I have seen references to her surname as both Godfrey and Symmes, but TGM reports her identity as unknown. There was a Sarah Simes on the Defence passenger list with them.)
2) Mary Lathrop (Thomas2, John1), born October 04, 1640 in Barnstable, Mass, her second husband. She was 37 years younger than William French! They married May 06, 1669, when William was approaching 70 years of age, and then they had four children! Mary first married John Stearns and had five children with him. So this household had 14 children and five step-children!!
Mary married Isaac Mixer, Jr. on June 29, 1687, as her third husband, after William French died. Mary outlived Isaac Mixer, Jr. and died sometime after 1735, after she was 95 years old.
Titles, Positions: Was a Selectman for Billerica for nine years. He was sometimes referred to as "Lieut", a role he had in the militia.
Died: November 20, 1681, in Billerica, Middlesex Co, Mass
Will/Estate: His will was made June 5, 1679, inventory taken November 20, 1681. William had already provided for his children prior to the time of writing his will. However he did make bequests to his grandchildren. The children from his second marriage, and his wife, participated in the division of the estate.
From: The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles, p 208:
(Midd. V: 276-278) I William French of Billerica aged about seaventy& six I have already given to all my children that have been already married their portions, I add as followeth to eldest son John French, to Wm. the son of Jacob French, to Elizabeth ye Daughter Richard Ellis, to Jonathan ye son of Jonathan Hides, to ye eldest Daughter of Jonathan Peake, to Marah ye Daughter of Jno. Brackett, which are all my grandchildren.
Remainder unto my wife, & to those children born to me by her. Wife and Jacob French to be executors. Made 5 June 1679. Presnce of Samll. Whiting Junr., Jonath. Danforth Sen. Proved 20 Dec. 1681.
8 Dec. 1681. Mary French Executrix to ye Estate of Lt. French her dec'd Husband made oath to Inventory.
(Midd. XVI: 413) Lt William French of Billerica (Who deceased 20 Nov. 1682) Division of his Estate, the widow one third, to Mary French (now Sharp) eldest dau., to Sarah French, to Hannah French. Dated 6 Dec. 1687.
The widow's part was set off from the estate of her 1st husband John Stearns, deceased, consented to by Sarah Crosby, Mary Dunklin, Hannah Child, daughters of the within mentioned Wm. French. Dated 20 Aug. 1722.
Probable Siblings:
William French administered the estate of John French of Cambridge and was named his brother in those probate records. This John was also a tailor.
He may also have been a brother to Richard French of Cambridge. (Lived in vicinity, named a son Samuel, as did William, etc - but no firm proof). Richard is probably the father of Samuel French who married Sarah Cummings (see below and TGM.)
On-line biographies of William French:
Biography of William French at the Michael Roman Page.
Biography of William French and one line of his family, along with English ancestry, at the Stephen Lawson page. (This page has moved. If anyone know where it moved to, please write me. Thanks.)
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Notable Kin
Notable French's include Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph and Charles Goodyear, discoverer of the vulcanization process for rubber.
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Sources and Resources
Primary Source
The primary source for William French is the recently released "The Great Migration", 2001, Vol 2, pp 588-593, by Anderson, Sanborn, and Sanborn. This is a series of books that follows the "The Great Migration Begins", and is a part of the Great Migration Study Project of the NEHGS.
Other Sources
Ancestry of Hattie Whitney, Michael Roman
The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles, 1913
History of Cambridge, Massachusetts 1630-1877, Pg 278
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Notes, Questions, Errata
There were several other New England immigrants with the surname French. Be careful out there... lots of opportunity for mixups.
NOT son of Thomas French of Halstead, Essex, England. That Thomas French did have a William French born in 1603, but he has been proven to be a William French who died in England and is not our immigrant. See NEHGR 65:284-86 and TGM.
Three Daughters Named Hannah
William had three daughters named Hannah. The first, born 1641, died young. The second, still from the first wife, born 1644, lived to adulthood and married John Brackett. But, she died in 1674, and he then named yet another daughter Hannah, this one from the second wife, Mary Lathrop. She was born 1676, married John Child, and is my ancestor.
Samuel French md Sarah Cummings, was probably son of Richard French - not William.
From The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles, 1913. p 207, which shows Samuel as a son of Richard and Martha (___) French of Cambridge:
"Proof has not been discovered, of the statement found among written authorities, that Lieut. Samuel French, who m. Sarah Cummings, is the son of Lieut. William and 1st wife Elizabeth (Symmes?) French of Billerica. From the Cambridge Records we find that [a] Samuel, the son of William and Elizabeth French, was b. 3 Dec. 1645, and bur. 15 July 1646, and no other son by the name of Samuel was born to William French in Cambridge. But the Cambridge records do show that Richard and Martha French had a son Samuel b. 13 July 1653."
This conclusion is shared by TGM.
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Subsequent Generations
Thomas French family taken by Indians at the Deerfield Massacre. Thomas French's wife was killed as the Indians took a group of 112 English citizens north to Canada. Thomas and two children were "redeemed" (I guess that means released, probably for ransom, but I don't see details.), two children married Canadians (I don't know if that means they were "sold" to French Canadians or what happened there), and one lived an Indian life. I had this reference here when I thought, based on Bullard, that this Thomas was a grandson of John French of Cambridge, brother of William French of Billerica. It now seems that most believe him to be a descendant of Thomas and Susan (Riddesdale) French of Ipswich (Thomas > John > Thomas m Mary Catlin). If that is true, he's not related to us, but I will leave this link here anyway, as it is fascinating history.
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Children of William French and of Mary Lathrop:
Descendants of William French
1 William French 1604 - 1681
.. +Elizabeth (___) 1605 - 1668
........... 2 Francis French 1624 - 1681
............... +Lydia Bunnell 1643 - 1708
........... 2 Elizabeth French 1629 - 1681
............... +Richard Ellis 1629 - 1694
........... 2 Mary French 1633 - 1672
............... +Jonathan Hyde 1626 - 1711
........... 2 John French 1635 - 1712
............... +Abigail Coggan 1637 - 1662
........... *2nd Wife of John French:
............... +Hannah Burrage 1643 - 1667
........... *3rd Wife of John French:
............... +Mary Rogers 1650 - 1677
........... *4th Wife of John French:
............... +Mary Littlefield 1640 - 1719
........... 2 Sarah French 1638 - 1694
............... +Jonathan Peake 1637 - 1700
........... 2 Jacob French 1640 - 1713
............... +Mary Champney 1640 - 1681
........... *2nd Wife of Jacob French:
............... +Mary Convers 1650 - 1686
........... *3rd Wife of Jacob French:
............... +Mary (___) 1650 - 1709
........... *4th Wife of Jacob French: << this wife not in TGM
............... +Ruth (___) 1650 - 1730
........... 2 Hannah (1) French 1641 - 1642
........... 2 Hannah French 1644 - 1674
............... +John Brackett 1637 - 1686
........... 2 Samuel French 1645 - 1646
*2nd Wife of William French:
.. +Mary Lathrop 1640 - 1735
........... 2 Mary French 1670 -
............... +Robert Sharp 1670 -
........... *2nd Husband of Mary French:
............... +Nathaniel Duncklee 1670 -
........... 2 Sarah French 1671 -
............... +Joseph Crosby 1671 -
........... 2 Abigail French 1673 - 1674
........... 2 Hannah French 1676 - 1766 << my ancestor
............... +John Child 1669 - 1748
Since I am also descended from Mary Lathrop, I am half cousin to the descendants of Mary from her first marriage to John Stearns:
Descendants of Mary Lathrop
Descendants of Mary Lathrop
1 Mary Lathrop 1640 - 1735
.. +John Stearns 1630 - 1669
........... 2 Isaac (1) Stearns 1658 - 1659
........... 2 Samuel Stearns 1659 - 1735
........... 2 Isaac Stearns 1661 - 1739
............... +Mary Merriam 1664 -
........... 2 Nathaniel Stearns 1663 -
........... 2 Thomas Stearns 1665 - 1696
............... +Rebecca Chamberlain 1662 -
*2nd Husband of Mary Lathrop:
.. +William French 1604 - 1681
........... 2 Mary French 1670 -
............... +Robert Sharp 1670 -
........... *2nd Husband of Mary French:
............... +Nathaniel Duncklee 1670 -
........... 2 Sarah French 1671 -
............... +Joseph Crosby 1671 -
........... 2 Abigail French 1673 - 1674
........... 2 Hannah French 1676 - 1766
............... +John Child 1669 - 1748
*3rd Husband of Mary Lathrop:
.. +Isaac Mixer 1630 - 1716
+Birth: 1605
Essex, EnglandDeath: Nov. 20, 1681
Billerica
Middlesex County
Massachusetts, USA
There are many discrepancies regarding William's parentage, so it is best not to speculate.
He is an immigrant ancestor who arrived aboard the "Defence", Edward Bostock, Master, which had left England after 18 July 1635 and arrived in Boston 8 October 1635.
WILLIAM FRENCH, came to New England in the ship Defence in 1635, with his wife Elizabeth and four children, Francis aged 10, Elizabeth 6, Mary 2 1/2, and John 5 months. William French is entered on the passenger list as servant to Mr. Harlakenden, "no doubt for purposes of deception," Savage says. Emigration at that time was not the unrestricted right of English Puritans. The child John was baptized on their arrival at New Towne (Cambridge) by the Rev. Thomas Hooker, a fellow-passenger whose name does not appear on the shipping list, since his departure, had it been known to the authorities, would no doubt have been prevented.
In the French family at Cambridge other children were born: Sarah, Jacob, two Hannahs, a Samuel who died young, and a second Samuel, whose birth is not recorded.
William French was made a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony the 3rd of March 1635/6, and a member of the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company in 1638. His home in Cambridge was on what is now the westerly side of Dunster Street about midway between Harvard Square and Mt. Auburn Street. He bought this property in 1639 and sold it to William Barrett June 10th, 1656.
Settlement of Billerica (Shawshin) was begun about 1653 and William French was one of the first proprietors. The town was incorporated in 1655 and in the printed account of the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary it is stated (giving as reference Rec. Massachusetts vol. iv, pt. 2, p. 383) that in 1659 Lt. French, for Billerica and Chelmsford, was empowered to join in marriage within those towns or limits such persons as shall desire the same, being authorized by law. In March 1659/60, when the first selectmen (townsmen was the old name) were chosen, he was one of the five. As Lieutenant in the local militia he did garrison duty during King Philip's war.
William French, the immigrant ancestor of this family, was born
in Halsted, County Essex, England, March 15, 1603, and died at Bill-
erica, Massachusetts, November 20, 1681, aged seventy-seven. He
married ; first) Elizabeth -------, (surname believed to be Symm.es,
sister of Rev. Zr.chariah Symmes). He had four children born in
England, and came to America in the same ship, the “Defence,” with
Rev. Thomas Shepard and his brother Samuel, Roger Harlakenden,
and George and Joseph Cooke, in the summer of 1635. He settled
first in Cambridge, and in 1652 was one of the original proprietors
and first settlers of Billerica. He was lieutenant of the militia, and
afterwards captain; was the first man to sit in the “deacon’s seat.” in
1659; commissioner to establish the county rates in 1659; select-
man in 1660 and for nine years in all; was on a committee to
examine children and servants in reading, religion and the catechism,
in 1661 ; wras the first representative or deputy to the general court at
Boston, elected in 1660, and taking his seat in 1663. A tract written by
him entitled “Strength out of \\ eakness,” in which he gives a detailed
account of the testimony of an Indian convert to Christianity, was
published in London, and afterward republished in the Massachusetts
Historical Society Collections. He bought part of the old Dudley
farm in Billerica, and his house stood near the turnpike east of the
Bradford road, near Ralph Hill’s House. Hill called him “brother”
in his will. He was a tailor by trade. His wife, Elizabeth, died March
31, 1663, and he married (second) May 6, 1669, Mary Stearns, widow
of John Stearns, and daughter of Thomas Lathrop, of Barnstable,
Massachusetts. His widow married, June 29, 1687, Isaac Mixer, of
Watertown. His estate was divided December 6, 1687, between the
widow and three daughters-Mary Sharp, and Sarah and Hannah
French. Children of William and Elizabeth French: 1. Frances, born
about 1625. 2. Elizabeth, born 1629-31; married --------------- Ellis, of
Watertown. 3. Mary, born 1633. 4. John, born 1635, mentioned be-
low. 5. Sarah, born March, 1638. 6. Jacob, born March 16, 1639-40.
7. Hannah, born February 2, 1641-42; died June 20, following. 8.
Samuel, born December 3, 1645; died July 15, 1646. 9. Samuel,
born after 1646; pioneer in Dunstable, Massachusetts. Children
of William and Mary French: 10. Mary, born April 3, 1670; mar-
ried Nathaniel Dundee, n. Sarah, born October 29, 1671 ; married
---------Sharp, who died in military service; married (second) Joseph
Crosby. 12. Abigail, born April 14, 1673; died April 13, 1674. 13.
Hannah, born January 25, 1675 ; married October 5, 1693, John Child,
of Watertown.
|
1606 - 1681 (75 years)
Set As Default Person 
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 
