William French, of Billerica

WILLIAM FRENCH (ca. 1604-1681) - [of Fenchurch, London, Middlesex, England]; Cambridge & Billerica, Middlesex co., MA. Married 1) Elizabeth (not Symmes) 2) Mary Lathrop (daughter of Thomas). There were several other New England immigrants with the surname French. Be careful out there... lots of opportunity for mixups.

Origins

Parents unknown according to The Great Migration Project. AncestryImage.

He was not the son of Thomas French, of Halstead & his wife Anne Olmstead. Thomas French of Halstead 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.” “ It was thought William was the son of Thomas French of Halstead, Co of Essex, England bap. there in 1603, but this was disproved by Elizabeth French in her article for the NEHGR, "Genealogical Research in England", vo. 65 (July, 1911). ”

As of May 2020, The French Family Association shows him as son of William French, “of the Leete” & his 1st wife Elizabeth. Birth seen as 03/15/1603 Halstead Essex is incorrect. Brother of John French, of Cambridge (TGM agrees they were brothers) & half brother of Francis French, of Derby (mistakenly seen as son of this William of Billerica). Reference: http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTSWEB/ChartE002.htm

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/French-20

Captain William French Jr.

Born about 1606 in Halstead, England

Son of William French Sr. and Unknown (Unknown) French

Brother of Francis French [half]

Husband of Elizabeth (Unknown) French — married [date unknown] in Englandm

Husband of Mary Ann (Lathrop) Mixer — married 6 May 1669 in Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Father of Elizabeth (French) Ellis, Rebecca French, Mary (French) Hyde, John French, Sarah (French) Peake, Jacob French, Hannah (French) Brackett, Samuel French, Samuel French, Mary (French) Duncklee, Sarah (French) Crosby, Abigail French and Hannah (French) Child

Died 20 Nov 1681 in Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay

Profile last modified 18 Apr 2020 | Created 6 Jan 2010

William French Jr. migrated to New England during the Puritan Great Migration (1620-1640). (See The Great

Biography

William French Jr. is related to US President George Bush. Here is the trail.
William French was born in 1605 or early 1606 and baptized on 06 April 1606, Halstead, Essexshire. This would have made him 30 years old when embarked on the ship Defence in 1635 (and that is exacatly the age that is recorded on the passenger list). His age was inflated about 3 years over his actual age when he made his will much later in life. His mother (first wife of William French Sr.) is unknown, but is sometimes said to be Elizabeth. Source: http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTSWEB/ChartE002.htm

(from French Page ) William French was married in England where four of his children were born. He emigrated to America in the summer of 1635 in the ship Defence. Mr. Shepard, in his autobiography, says he set out for New England with a group "in the year 1634, about the beginning of winter" and embarked at Harwich. They were driven back by stress of weather and the voyage was abandoned. However, they embarked again on August 10, 1635 "and so the Lord after many sad storms and wearisome days and many longings to see the shore, brought us to the sight of it upon Oct. 2, 1635". They landed at Boston on the third. Two days later the congregation moved to Cambridge where they found many empty homes and people willing to sell because of the exodus of Reverend Hooker's flock to Hartford. The Cutter family may also have been among this group especially based on their stories of a difficult voyage. William first settled in Cambridge, where he resided on the westerly side of Dunster Street about midway between Harvard Square and Mt. Auburn Street, which estate he bought in 1639 and sold to William Barrett June 10, 1656.

William French was one of the original proprietors of Billerica and was granted lot 24 of 150 acres in the Shawshine grant in 1652. He was referred to as Liet. William French. The Shawshine Plantation later became the town of Billerica, the name change coming by order of the court on May 23, 1655. He settled there early and was a captain in the militia. He became a deacon in 1659 and was also a commissioner to establish country rates. In 1660 he was elected a Selectman, a seat which he held for nine years. In 1661 he was one of a committee to examine children and servants in reading, religion, and catechism. William French was the first Deputy (i.e. representative) of Billerica to the General Court.

William died in Billerica on Nov. 20, 1681 in his 78th year. His death record lists him as Lieutenant. His will was dated June 5, 1679 at which time he called himself "aged abt. seaventy & six years". William had already provided for his children prior to the time of writing his will. However he did make bequests to his grand children. These bequests were: "to the eldest son of 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 grand children". His wife and son Jacob were made executors. The will was witnessed by Samuel Whiting, Jr. and Jonathan Danforth, Sr.. "Inventory of the Estate of Lt. Wm French of Billerica who deced. 20 November 1681 being in his 78 year of his age" was taken by Jonathan Danforth Senior and Patrick Hill and amounted to 231.12.10. Division of the estate was made to the widow and to daughters Mary French (now Sharp), Sarah French, and Hannah French.

William had a brother John in Cambridge who was buried Feb. 16, 1645-6. John's wife Joanna was buried Jan. 20, 1645-6. They had children born from about 1635 through 1643. John was also a tailor. William French of Billerica administered upon the estate and sold the homestead to Robert Browne in 1657. Richard French of Cambridge was probably also a brother to William. His wife was Martha, and they had a son Samuel, born July 13, 1653. He bought land on Jan. 26, 1651-2 and sold it Oct. 8, 1654, after which time there is no further record of him.

Francis French is *not* William's son, though he is often attributed to him, but is his youngest brother, a half brother by William's step-mother, Elizabeth Symmes. She died birthing Francis, and William helped raise him as there were nearly 20 years that separated them. [1]

Children (by Elizabeth Unknown):

• Elizabeth, b. abt. 1629, m. Dedham, MA 19 Sep 1650 Richard Ellis, d. Dedham 21 Oct 1694
• Mary, b. abt. 1633, d. Cambridge 27 May 1672, m. Jonathan Hyde, b. abt. 1626, d. Newton, MA 5 Oct 1711
• John, b. abt. 1635, d. Oct 1712, m(1) 21 Jun 1659 Abigail Coggan, d. 5 Apr 1662, m(2) 3 Jul 1663 Hannah Burrage, d.7 Jul 1667, m(3) 14 Jan 1667-8 Mary Rogers, d. 16 Jun 1677, m(4) 16 Jan 1677-8 Mary (Littlefield) Kittresge, d. 1719
• Sarah, b. Cambridge, MA 1638, d. 1694, m. Roxbury, MA 15 Aug 1660 Jonathan Peake (son Jonathan Peake and Dorcas French), b. 17 Dec 1637, d. Roxbury 2 Jun 1700
• Jacob, b. Cambridge 16 Jan 163940, d. 20 May 1713, m(1) 20 Sep 1665 Mary Champney (dau Richard Champney), d. 1 Apr 1681, m(2) 30 Jul 1685 Mary Convers, d. 18 Jun 1686, m(3) Mary ____, d. 9 Jun 1709, m(4) Ruth ____, d. 6 Nov 1730
• Hannah, b. Cambridge 12 Apr 1641, d. 20 Jun 1642
• Hannah, b. Cambridge 16 Feb 1644, m. Billerica, MA 6 Sep 1661 John Brackett. Died Billerica 9 May 1674.[2]
• Samuel, b. Cambridge 3 Dec 1645, d. 15 Jul 1646
• Samuel, b. abt. 1648, d. Dunstable, MA 4 Nov 1727, m. Cambridge 24 Dec 1682 Sarah Cummings (dau John Cummings and Sarah Howlett), b. Dunstable 28 Jan 1661

Children (by Mary):

• Mary, b. Billerica, MA April 3, 1670, m. ____ Sharp
• Sarah, b. Billerica Oct. 29, 1671, m. May 6, 1691 Joseph Crosby
• Abigail, b. Billerica April 14, 1673, d. April 13, 1674
• Hannah, b. Billerica, MA Jan. 25, 1676, d. Jan. 2, 1766, m. Sept. 5, 1693 John Child, b. Watertown, MA April 25, 1669, d. Waltham, MA before 1748

Mary's children by John Stearns:

• Isaac Stearns, b. April 17, 1658, d. Oct. 9, 1659</br>
• Samuel Stearns, b. Sept. 3, 1659, d. 1735 Isaac Stearns, b. Dec. 23, 1661, d. 1739, m. Mary Merriam, b. June 4, 1664
• Nathaniel Stearns, b. Nov. 30, 1663
• Thomas Stearns, b. Dec. 6, 1665, d. Feb. 9, 1696, m. June 20, 1688 Rebecca Chamberlain, b. Feb. 25, 1662[3]

Military

“French, Capt. William, 1604-1681, Cambridge and Billerica, Mass. Lieut., 1647. A. & H. A. Co., 1638. Junior Sergt., 1643. First Sergt., 1646. Ens., 1650. Representative, 1660-’63. Capt. Of Art. Co., 1681."[4]

In 1639, member[4] of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts[5]

Sources

• French Family Association Website
• Vital Records of Billerica, p. 345.
• French Family Association Family Tree
• 4.0 4.1 https://archive.org/details/generalregistero00soci/page/573 General register of the Society of colonial wars, 1899-1902; Society of colonial wars. New York: H. K. Brewer & co. 1902. p. 573.]
• https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044024622250&view=1up&...
• A GENEALOGICAL MEMOIR OF THE LO-LATHROP FAMILY-1884, PAGE 45, MARY (#16)
• GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF BARNSTABLE FAMILIES, VOLII, PUB. 1890, PAGE 163
• Capt William French (1605-1681) on Find A Grave: Memorial #49030458 Retrieved 17 January, 2018. Please note: No stone, no burial information.
• The Learned Family in America 1630 - 1967 by Eugenia Learned James, Setco Printing Co. Inc., 1967. Yates Publishing. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900. Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Provo, UT, USA; 2004 Filby, P. William, ed, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s, Farmington Hills, MI, USA: Gale Research, 2010
• New England Historic Genealogical Society. Massachusetts, Town Death Records, 1620-1850. Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Provo, UT, USA; 1999
• Edmund West, comp. Family Data Collection - Births. Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2001.
• Gary Boyd Roberts. Notable Kin, Volume One. Carl Boyer, 3rd; Santa Clarita, California; Date: 1998 Published in cooperation with the New England Historic genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts
• A Genealogical History of the French and Allied Families by Mary Elizabeth Queal Beyer. Accessed via Google Books.
• New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial: A Record of the Achievements of Her People In the Making of Commonwealths , and the Founding of a Nation, Vol 2 by by William Richard Cutter. Accessed via Google Books. Genealogies of the State of New York: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding of a Nation, Vol 1 by Tunis Garrett Bergen. Accessed via Google Books.
• "A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England..." by James Savage
• "Genealogies of the Families and Descendants of the Early Settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts, including Waltham and Weston" by Henry Bond
• Norris Taylor website
• Mary Beth Wheeler website
• Michael Roman website
• William Dills, Jr. website
• French Family Association Official Website
• Manning, William H. The Genealogical and Biographical History of the Manning Families of New England (Salem Press Company, 1902); p.141
• Kellogg, H.M., Genealogy of the Billerica, Massachusetts, French family from 1599 to 1944 (B.B. Fisher, Grafton, Vt., 1959)
• Vital Records of Billerica, Massachusetts, to the Year 1850 (The New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Mass., 1908); page 364
• (2nd) http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Billerica/aMarriagesF.shtml "(French) William, Lt., and Mary Stearns [dup. Sternes], wid. May 6, 1669.* [Sternes. MR]"
• http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Billerica/aDeathsF.shtml "(French) William, Lt., Nov. 20, 1681, in 78th y. [a. 78. MR]"
• http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Billerica/Images/Billerica_...

“French, Capt. William, 1604- 1681, Cambridge and Billerica, Mass. Lieut., 1647. A. & H. A. Co., 1638. Junior Sergt, 1643. First Sergt., 1646. Ens., 1650. Representative, 1660- '63. Capt. of Art. Co., 1681.” General register of the Society of colonial wars, 1899-1902; Society of colonial wars. New York: H. K. Brewer & co. 1902.[1]

Biography

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196399611/william-french

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.

Lt. William Frenche was born in England, and married Elizabeth ___________there, and had four children born in England. He came to America with Rev. Thomas Shepard and his brother Samuel Roger Harlaksuden, and John and Joseph Cook on the ship "Defense" in the summer of 1635. He settled first in Cambridge, Mass. and then became one of the original proprietors of Billerica, Mass. He was a lieutenant of the miitia and afterward a captain, was chosen to sit in the "Deacon's seat" in 1659. He was one of the first selectment and served in 1660 and served nine years, and the first Deputy of Billerica to attend the General Court at Boston. Evidence in the cause of Indian instruction if found in a letter written by him to a "godly friend in England" published in London in the famous tract "Strength out of Weakness", and afterwards republished in the Mass. HIstorical Soc. Coll. 3d S. vol. 4, pp. 149, 196 in which he gives a detailed account of the testimony of an Indian convert. His wife died March 31, 1668 and he married 2d Mary, dau. of Thomas Lathrop of Barnstable and widow of John Stearns of Billerica. He died Nov 20, 1681 and his widow married Isaac Mixter of Watertown as his third wife.

• William French
• M, #39963, b. 15 March 1603, d. 20 November 1681
• Father Thomas French b. c 1562, d. 27 Jan 1613
• Mother Anne (Agnes) Olmstead b. c 1565, d. 11 Feb 1624
• William French was born on 15 March 1603 at Halstead, Essex, England. He married Elizabeth Symmes on 20 November 1628 at Halstead, Essex, England.1,2 William French married Mary Lathrop, daughter of Rev. Thomas Lathrop and Sarah Learned, on 6 May 1669 at Billerica, Middlesex, MA. William French died on 20 November 1681 at Billerica, Middlesex, MA, at age 78.
• Family 1 Elizabeth Symmes b. 1603, d. 31 Mar 1668
• Children
  • Elizabeth French+2 b. 5 Sep 1629, d. 21 Jun 1697
  • Mary French+1 b. 1633, d. 27 May 1672
  • Francis French+ b. c 1636, d. 14 Feb 1691
  • Sarah French+1 b. Mar 1638, d. 14 Oct 1694
  • Jacob French b. 16 Mar 1640, d. 20 May 1713
• Family 2 Mary Lathrop b. 4 Oct 1640, d. a 1735
• Child
  • Sarah French+ b. 20 Oct 1671, d. Jul 1727
• Citations
• [S61] Unknown author, Family Group Sheets, Family History Archives, SLC.
• [S11597] Ancestry.com, Submitted Stephen Anderson.
• From: http://our-royal-titled-noble-and-commoner-ancestors.com/p1330.htm#... ______________
• FRENCH, William
• b. ABT MAR 1602/3 Halstead, England
• d. 20 NOV 1681 Cambridge, Middlesex, Mass.
• Family:
• Marriage: ABT 1623 England
• Spouse: GODFREY, Elizabeth
• b. 1606 England
• d. 31 MAR 1668 Cambridge, Middlesex, Mass.
• Children:
  • FRENCH, Elizabeth b. ABT 1631
  • FRENCH, Mary
  • FRENCH, John
  • FRENCH, Sarah
  • FRENCH, Jacob
  • FRENCH, Hannah
• Family:
• Marriage: 6 MAY 1669
• Spouse:LOTHROP, Mary
• Children:
  • FRENCH, Sarah
  • FRENCH, Abigail b. 14 APR 1673
  • FRENCH, Hannah
  • FRENCH, Mary
• From: http://www.genealogyofnewengland.com/f_1f.htm#35 _________________
• Genealogy of the French family Published 1903
• https://archive.org/details/genealogyoffrenc00camd
• https://archive.org/stream/genealogyoffrenc00camd#page/n6/mode/1up
• Pg.3
• THOMAS FRENCHE*
• of Wetheisfield, Essex Co., England, died 1599. In his will mentions wife, three children and grandson John, son of son Thomas, and gives to poor of Halsted, of West Wratting, Snetisham, Little Birdsfield and Arkesden.
• Children.
• Thomas* m. Anne ; Mary m. John Collins ; Elizabeth m. John Meade
• THOMAS FRENCH
• of Halstead, Essex Co., England, died Jan. 27, 1613. Left wife Anne, six sons and several daughters.
• Children
• Thomas* m. Miss Wood ; John ; Edward ; Robert ; William ; Francis
• THOMAS FRENCH
• of Halstead, Essex Co. Married a daughter of Wood.
• Children
• William* born Mch 15, 1603 m. Elizabeth ___ ; Francis Bapt June 29, 1606 ; Jerrymya Bapt Nov. 21, 1607
• Lieut. WILLIAM FRENCH (or Frenche)
• who was was our earliest ancestor in the direct line in America, was born in Halsted, Essex Co., England, March 15, 1603. He married Elizabeth ___ , and had four children born in England. He came to America with Rev. Thomas Shepard and his brother Samuel, Roger Harlaksuden, and George and Joseph Cook, in the ship "Defence" in the summer of 1635. He settled first in Cambridge, Mass, and in 1652 was one of the original proprietors and earliest settlers of Billerica, Mass. He was a Lieutenant of the militia and afterwards Captain. Was chosen "to sit in the Deacons seat" 1659. "Comitioner to establish the county rates" the same year ; one of the first selectmen, 1660, and served nine years. Committee to examine children and servants in "reading, religion and the catechism," 1651 ; the first Deputy or Representative of Billerica in the General Court at Boston, 1660, taking his seat in 1663. Evidence of his activity in the cause of Indian instruction is found in a letter wiitten by him to "a godly friend in England," published in London in the famous tract, "Strength Out of Weakness," and afterwards republished in the Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll. 3d S. vol. 4, pp. 149, 196, in which he gives a detailed account of the testimony of an Indian convert. His wife died March 31, 1668, and he married 2d, Mary, daughter of Thomas Lathrop of Barnstable and widow of John Stearns of Billerica. He died Nov. 20, 1681, and his widow afterwards married Isaac Mixter of Watertown as his third wife.
  • ( ) Numbers in parenthesis indicate the generation.
  • * Names marked with the star show the direct line of descent of the family in Camden.
• https://archive.org/stream/genealogyoffrenc00camd#page/4/mode/1up
• By wife Elizabeth he had ten children :
  • 1 Francis, b. England, 1624 ; m. Lydia Bunnille of Milford
  • 2 Elizabeth, b. England, 1629 ; m. Richard Ellis of Dedham
  • 3 Mary, b. England, 1633 ; m. Jonathan Hides
  • 4 John, b. England, 1635 ; m. Abigail Coggan
  • 5 Sarah, b. Cambridge, March, 1638 ; m. Jonathan Cheak
  • 6 JACOB,* b. Cambridge, March 16, 1640 ; m. Mary Champney
  • 7 Hannah, b. Cambridge, Apr. 12, 1641 ; d. June 20, 1642
  • 8 Hannah, b. Cambridge, Feb. 16, 1644 ; m. John Brackett, Sept. 6, 1661, had 9 children
  • 9 Samuel, b. Cambridge, Dec. 3, 1645 ; d. July 15, 1646
  • 10 Samuel, b. Cambridge, abt. 1648 ; m. Sarah Cummings
• By wife Mary he had :
  • 11 Mary, b. Billerica, Apr. 3, 1670 ; m. 1st Robert Sharp: 2d Nathl. Duncklee
  • 12 Sarah, b. Billerica, Oct. 29, 1671 ; m. Joseph Crosby of B., May 6, 1691
  • 13 Abigail b. Billerica, Apr. 14, 1673 ; d. Apr. 13, 1674
  • 14 Hannah, b.Billerica, Jan. 25, 1676 ; John Child of Watertown
• Francis French (2) (Lieut. William) (1)
• Born in England, 1624, came with his father in the "Defence"; removed to Milford, Conn., about 1650, and four years later was one of the first settlers in Derby, Conn. He married, Apr. 10, 1661, Lydia Bonnelle of Milford and died Feb. 14, 1681. His widow died Apr. 1, 1708.
• They had :
  • .... etc.

___________________

http://www.timjanzen.com/family/groups/gp125.html#head2

William French

Born: 15 MAR 1603   - Halstead, Essex, England

Marr: CA 1623       - England  			

Died: 20 NOV 1681   - Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts Father: Thomas French Mother: Anne (Agnes) Olmstead Other Spouses: Mary Lothrop 

Wife: Elizabeth Symmes

Born: 1603/1605     - Of Sandwich, Kent, England 

Died: 31 MAR 1668   - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts  

Father: William Symmes Mother: Mrs Symmes

Children (total) = 14

Children with Elizabeth Symmes (10):

Francis French

Born: 1625          - Halstead, Essex, England

Died: 14 FEB 1691   - Derby, New Haven, Connecticut

Elizabeth French

Born: 1625          - England

Died: 27 MAY 1672   - Dedham, Norfolk, Massachusetts

Mary French

Born: 1632/1633     - England

Died: 27 MAY 1672   - Newton, Middlesex, Massachusetts

John French

Born: 1635          - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died: 7 OCT 1712    - Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Sarah French

Born: MAR 1638      - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Marr: 1657(other spouses) - Jonathan Peake

Died: 14 OCT 1694   - Roxbury, Suffolk, Massachusetts

Jacob French

Born: 16 MAR 1640   - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died: 20 MAY 1713   - Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Hannah French

Born: 2 FEB 1642    - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died: 20 JUN 1642   - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Hannah French

Born: 16 FEB 1644   - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died: 9 MAY 1674    - Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Samuel French

Born: 3 DEC 1645    - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died: 15 JUL 1646   - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Samuel French

Born: 3 DEC 1648    - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died: 4 NOV 1727    - 

Children with Mary Lothrop (4):

Mary French

Born: 3 APR 1670    - Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died:               - 

Sarah French

Born: 29 OCT 1671   - Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died:               - 

Abigail French

Born: 14 APR 1673   - Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Died: 13 APR 1674   - 

Hannah French

Born: 25 JAN 1676   - 

Died:               -  ___________________

Held the military title of Captain. Still researching. _________________

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 _________________

He was living in Billerica, MA at the time of the marriage of his son. __________________

William was probably from Essex and arrived in Boston with Harlakened in 1635, in the "Defence" after a 34-day journey from London. Rev. Hooker was a fellow passenger. He was a freeman at Cambridge 3 Mar 1636, a first settler of Billerica, where he was granted 150 acres in 1652. At Billerica he was a Selectman from 1660-69. He was a member of the committee to examine children and servants in reading, religion and catechism in 1661. He was the first representative of Billerica to the General Court at Boston in 1663. He was lieutenant and captain in the militia. It was thought William was the son of Thomas French of Halstead, Co of Essex, England bap. there in 1603, but this was disproved by Elizabeth French in her article for the NEHGR, "Genealogical Research in England", vo. 65 (July, 1911). William was the author of the Indian tract "Strength Out of Weakness", London 1652, reprinted in 3 Mass Hist Coll, IV; 103. In this letter, written to a "godly friend in England", he details the testimony of an Indian convert to Christianity. He had a brothers, John and Richard, both also of Cambridge and Billerica.In his will dated 5 Jun 1679 he left bequests to his grandchildren, having provided for his children during his lifetime: "to the eldest son of John ffrench to Wm the son of Jacob ffrench 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 grand children". His second wife, Mary, and son, Jacob were executors. Following his death on 20 Nov 1681 an inventory of his estate was taken by Jonathan Danforth, Sr. and Patrick Hill which amounted to ?231.12.10. His will records him as "aged abt. seaventy & six years" and the inventory as "being in his 78 year of his age" at the time of his death. B to check: "NEHGR", Vol. XLIV, 1890, p. 367-372, "Lieutenant William French and his Descendants", John M. French, M.D.

HintsAncestry Hints for William French

   7 possible matches found on Ancestry.com Ancestry.com 

Marriage 1 Elizabeth Symmes b: ABT 1605 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co

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Came over to New England on the ship "Defence" with Shepard 1635. In 1652 he went to Billerica, MA. He was a Lt. and Capt. in the militia. nine children with Elizabeth Symmes.

First man chosen to "Deacon's seat" in 1659. Commissioner for country rates 1659. Selectman 1660 (served four years) On committee to examine children and servants for reading, religion, and catechism 1661 first rep. or deputy to general court in Boston 1663. Wrote "Strength Out of Weakness" published first in London, England and then republished in Mass. It is in the Historical Society collection.

He married second Mary Lathrop widow of John Stearns May 6, 1667 and had 4 more children

"Lieut. WILLIAM FRENCH, Halstead Mar 15, 1602/3; d. Nov. 20, 1681. He came to America, 1635 in the "Defence"; settled a Cambridge, Mass.; subsequently he rem. to Billerica that state where he was on of the original settlers," and where he was a leading citizen in religious and town affairs. In 1660 he was the first deputy elected to represent that town in General Court at Boston. He was the first deacon in the town chrch, 1661." ___

Will of William French

http://ntgen.tripod.com/bw/french_index.html 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.
other information on this website- Links

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.

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. Top of Page 

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. Top of Page

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 

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Kansas Pioneers Lineage

Direct Descendants of William French

1   William French 1604 - 1681 b in England  ..  +Mary Lathrop 1640 - 1735 b in Barnstable, Barnstable Co, Mass 

2   Hannah French 1676 - 1766 b in Billerica, Middlesex Co, Mass  ....  +John Child 1669 - 1748 b in Watertown, Middlesex Co,  Mass  ... 3   Mary Child 1700 - 1776 b in Westborough, Worcester Co, Mass  .......  +Nathaniel Whitney III 1696 - 1776 b in Watertown, Middlesex Co, Mass  ..... 4   Nathaniel Whitney IV 1728 - 1776 b in Westborough, Worcester Co, Mass  .........  +Abigail Joslin 1735 - b in Westborough, Mass  ........ 5   Abigail Whitney 1763 - 1847 b in Grafton, Worcester Co, Mass  ............  +Elijah Bruce 1760 - 1835 b in Westborough, Worcester Co, Mass  ........... 6   Abigail Whitney Bruce 1806 - 1884 b in Marlboro, Windham Co,  Vermont  ...............  +Nehemiah Willis Fisher 1805 - 1859 b in Marlboro, Windham Co,  Vermont  ............. 7   Eleanor Serepta Fisher 1843 - 1924 b in Marlboro, Windham Co,  Vermont  .................  +Henry Gilbert Baldwin 1836 - 1894 b in Dover, Windham Co,  Vermont  ................ 8   Arthur Willis Baldwin 1876 - 1961 b in Near Ada, Fountain Twp, Ottawa Co, Kans  ....................  +Inez Evangeline Hallock 1886 - 1976 b in Near Milo, Lincoln Co, Kans

Research this: from Wikitree Francis French is *not* William's son, though he is often attributed to him, but is his youngest brother, a half brother by William's step-mother, Elizabeth Symmes. She died birthing Francis, and William helped raise him as there were nearly 20 years that separated them. [1]

References

• Free e-book New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial: A Record of the ..., Volume 3 edited by William Richard Cutter p. 1459 William French came in 1635 and was a first settler of Billerica, MA. He was part of Dudley farm. in Shawshin. Corporal John French son of William French born in Billerica 1635 amd died 1712.
• information here showing he could not be the William French baptized 15 Mar 1603 in Halstead, Essex. Since we don't know his origin we also don't know his parents or his wife's maiden name. Bartlett, Joseph Gardner; Elizabeth French; G. Andrews Moriarty; and others. Genealogical Research in England. New England Historical and Genealogical Register. (New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1907-1953), 65 [1909] : 284-86 Richard2 Ellis, in Holman, Mary Lovering, and Harriett Grace Scott. The Scott Genealogy. (Boston, Mass., 1919) 193. https://archive.org/stream/scottgenealogyde00holm#page/194/mode/2up
• http://kristinhall.org/fambly/FrenchWm/WilliamFrench.html
• https://www.familytreedna.com/public/french/default.aspx?section=yr... Group 6, England, G-M201
• The following was inserted 5/1/2020. Based on DNA evidence and Research by French Family *Association copied 5/1/2020 from website. Note that the FFA info updated as new info sent in.
• William's FFA profile: https://wcbeta.rootsweb.com/trees/286527/P5406/william-french/indiv...
• Marriage information: http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTSWEB/ChartE002.htm
• William is on FFA Chart 1 as 3.1: *http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTSWEB/ChartE001.htm