: Lura Minnie Parker (Stagge), daughter of Minnie May Elmer (Parker), daughter of Mark Alfred Elmer, son of William Elmer, son of Sarah Peake (Elmer), daughter of Lemuel Peake, son of Jonathan Peake, son of Jonathan Peake, son of Sarah French (Peake), daughter of William French.]
Official record deeding property to the town of Billerica and varioius land owners. William French's signature ("William Ffrench") and property description is top-center. Billerica Public Library (http://www.billericalibrary.org)
French, William Register Report
Page 1
10/23/02
©1992-2002 Kristin C. Hall
http://xenia.media.mit.edu/~kristin
First Generation
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1. Captain William1 FRENCH Esq. was born circa 1604 in England[1]. We know that he was aged 30 at time of his migration in 1635 and aged “about seventy and six years” on 5 June 1679. William died in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts on 20 November 1681; he was “in [his] 78th year”[2,3]. William had a brother named John who was in Cambridge by 1637 and had a daughter named Sarah[9]. William migrated to New England in 1635 aboard the Defence, Thomas Bostock, master (Edward Pearce was first listed as master, but it was later changed to Mr. Bostock[15]). On 3 July 1635 William French, 30 and Elisa, his wife, 32 were mentioned as servant to Roger Harlakenden, who took the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy from the Minister and Justice of Peace. William, being a servant, would not have been eligible to take this oath. They embarked on 4 July 1635 with his family: “Elizabeth French, 30; Elizabeth French, 6; Marie French, 2-1/2; Francis French, 10; Jo: French, 5 months” were all listed as being from Fenchurch, London, Middlesex, England. They sailed from London[6,16,17].
Once freed from Harlakenden’s servitude, William became a Tailor[4]. We know that William was educated, since he signed his will[6]. More importantly, he sent to a friend in England “the relation of one Indian of two years profession, that I took from his own mouth by an interpreter, because he cannot speak or understand one word of English; this document was then included in a pamphlet: “Strength Out of Weakness; or a Glorious Manifestation of the Further Progresse of the Gospel among the Indians of New-England. Held Forth in Sundry Letters from divers Ministers and others…” This tract was published in London in 1652[5].
As seen by his title, William served in the local militia. He was admitted to Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, Suffolk county, Massachusetts (still extant!) in 1638[21] and quickly moved up the ranks -- which indicates more popularity with his fellow soldiers than military prowess. He became Sergeant on 27 September 1642[22]; was nominated as
Lieutenant on 1 October 1645[23] and confirmed as such on 26 May 1647[24]. He was still a Lieutenant at the time of his daughter Abigail’s birth in 1673[25]. The date of his promotion to Captain is unknown. Also, his inventory included an “old musket and gun barrel” valued at 12s[6].
William took the Freeman Oath on 3 March 1635/6 -- seventh in sequence of 11 Cambridge men[6,7]. His town service in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts consisted of serving on the petit jury of 3 December 1639[20]. Once he moved to Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts in 1652, his town service picked up considerably. He was empowered to marry
others in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts on 15 May 1667 and in Billerica and Chelmsford, Middlesex county, Massachusetts on 18 October 1659[19]. Finally, he was a deputy (much like a local representative to the State Legislature) from Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts to the Massachusetts Bay General Court on 19 December 1660, 27 May 1663 and 3 August 1664[18].
On 23 May 1655, the General Court considered a petition to which William French was a signer, asking that the residents of Shawshin (once part of Woburn, Middlesex county, Massachusetts and now the town of Burlington, Middlesex county, Massachusetts) be freed of all taxes and rate from the town of Cambridge[41].
William was admitted to the Cambridge Church prior to taking his Freemanship oath on 3 March 1635/6. In January 1658/9 list of Cambridge church members are “William French and Elizabeth his wife both are members in full communion, Their children [:] Elizabeth now Elliot and now joined at Dedham. Mary baptized in England between 2 and 3 years old at her father’s joining. John baptized by Mr. Hooker in Cambridge. Sarah, Jacob, Hannah born and baptized in this Church”[6,42]
William first settled in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts but in 1652[6], he moved to Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[2]. He made many real estate transactions and so is easy to track through deeds and land records. In Cambridge, he had one house on the 8 February 1635/6 list of “those men who have houses in the town”[26]. On 6 February 1636/7, he was granted two acres of land in Cambridge[27]. In 1639, he held two parcels of land: “bought of Mr. Richard Champnes, one dwelling house and garden”; and “given by the town two acres of land in the New West Field”[28]. By French, William Register Report Page 2, 10/23/02 ©1992-2002 Kristin C. Hall
http://xenia.media.mit.edu/~kristin 1639, William French had sold to John Sill “one house with garden and backside in the town”[29].
In the Cambridge land inventory of 6 September 1642, William French held four parcels: “in the town one dwelling house with about half a rood of ground”; “in the New West Field two acres”; “on the south side of Charles River, eight acres more or less being the seventh lot in the lower division of lots”; and “in the upper division of those lots eight acres more or less being the three and fiftieth lot there”[30].
In 1645, William French was granted “six acres and half” “on the west side of Monotamye [Menotomy - a now-extinct town which comprised parts of Cambridge, Somerville and Arlington, Middlesex county, Massachusetts] River”[31]; on or soon after 10 December 1646, William French sold to Edward Winship:”in the lots beyond Menotomy six acres and half”[32].
On 15 August 1646, William French sold to Andrew Stevenson “four acres of land more or less in New West Field”[33].
On a later unknown date, William French held five acres in Fresh Pond Meadow[34]. In the division of “Shaw Shine” [the aforementioned “Shawshin”, now Burlington, Middlesex county, Massachusetts] on 4 June 1652, “Lt. Will[ia]m French” received Lot #24, 150 acres[35].
On 27 February 1654/5 William French of Cambridge, tailor, sold to Gilbert Crackbone of Cambridge, husbandman, “four acres of land...in a planting field commonly called there West Field”[36].
On 10 June 1656 “William French of Cambridge..., tailor,” sold to “William Barret of the same place, tailor,...my now mansion house situated in Cambridge before named with about half a rood of land adjoining to the same..., also a barn and outhouse standing on the east adjoining the highway with about half a rood of land adjoining thereto”37.
On -- February 1667/8, “William French of Billerica...in consideration of a valuable sum of money, to me well and truly paid, by Sgt. John Parker (now deceased) sometimes of Billerica aforesaid, for the use and behoof of Jonathan Danforth” of Billerica, deed to Jonathan Danforth a parcel of meadow in Billerica “containing by estimation one acere and three quarters”[38].
On 29 November 1678, “William French of Billerica...for and in consideration of the love and affection he beareth to his son Jacob French, as also for the full and final accomplishment of a contract and agreement made between the said W[illia]m French and Elder Richard Champney of Cambridge deceased, upon the marriage of the said Jacob French to Mary, the daughter of the said Elder Chamney, “ deeded to Jacob French a parcel of land in Billerica “containing by
estimation twenty-five acres lying on the Pine Plain”[39,40].
On 2 April 1650 the “Court granted W[illia]m French right and power of administration upon the estate of his brother John French deceased, and do confirm and allow of his disposal of the children”[8,9].
In his own will, dated 5 June 1679 and proved 20 December 1681, “W[illia]m French of Billerica, aged about seventy and six years,” declared that “I have already given to all by children that have been already married their portions, I only add to them as followeth: to the eldest son of John French, to W[illia]m the son of Jacob French, to Elizabeth daughter [of] Richard Ellis, to Jonathan the son of Jhonathan Hides, to the eldest daughter of Jonathan Peake, to Marah the daughter of John Brackett, which are all my grandchildren, to each person as aforesaid twenty shillings”; residue to “my beloved wife, and to those children born to me by her, to be divided to each at the discretion of our honored county court after my decease”; “my beloved wife and my son Jacob French” executors; at the time of probate, there was “allowed to the [illegible] of the children £6 13s. 4d., to the widow 1/3 the remainder, to the widow the remainder 2/3 equally to be let out by Lt. Jonath[an] Danforth, Joseph Thompson and Josiah Converse to each his part
and the widow to have the benefit of the children’s portion for the bringing up and education until they come of age to choose thier guardians.[10]”
The inventory of the estate of “Lt. W[illia]m French of Billerica who deceased 20 November 1681 being his 78 year of age”, taken 6 December 1681, totalled £231 12s. 10d. (against which were debts of about £25), of which £104 was real estate: “house and barn, homestead, meadows and outlands,” £104; presented 8 December 1681 by “Mary French executrix to the estate of Lt. French her deceased husband”[11].
On 6 December 1687, “the estate of Lt. William French of Billerica (who deceased the 20.9m.1681)” was divided, “to the widow one-third part of the whole estate and to the three children the remaining two-thirds, equally, “ the widow receiving £60 14s. 10d., “Mary French (now Sharp),” £40 10s., “Sarah French” £40 10s., and “Hannah French” £40 10s.; this division was acknowledged on 20 August 1722 by “Sarah Crosbey, Mary Dunklin and Hannah Child
(daughters of the within mentioned Will[ia]m French deceased)”[12,13,14].
Circa 1625 when William was 21, he first married Elizabeth GODFREY? SYMMES?, in England[43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50]. Elizabeth died on 31 March 1668 in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[3].
They had the following children:
2 i. [possibly Francis]
3 ii. Elizabeth
4 iii. Mary
5 iv. John
6 v. Sarah
7 vi. Jacob
8 vii. Hannah1
9 viii. Hannah2
10 ix. Samuel
On 6 May 1669 when William was 65, he second married Mary LOTHROP, daughter of Thomas LOTHROP and Mary [surname not known], in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[2,3,51,52,53,50,54,55,56,57,49,58]. Mary was born on 4 October 1640 and died after 1735; she was 94[2]. The town records mention that “She was living in 1735 ‘very aged’”. William
was Mary’s second husband. She first married John STEARNS and third married Isaac MIXER.
On 21 December 1680, “Mary French administrator to the estate of her deceased husband John Sternes, “along with “John Stearnes” and “Samuel Starnes” petitioned for a division of the estate of John Stearms. To this petition were appended two other items: “Request of the selectmen of Billerica for the Court to take into consideration the condition of the family of one Lt. W[illia]m French “ 18 December 1680; and the “Court being informed that Lt. W[illia]m French of Billerica is by God’s hand through impotency and weakness unfit to govern his domestic concerns, at the
request of his friend Deacon Tompson and his son Jacob French are empowered to assist his wife in the ordering and disposing of his estate, so as may best conduce for the supply of the family,” 21 December 1680 [Scott Gen 196, location of petition not stated][59].
They had the following children:
11 i. Mary
12 ii. Sarah
13 iii. Abigail
14 iv. Hannah
Generation: G7 Grandparents
Person Numbers: 978/979
Second Generation
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Family of Captain William FRENCH Esq. (1) and Elizabeth GODFREY? SYMMES?
2. [possibly Francis] FRENCH (William1) was born circa 1625 in England. Anderson says there is no further record of him and that he may not have been a child of this couple. Francis was on the Defence in 1635, aged 10. William French would have been barely twenty at the time of Francis’ birth, which is not impossible but is younger than the norm[3]. It is possible, during this time of extremely large families, that Francis was a younger brother of William and John.
Regardless, Torrey notes that a Francis French and Lydia Bunnell married in Derby or Milford, Connecticut in 1661. Even if this is not *this* Francis, someone wished to perpetuate the name.
3. Elizabeth FRENCH (William1) was born circa 1629 in England[3]. She was aged 6 at time of migration. On 19 September 1650 when Elizabeth was 21, she married Richard ELLIS, in Dedham, Norfolk county, Massachusetts[3,60].
4. Mary FRENCH (William1) was born circa 1632 in England[3]. She was aged 2.5 at time of migration in 1635 and married Jonathon HIDE.
5. John FRENCH (William1) was born circa 1635 in England[3]. He was aged 5 months at time of migration in 1635. John was baptized in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts in 1635[61]. John married four times. On 21 June 1659 when John was 24, he first married Abigail COGGAN, in Barnstable, Plymouth county, Massachusetts[3]. On 3 July 1662 when John was
27, he second married Hannah BURRIDGE, in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9]. On 14 January 1667/8 when John was 32, he third married Mary ROGERS, in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9]. On 16 January 1677/8 when John was 42, he fourth married Mary LITTLEFIELD, in Billerica, Middlesex county Massachusetts[9].
6. Sarah FRENCH (William1) was born in March 1638 in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9,62]. On 15 August 1660 when Sarah was 22, she married Jonathon PEAKE, in Roxbury, Suffolk county, Massachusetts[9].
7. Jacob FRENCH (William1) was born on 16 January 1639/40 in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9,63]. On 20 September 1665 when Jacob was 26, he first married Mary CHAMPNEY, in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9]. On 30 June 1685 when Jacob was 46, he second married Mary CONVERS, in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9]. Jacob third married Mary [surname not known].
8. Hannah1 FRENCH (William1) was born on 2 February 1641/2 in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9,63] and died in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts on 20 June 1642; she was 1[9,63].
9. Hannah2 FRENCH (William1) was born circa 1643[9]. On 6 September 1661 when Hannah2 was 18, she married John BRACKETT, in Braintree, Norfolk county, Massachusetts[9].
10. Samuel FRENCH (William1) was born on 3 December 1645 in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9] and died in 1646. He was buried on 15 July 1646 in Cambridge, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9].
Family of Captain William FRENCH Esq. (1) and Mary LOTHROP
11. Mary2 FRENCH (William1) was born on 30 April 1670 in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[2,9,64] and died in Lexington, Middlesex county, Massachusetts as “Dunkley, Mary”.on 17 September 1729; she was 59[65]. On 20 June 1687 when Mary was 17, she first married Robert SHARP, in possibly Woburn, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9,43,66,67]. Torrey mentions that they are both “of Billerica”[43]. On 23 March 1693 when Mary was 22, she second married Nathaniel DUNKLEE, son of Elnathan DUNKLEE and Silence BOWERS, in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9,43,57,68,69,70,71,72]. Under Robert Sharp’s Torrey entry, Mary’s second husband is listed as “Nathaniel Dunckler”[43].
They had the following children (surnamed DUNKLEE):
i. Silence
ii. David
iii. Elnathan
iv. Jonathon
v. Hannah
vi. Hezekiah
vii. Robert
viii. [possibly Ruth?]
12. Sarah FRENCH (William1) was born on 29 October 1671 in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[2,9,73]. On 6 May 1691 when Sarah was 19, she married Joseph CROSBY of Billerica, in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9,56].
13. Abigail FRENCH (William1) was born on 14 April 1673 in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[2,9,25] and died on 13 April 1674 in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[2,9,74].
14. Hannah FRENCH (William1) was born on 25 January 1676/7 in Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[2,9,75] and died in Watertown, Middlesex county, Massachusetts in 1766; she was 89[2]. On 5 October 1693 when Hannah was 17, she married John CHILD, in Watertown, Middlesex county, Massachusetts[9].
Sources
1. “Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records,” [MPR], 5:250-1.
2. Bond, Henry, Genealogies of the Families and Descendants of the Early Settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts,
(Boston: NEHGS, 1860) [Appended to the Watertown, Middlessex county, Massachusetts VRs on the CD], [Bond or Watertown],
I:453.
3. Anderson, Robert Charles, George F. Sanborn, Jr. and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, The Great Migration: Immigrants to New England 1634-1635., (Boston: Great Migration Study Project, New England Historic Genealogical Society,
1999-2001), [GreatMig1634-1635], II:591.
4. “Middlesex county, Massachusetts Deeds,” [MLR], 1:205-7; 3:38-39.
5. Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 1 through present (1792+), [MHSC], 3:4:192-3.
6. Anderson, Robert Charles, George F. Sanborn, Jr. and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, The Great Migration: Immigrants to
New England 1634-1635., (Boston: Great Migration Study Project, New England Historic Genealogical Society,
1999-2001), [GreatMig1634-1635], II:588.
7. Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, 1628-1686; 5 volumes in 6,
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, (Boston: 1853-1854), [MBCR], 1:371.
8. Middlesex County Court Records, [MCCR or MCR], 1:9.
9. Anderson, Robert Charles, George F. Sanborn, Jr. and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, The Great Migration: Immigrants to
New England 1634-1635., (Boston: Great Migration Study Project, New England Historic Genealogical Society,
1999-2001), [GreatMig1634-1635], II:592.
10. “Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records,” [MPR].
11. Ibid. 5:251-3.
12. Anderson, Robert Charles, George F. Sanborn, Jr. and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, The Great Migration: Immigrants
to New England 1634-1635., (Boston: Great Migration Study Project, New England Historic Genealogical Society,
1999-2001), [GreatMig1634-1635], II:590-1.
13. “Middlesex county, Massachusetts Deeds,” [MLR], 16:413-4.
14. “Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records,” [MPR], Case #8528.
15. Coldham, Peter Wilson, The Complete Book Of Emigrants, (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing company, Inc.,
1987), [Coldham], 151.
16. The Original Lists of Persons of Quality.., Hotten, John Camden, (London 1874; rpt. Baltimore 1974), [Hotten],
99-100.
17. Coldham, Peter Wilson, The Complete Book Of Emigrants, (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing company, Inc.,
1987), [Coldham], 151-152.
18. Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, 1628-1686; 5 volumes in 6,
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, (Boston: 1853-1854), [MBCR], 4:1:449; 4:2:72,117.
19. Ibid. 4:2:336.
20. Ibid. 1:283.
21. Roberts, Oliver Ayer, History of..the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, 1637-1888, 4
volumes., (Boston 1895-1901), [HAHAC], 1:60.
22. Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, 1628-1686; 5 volumes in 6,
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, (Boston: 1853-1854), [MBCR], 2:29-30.
23. Ibid. 2:137.
24. Ibid. 2:187.
25. “Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts Vital Records,” [BillVR], p. 80.
26. The Records of the Town of Cambridge (Formerly Newtowne) Massachusetts, 1630-1703.., (Cambridge: 1901),
[CaTR], 18.
27. Ibid. 26.
28. The Register Book of the Lands and Houses in the “New Towne” and the Town of Cambridge.., (Cambridge
1896), [CaBOP], 66.
29. Ibid. 57.
30. Ibid. 100,331.
31. Ibid. 129.
32. Ibid. 132.
33. Ibid. 130.
34. Ibid. 333.
35. The Records of the Town of Cambridge (Formerly Newtowne) Massachusetts, 1630-1703.., (Cambridge: 1901),
[CaTR], 97.
36. “Middlesex county, Massachusetts Deeds,” [MLR], 3:38-9.
37. Ibid. 1:205-7.
38. Ibid. 4:255-7.
39. Ibid. 7:59.
40. Anderson, Robert Charles, George F. Sanborn, Jr. and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, The Great Migration: Immigrants
to New England 1634-1635., (Boston: Great Migration Study Project, New England Historic Genealogical Society,
1999-2001), [GreatMig1634-1635], II:588-590.
41. Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, 1628-1686; 5 volumes in 6,
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, (Boston: 1853-1854), [MBCR], 3:391-2.
42. Records of The Church of Christ at Cambridge in New England, 1632-1830., Stephen Paschall Sharples, ed.,
(Boston 1906), [CaChR], 7-8.
43. Torrey, Charles, New England Marriages Prior to 1700., (Boston: New England Historic and Genealogical
Society), [Torrey].
44. Warner, Frederick Chester, "The Ancestry of Samuel Freda and John Warner," 5 vols., (Boston, Massachusetts, 1949,
1955), typescript, [Warner-Harrington], 218,351.
45. Backus, Mary Elizabeth (Neilson), The New England Ancestry of Dana Converse Backus, ([Salem, Massachusetts:
privately printed, 1949]), [Backus Anc.], 59,82.
46. New England Historic and Genealogical Register. Vols. 1+, (Boston: New England Historic and Genealogical
Register, 1845+), [NEHGR or Reg.], 44:367; 88:75; 89:182.
47. McIntire, Robert Harry, Ancestry of Robert Harry McIntire and of Helen Annette McIntire, His Wife, (Norfolk, Virginia,
1950), [McIntire Anc.], 274.
48. Linzee, John William, The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles of Roxbury, Massachusetts, (Boston, Massachusetts: [S. Usher],
1913), [Parker (#9), Parker-Ruggles], 207.
49. Holman, Mary Lovering, The Scott Genealogy, (Boston, MA: 1919), [Scott (1919)], 195.
50. Dillon, Arthur Orison, The Ancestors of Arthur Orison Dillon, (The Author, 1927), [DillonAnc], 24.
51. Backus, Mary Elizabeth (Neilson), The New England Ancestry of Dana Converse Backus, ([Salem, Massachusetts:
privately printed, 1949]), [Backus Anc.], 83.
52. Warner, Frederick Chester, "The Ancestry of Samuel Freda and John Warner," 5 vols., (Boston, Massachusetts, 1949,
1955), typescript, [Warner-Harrington], 218.
53. New England Historic and Genealogical Register. Vols. 1+, (Boston: New England Historic and Genealogical
Register, 1845+), [NEHGR or Reg.], 44:367; 66:179; 86:348.
54. Huntington, Rev. E. B., A Genealogical Memoir of the Lo-Lathrop Family, (Ridgefield Conn.: privately printed,
1884), [Lathrop].
55. Van Wagenen, Avis (Stearns), Genealogy and Memoirs of Charles and Nathaniel Stearns, (Syracuse, N.Y.:
Courier Printing Company, 1901), vol. 2, [Stearns (#1)], 1:25.
56. “Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts Vital Records,” [BillVR], 259.
57. Baldwin, Charles Candee, The Baldwin Genealogy From 1500 to 1881, (Cleveland, Ohio: [The Leader Printing
Company], 1881), [Baldwin], 689.
58. French, John M., “"Lieut. William French and His Descendants,",” New England Historic and Genealogical Register,
[FrenchFrench], 44(1890):367-72.
59. Anderson, Robert Charles, George F. Sanborn, Jr. and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, The Great Migration: Immigrants
to New England 1634-1635., (Boston: Great Migration Study Project, New England Historic Genealogical Society,
1999-2001), [GreatMig1634-1635], II:590.
60. “Dedham, Norfolk county, Massachusetts Vital Racords,” [DedhamVR].
61. Records of The Church of Christ at Cambridge in New England, 1632-1830., Stephen Paschall Sharples, ed.,
(Boston 1906), [CaChR], 8.
62. New England Historic and Genealogical Register. Vols. 1+, (Boston: New England Historic and Genealogical
Register, 1845+), [NEHGR or Reg.], 4:55.
63. Ibid. 4:56.
64. “Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts Vital Records,” [BillVR], 84.
65. “Lexington, Meddlesex county, Massachusetts Vital Records,” [LexVR], p. 173.
66. New England Historic and Genealogical Register. Vols. 1+, (Boston: New England Historic and Genealogical
Register, 1845+), [NEHGR or Reg.], 44:367; 61:72.
67. Middlesex County Court Records, [MCCR or MCR], I:614.
68. Bond, Henry, Genealogies of the Families and Descendants of the Early Settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts,
(Boston: NEHGS, 1860) [Appended to the Watertown, Middlessex county, Massachusetts VRs on the CD], [Bond or Watertown],
453.
69. Hudson, Charles, History of the Town of Lexington, middlesex County, From its First Settlement to 1860, (2 vols.),
(Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1913), [Lexington], 2:182-3.
70. Duncklee, Ada Melinda Lakin, A Sketch of the Duncklee Family: and a History of the Descendants of David
Duncklee of Amherst, New Hampshire: and of His Sister Hannah Duncklee Howe of Milford, New Hampshire, (Milford, New Hampshire: J. P. Melger,
1908), [Duncklee], 8.
71. Huntington, Rev. E. B., A Genealogical Memoir of the Lo-Lathrop Family, (Ridgefield Conn.: privately printed,
1884), [Lathrop], 47.
72. Holman, Mary Lovering, The Scott Genealogy, (Boston, Massachusetts: 1919), [Scott (1919)], 197.
73. “Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts Vital Records,” [BillVR], 85.
74. Ibid. 361.
75. Ibid. 82.
FOUND ON ANCESTRY.COM
William French's immigration
William French, a first settler of Billerica, Massachusetts, was a tailor and servant. He arrived in Boston, on "The Defence" 08 October 1635, age 30, estimated year of birth 1605.The ship docked in Boston, Massachusetts [1]. William and his wife Elizabeth French came over from England on the ship "Defence" in 1634 or 35 and 4 of the children were with them; Francis, Elizabeth, Marie (Mary), John. He was one of the first settlers of Billerica. 1663 - was the first representative from Billerica. of Cambridge and Billerica, Massachusetts. He emigrated with the Rev. Thomas Shepard. He settled at Cambridge and in 1652 was one of 13 petitioners for the separation of Billerica, formerly Shawshin, from Cambridge. In 1647 he was Licutenant and afterward Captain of Militia. In 1659 he was authorized to soleminize marriages within Baillerica and Chelmsford. He was selectman 1660-4 and 1670-3. On 17 December 1660 Lieutenant Will French is chosen deputy for this Town for the Next Genrl Court and no longer. Two days later he was in his seat at Boston, the first Deputy from Billerica. He was chosen again in 1663. In 1661 the town appoint Lieut. ffrench, John Parker, Ralph Hill, Sen. and Will Gay to sett in the Deacon's seat. He was a man of some education, and the author of the famous tract entitled "Strength out of weakness" published in London and reprinted by the Boston Historical Society. His wife died March 31, 1668, and he married May 6, 1669, Mary Lathrop of Barnstable, daughter of unknown and widow of John Stearns of Billerica. He died Nov. 20, 1681.
found on ancestry.com
William French
WILLIAM FRENCH [#150], born about 1603, died. Billerica, Massachusetts 20 November 1681, married(1) Elizabeth ____, died. Billerica, Massachusetts 31 March 1668, married(2) 6 May 1669 MARY (LATHROP) Stearns (daughter of Thomas Lathrop and Sarah Learned), born Barnstable, Massachusetts 4 October 1640, died after 1735. She had married(1) Barnstable? December 1656 John Stearns, died. 5 March 1668-9. She married(3) Isaac Mixer.
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.[1] 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 October 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.[5/3435] 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.[5/551]
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 Lieft. William ffrench.[5/58] The Shawshine Plantation later became the town of Billerica, the name change coming by order of the court on May 23, 1655.[5/62] He settled there early and was a captain in the militia.[1] 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.[1]
William died in Billerica on November 20, 1681 in his 78th year. His death record lists him as Lieutenant.[3] His will was dated June 5, 1679 at which time he called himself "aged about seaventy and 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 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 wife and son Jacob were made executors. The will was witnessed by Samuel Whiting, Jr. and Jonathan Danforth, Sr..[4/5:276] "Inventory of the Estate of Lt. Wm ffrench 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.[4/5:278] Division of the estate was made to the widow and to daughters Mary French (now Sharp), Sarah French, and Hannah French.[4/16:413]
William was perhaps from Bures Saint Mary in England which straddles the River Stour and lies partly in Suffolk and partly in Essex. A Jacob French married there in 1579 and three children were born shortly thereafter: William, baptized July 25, 1580; Jacob, baptized August 12, 1582; and Thomas, baptized October 11, 1584. The first two children were most likely children of Jacob, but their parents names were not given in the baptism record. The third child, Thomas, was recorded as the son of Jacob. The William born in 1580 could possibly be the father of William the ancestor and/or could be the William French who had children baptised at Twinstead, Essex about three miles from Bures St. Mary, the first of whom was Thomas, baptised November 10, 1606. The other was Jacob baptised January. 17, 1607-8.[5] Notice the name of Jacob through the generations, including the immigrant's.
Some sources give William's father as Thomas French of Halstead, Essex, England. He married a Wood and is reported to have had William, born March 15, 1602-3; Frances, baptized. June 29, 1606; and Jerrymya, baptized November. 21, 1607[6]. Other sources give William's father as Thomas also but give a much larger set of Thomas' children. However these claims would seem to be incorrect. Thomas was buried in Halstead November. 20, 1613, and his will was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury January 27, 1613-4. He left 400 pounds each to his sons John, Edward, William, Robert, and Francis. His son William, who was baptised at Halstead March 15, 1603 was of St. Dunstans in the west of London when he made his will May 14, 1621. In it are mentioned his brothers and sisters John, Edward, Robert, Francis, Ann, Elianor, Elizabeth, Margaret, Jemima, and Dorothy French. He also mentioned the 400 pounds given him by his father. This will was proved in the Commissary Court of London November 27, 1637 making it impossible that this William was the William French of Billerica, Massachusetts. There was, however, another family of French in Halstead to which belonged a William, born in 1606. There is very little information in the church registers regarding this family however[2].
William had a brother John in Cambridge who was buried February 16, 1645-6. John's wife Joanna was buried January 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.[5/551] 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 January 26, 1651-2 and sold it October 8, 1654, after which time there is no further record of him.[5/5512] REF: [1] New England Historic Genealogical Register, 1890 (pg.367) [2] New England Historic Genealogical Register, 1911 (pgs.285-286) [3] Billerica, Massachusetts Vital Records [4] Middlesex County Probate (First Series Docket 8528) [5] The History of Cambridge - Lucius R. Paige, 1877 [6] Genealogy of the Billerica, Massachusetts French Family from 1599-1914 - H. Martin Kellogg, 1884
Children (by Elizabeth):
1. Francis, born about 1624, died Derby, Connecticut 14 February 1681 (or 1690-1), married Milford, Connecticut 10 April 1661 Lydia Bonnell, died 1 April 1708 2. Elizabeth, born about 1629, married. Dedham, Massachusetts 19 September 1650 Richard Ellis, died Dedham 21 October 1694
3. Mary, born about 1633, died Cambridge 27 May 1672, married Jonathan Hyde, born about 1626, died. Newton, Massachusetts 5 October 1711 Children.: 1) Elizabeth, born 4 September 1659, died Cambridge 26 June 1699, married 1685 Isaac Williams
4. John, born about 1635, died October 1712, married(1) 21 June 1659 Abigail Coggan, died 5 April 1662, married(2) 3 July 1663 Hannah Burrage, died 7 July 1667, married(3) 14 Jan 1667-8 Mary Rogers, died 16 June 1677, married(4) 16 January 1677-8 Mary (Littlefield) Kittresge, died 1719
5. Sarah, born Cambridge, Massachusetts 1638, died 1694, married Roxbury, Massachusetts 15 August 1660 Jonathan Peake (son Jonathan Peake and Dorcas French), born 17 December 1637, died Roxbury 2 June 1700 Children: 1) Jonathan, born Roxbury 10 October 1663, died Woodstock, Connecticut 20 September 1744, married 1687 Hannah Leavens
6. Jacob, born Cambridge 16 January 1639-40, died 20 May 1713, married(1) 20 September 1665 Mary Champney (daughter Richard Champney), died 1 April 1681, married(2) 30 July 1685 Mary Convers, died. 18 June 1686, married(3) Mary ____, died 9 June 1709, married(4) Ruth ____, died 6 November 1730 Children: 1) Jacob, born 20 February 1667, died 1700; 2) William, born Billerica 18 July 1669, died 30 September 1723, married 22 May 1695 Sarah Danforth (daugjter Jonathan Danforth and Elizabeth Powter), born Billerica 23 December 1676, died 15 October 1751; 3) Mary, born 6 October 1669, died 12 November 1669; 4) John, born 6 October 1670, died 3 December 1670; 5) Joseph, born 5 May 1673, died 25 September 1676; 6) Jabez, born and died 16 September 1674; 7) Mary, born 5 March 1676, married Jonathan Baldwin; 8) Hannah, born and died 23 October 1677; 9) Elizabeth, born 8 June 1679, married William Manning; 10) Sarah, born 7 March 1681, married Thomas Baldwin; 11) Abigail, born 20 April 1686, died 29 March 1687
7. Hannah, born Cambridge 12 April 1641, died 20 June 1642
8. Hannah, born Cambridge 16 February 1644, married Billerica, Massachusetts 6 September 1661 John Brackett
9. Samuel, born Cambridge 3 December 1645, died 15 July 1646
10. Samuel, born about 1648, died Dunstable, Massachusetts 4 November 1727, married Cambridge 24 December 1682 Sarah Cummings (daughter John Cummings and Sarah Howlett), born Dunstable 28 January 1661 Children: 1) Alice, born Dunstable 20 November 1699, married Nathaniel Woods
Children (by Mary):
11. Mary, born Billerica, Masachusetts April 3, 1670, married ____ Sharp
12. Sarah, born Billerica October 29, 1671, married May 6, 1691 Joseph Crosby
13. Abigail, born Billerica April 14, 1673, died April 13, 1674
14. Hannah, born Billerica, Massachusetts January 25, 1676, died January 2, 1766, married September 5, 1693 John Child, born Watertown, Massachusetts April 25, 1669, died Waltham, Massachusetts before 1748
found on ancestry.com
Lieut William French
IMMIGRANT ANCESTOR 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, County Essex, England, died 20 November 1681 aged 78 Billerica, Middlesex county, Massachusetts. William married 1st in England, Elizabeth ( ), born 1603 Canturbury, England and died 31 March 1668 at Cambridge, Massacjisetts. 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 months.
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, Massachusetts 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 born England about 1624, married Lydia Bunnell
Elizabeth born England about 1629, married Robert Eliot of Dedham
Mary born England about January 1633, married Nathaniel Dunkler
John born England about February 1635, baptized by Mr. Hooker in Cambridge married Abigail Coggan
Sarah born Cambridge March 1638, probably died young
Jacob born Cambridge 16 March 1640, died 20 May 1713 aged 73 Billerica, married Mary Champney
Hannah born Cambridge 12 April 1641, died 20 June 1642
Hannah born Cambridge 16 February 1644, married 6 September 1661 John Brackett, had nine children.
Samuel born Cambridge 3 December 1645, died 15 July 1646
Samuel born about 1648, married Sarah Cummings
Children: of William and Mary French
Mary born Billerica 3 April 1670, married Mr. Sharp
Sarah born 29 October 1671, married Joseph Crosby, had twelve children
Abigail born 14 April 1673, died 13 April 1674
Hannah born 25 January 1676, married John Childs
Contact: Susan Dorris dorris@onecliq.net
found on ancestry.com
Listed as Lt.
Probably Massachusetts Militia. found on ancestry.com
Strength out of weakness: or A glorious manifestation of the further progress of the gospel among the Indians in New England (1865)
Author: Society for Propagation of the Gospel in New England; Eliot, John, 1604-1690; Wilson, John, 1588-1667; Leverich, William, d. 1677; Bessey, Anthony, 1609?-1657?; Mayhew, Thomas, 1621-1657; Endecott, John, 1588?-1665; French, William, 1603?-1681; Allen, Thomas, 1608-1673; Whitfield, Henry, 1597-1660?; White, Andrew Dickson, 1832-1918. fmo
Subject: Massachuset Indians; Wampanoag Indians; Indians of North America
Publisher: New York: Reprinted for Joseph Sabin
Language: English
Call number: E78.M4 E44
Digitizing sponsor: MSN
Book contributor: Cornell University Library
Contributor usage rights: See terms
Collection: cornell; americana
Full catalog record: MARCXML
This book has an editable web page on Open Library.
Description
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Half title: Further progress of the gospel among the Indians in New England. 1652"Edition 250 copies, of which 50 are on large paper."
Title page in red and black
Publisher's device on title page
Reprint of: Strength out of weakness. Or A glorious manifestation of the further progresse of the gospel amongst the Indians in New-England. Held forth in sundry letters from divers ministers and others to the corporation established by Parliament for promoting the gospel among the heathen ... since the late treatise to that effect, formerly set forth by Mr. Henry Whitfeld, late Pastor of Gilford in New-England / Published by the aforesaid corporation. London: Printed by M. Simmons for J. Blague and S. Howes, 1652
Includes letters from John Eliot, John Wilson, William Leverich, Anthony Bessey, Thomas Mayhew, John Endecott, William French and Thomas Allen. The Epistle dedicatory is signed by William Steele. "To the reader" signed: William Gouge [and seventeen others]
Fabric of a receiving blanket, then called a "bearing cloth"
