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Person Info

• Name: William FRENCH
• Sex: M
• Birth: Abt 1604 in Halstead, Essex Co, England ^b
• Death: 20 Nov 1681 in Billerica, Massachusetts ^d


Parents:

• Father:
  
• (Unk) FRENCH

Family:
Marriage:

• Elizabeth GODFREY on 1623 at England .^m1
  
• Elizabeth GODFREY Birth: Abt 1605 Death: 31 Mar 1668 in Billerica, Massachusetts

Children:

1. Francis FRENCH Birth: 1624 in Halstead, Essex, England Death: 14 Feb 1681
2. Elizabeth FRENCH Birth: 1629 in Halstead, Essex, England
3. Mary FRENCH Birth: Abt 1632
4. John FRENCH Birth: 1635 in England Death: Oct 1712 in Billerica, Massachusetts
5. Sarah FRENCH Birth: Mar 1638 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Death: 12 Jun 1715 in Roxbury, Massachusetts
6. Jacob FRENCH Birth: 16 Jan 1639/40 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Death: 20 May 1713 in Billerica, Massachusetts
7. Hannah FRENCH Birth: 2 Feb 1641/2 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Death: 20 Jun 1642 in Cambridge, Massachusetts
8. Hannah FRENCH Birth: 16 Feb 1644 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Death: 9 May 1674
9. Samuel FRENCH Birth: 3 Dec 1645 in Cambridge, Massachusetts Death: 15 Jul 1646 in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Marriage:

• Mary LOTHROP on 6 May 1669 at Billerica, Massachusetts .^m2
  
• Mary LOTHROP Death: After 1735

Children:

1. Mary FRENCH Birth: 3 Apr 1670 in Billerica, Massachusetts
2. Sarah FRENCH Birth: 29 Oct 1671 in Billerica, Massachusetts
3. Abigail FRENCH Birth: 14 Apr 1673 in Billerica, Massachusetts Death: 13 Apr 1674 in Billerica, Massachusetts
4. Hannah FRENCH Birth: 25 Jan 1676/7 in Billerica, Massachusetts Death: 2 Jan 1766 in Watertown, Massachusetts

Bibliography

Sources for birth and parent Information

date:

abt 1604 [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591]

abt 1605 [Ref: FrenchMT Frenchline v1#2]

age 30 in 1635, age 78 in 1681 [Ref: Sav-age FRENCH William],

place:

[Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367, FrenchMT FRENCH pI-20, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-4, FrenchMT Frenchline v1#2]

prob of Co Essex [Ref: Sav-age FRENCH William],

brother:

John of Cambridge [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p592, French England1911 p284, Hazen Billerica p56, Sav-age FRENCH John]

Sources with Inaccurate birth and parent Information

date:

15 Mar 1603 [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367, FrenchMT FRENCH pI-20, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-4],

parents:

Thomas FRENCH (#5637) & ___ WOOD (#5635) [Ref: FrenchMT Frenchline v1#2],

note:

for many years believed to be son of Thomas French of Stanstead Hall, Essex, baptized 15 Mar 1603. However, the William son of Thomas died in England abt 1637, and estate was administered by brother John. Therefore this William and John did not emigrate and could not be the ones of Cambridge and Billerica [Ref: French England1911 p284]

Sources for death Information

date:

[Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591, BillericaMA vitals p364, Cutter NE p969, FrenchJM FRENCH p367, FrenchMT FRENCH pI-20, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-4, FrenchMT Frenchline v1#2, Hazen Billerica p56, Reitwiesner GeorgeBUSH, Sav-age FRENCH William],

place:

[Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591, BillericaMA vitals p364, Cutter NE p969, FrenchMT FRENCH pI-20, Reitwiesner GeorgeBUSH, Sav-age FRENCH William]

Sources with Information about marriage to Elizabeth GODFREY

date:

[Ref: FrenchMT FRENCH pI-20, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-4, FrenchMT Frenchline v1#2]

by abt 1625 [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591],

place:

[Ref: Hazen Billerica p56],

names:

[Ref: FrenchMT FRENCH pI-12]

William FRENCH & Elisabeth ___ [Ref: BostonMA EarlyRec p55, BostonMA EarlyRec p56]

William FRENCH & Elizabeth ___ [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591, Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p592, Cutter NE p969, FrenchJM FRENCH p367, Hazen Billerica p56, Linzee PARKER-RUGGLES p426, Reitwiesner GeorgeBUSH, Sav-age FRENCH William],

child:

[Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591, Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p592, BostonMA EarlyRec p55, BostonMA EarlyRec p56, Cutter NE p969, FrenchJM FRENCH p367, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-4, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-9, FrenchRL FRENCH p14, Hazen Billerica p56, Linzee PARKER-RUGGLES p426, Reitwiesner GeorgeBUSH, Sav-age FRENCH William]

Sources with Inaccurate marriage information

child:

Mary (#33160), Samuel (#32139) [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367]

Samuel FRENCH 1653-1727 (#32139) [Ref: FrenchMT FRENCH pI-20, Hazen Billerica p56, Sav-age FRENCH William]

Sarah (#33525) wife of John TRULL [Ref: Sav-age TRULL John]

Sources with Information about marriage to Mary LOTHROP

date:

[Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591, BillericaMA vitals p259, Cutter NE p969, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-4, Hazen Billerica p56, Reitwiesner GeorgeBUSH, Sav-age FRENCH William]

second marriage of Mary [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367, Sav-age MIXER Isaac],

place:

[Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591, BillericaMA vitals p259, Cutter NE p969, Sav-age FRENCH William],

names:

Lt William FRENCH & Mary ___ [Ref: BillericaMA vitals p82],

child:

[Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p592, BillericaMA vitals p80, BillericaMA vitals p82, BillericaMA vitals p84, BillericaMA vitals p85, Cutter NE p969, FrenchJM FRENCH p367, FrenchMT FRENCH pII-9, Hazen Billerica p56, Reitwiesner GeorgeBUSH, Sav-age FRENCH William]

Research Notes:
possibly son of William French (bp 25 Jul 1580 Bures St. Mary, son of Jacob FRENCH & Susan WARREN) [Ref: Threlfall FRENCH p250]

tailor [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588, FrenchRL FRENCH p4]

1635: emigrated on Defence, to Cambridge [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

1635: emigrated on Defense; listed as a servant of Roger Harlakenden of Earl's Colne, County Essex [Ref: FrenchRL FRENCH p4]

from Halstead, Essex, on ship Francis, to Cambridge [Ref: Banks Topo p47]

1635: emigrated on Defence, with Harlakenden [Ref: Sav-age FRENCH William]

1635: came from England, on Defence, with Harlakenden and Shepard [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367, Hazen Billerica p56]

for many years believed to be son of Thomas French of Stanstead Hall, Essex, baptized 15 Mar 1603. However, the William son of Thomas died in England abt 1637, and estate was administered by brother John. Therefore this William and John did not emigrate and could not be the ones of Cambridge and Billerica [Ref: French England1911 p284]

Winter 1634: sailed for new World, from Hartwick, seaport at the mouth of the Stover in Essex. Ship was driven back on account of bad weather, and the journey was abandoned for the time being. It was not until Aug 10 1635 that this vessel finally embarked upon the voyage that was to land the passengers on the shores of the then almost unknown continent. The Defence, being old and unseaworthy, sprang a leak in the first storm encountered, which exposed those on board to such great danger that there were about to return to port. However, they finally succeeded in repairing the damage and continued on their journney, encountering any storm during their thirty-four days upon the sea. They came in sight of land October 2, and the following day, October 3rd, landed at Boston. Thomas Bostacke of London was master [Ref: FrenchMT FRENCH pI-11]

Jul 4 1635: "Wm French" age 30, one of the "servants to ... Roger Harlakenden" was enrolled at London for passage to New England on the Defence. "Elizabeth French" aged 30, "Francis French" aged 10, "Elizabeth French" aged 6, "Marie French" aged 2 1/2, and "Jo French" aged 5 months, were enrolled at London for passage to New England on the Defence [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p593]

Jun 20 - Jul 18 1635: Passengers embarked in the Defence of London, Mr Edward Pearce (later changed to Thomas Bostock), bound from London to New England: From Fenchurch: Elizabeth French 30, Francis French 10, Elizabeth French 6, Marie French 2 1/2, John French 5 months. Origin not shown: William French 30, Elisabeth French his wife 32 [Ref: Coldham Immigrants p151]

Feb 8 1635/6: in the Cambridge list of "those men who have houses in the town", had one [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

Mar 3 1635/6: freeman [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588, Sav-age FRENCH William]

Feb 6 1636/7: granted two acres of land [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

1638: admitted to Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

Dec 3 1639: served on petit jury [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

Sep 6 1642: in Cambridge land inventory, 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" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

Sep 27 1642: Sergeant [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

1645: granted six acres & half on the west side of onotayme River [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

Oct 1 1645: nominated Lieutenant, confirmed 26 May 1647 [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

Aug 15 1646: sold to Andrew Stevenson "four acres of land more or less in New West Field" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

Dec 10 1646: sold to Edward Winship "in the lots beyond Menotomy six acres & half" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

Apr 2 1650: the "Court granted Wm 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 [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p592]

Jun 4 1652: in the division of "Shaw Shine", received Lot #24, 150 acres [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

1652: moved to Billerica [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

Feb 27 1654/5: "William French of Cambridge, tailor" sold to Gilbert Crackbone of Cambridge, "four acres of land ... ij a planting field commonly called there West Field" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

May 23 1655: signer of a petition to General Court, asking that the residents of Shawshin be freed of all taxes and rates from the town of Cambridge [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p593]

Jun 10 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 side the hghway with about half a rood of land adjoining thereto" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

in Shawshin he bought a part of the Dudley farm; his house stoon near the turnpike, east of the Bedford road, near Ralph Hill's [Ref: Hazen Billerica p56]

Jan 1658/9: in list of Church members, listed as "William French & Elizabeth his wife both members in full communion, Their children Elizabeth now Elliot & 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" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

1659: was chosen to "sit in the Deacon's seat" [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367]

1659: Commisioner to establish the country rates [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367]

Oct 18 1659: empowered to marry others in Billerica [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

1660: one of first Selectmen; served 9 years [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367]

Dec 19 1660: Deputy from Billerica to Massachusetts Bay General Court [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

1661: Committee to examine children and servants in "reading, religion, and the catechism" [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367]

May 27 1663: Deputy from Billerica to MA Bay General Court [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

1663-4: first Representative from Billerica [Ref: FrenchJM FRENCH p367, Hazen Billerica p56]

Aug 3 1664: Deputy from Billerica to MA Bay General Court [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p588]

one of first settlers of Billerica [Ref: Sav-age FRENCH William]

servant Abel LAMB, b. c.Aug 1633, buried Cambridge 16 Oct 1649, son of Thomas LAMB and Elizabeth ___ [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationI p1155]

Lieutenant Rep., being the first from the town of Billerica in 1660 [Ref: Sav-age FRENCH William]

Feb 1667/8: "William French of Billerica ... in consideratio of a valuable sum of money, to me well and truly paid, by Sgt John Parker (now deceased) sometimes of Billerica aforesaid, fo rthe use and behoof of Jonathan Danforth" of Billerica, deeded to Jonathan Danforth a parcel of meadow in Billerica "containing by estimation one acres and three quarters" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

Nov 29 1678: "William Frenh of Billerica ... for and in consideration of the love & affection he beareth to his son jacob French, as also for the full & final accomplishment of a contract & agreement made between the said William French & 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 ont he Pine Plain" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p589]

Dec 21 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 Stearns. To this petition were appended two other items: "Request of selectmen of Billerica for the Court to take into consideration the condition of the family of one Lt William French" 18 Dec 1680; and the "Court being informed that Lt Wm French of Billerica is by God's hand through impotency & weakness unfit to govern his domestic concerns, at the request of his friend Deacon Tompson & his son Jacob French are empowered to assist his wife in the ordering & disposing of his estate, so as may best conduce for the supply of the family" 21 Dec 1680 [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p590]

Captain in 1681 at time of death [Ref: Sav-age FRENCH William]

will dated 5 Jun 1679, proved 20 Dec 1681. "William French of Billerica, aged about seventy & six years" declared that "I have already given to all my children that have been already married their portions, I only add to them as followeth: to the eldest son of John French, to Wm the son of Jacob French, to Elizabeth daughter [of] Richard Ellis, to Jonathan the son of Jonathan 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 & to those children born to me by her, to be divided to eah at the discretion of our honored county court after my decease"; "my beloved wife & my son Jacob French" executors; at the time of probate, there was "allowed to the [illegible] of the children 6 pounds 13s 4d to the widow 1/3 of the remainder, to the widow the remainder 2/3 equally to be let out by Lt Jonathan Danforth, Joseph Thompson & Josiah Convarse to each his part & the widow to have the enefit of the children's portion for the bringing up & education until they come of age to choose their guardians" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p590]

inventory of the estate taken 6 Dec 1681, totalled 231 pounds, 12s 10d (against which were debts of about 25 pounds) of which 104 pounds was real esate. [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p590]

Dec 6 1687: estate divided, one third to the widow and two thirds to the three children equally; the widow receiving 60 pounds 14s 10d, Mary French (now Sharp) 40 pounds 10s, Sarah French 40 pounds 10s, and Hannah French 40 pounds 10s; this division was acknowledged on 20 Aug 1722 by "Sarah Crosbey, Mary Dunklin & Hannah Child (daughters of the within mentioned Willm French deceased)" [Ref: Anderson GreatMigrationII v2p591]



Pedigree of William FRENCH
 /-----(Unk) FRENCH
William FRENCH



Descendants of William FRENCH

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