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| John French, b. abt. 1637 moved to Topsfield, Massachusetts by 1664, and married Phebe Keyes. He built a house that is still standing, the oldest house of any French in America. John's sons moved to Enfield and Norwich, in Connecticut and remained there a generation or two. Some Frenches from the next generation were the first to head west, and later Frenches in this line kept moving, and passed through New York to Iowa, on to Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, and Nebraska. [FFA Chart 1] He was a tailor, moved to Topsfield, MA, about 1664, and was admitted a commoner there in 1675. He took the oath of allegiance and fidelity 1678. Servedas a corporal and clerk of lite local military company. He served as a grand juror and also on trial juries of the town. --HDF Carrie C. Edgett article: A tailor, was living in Topsfield as early as March 1, 1664/5, when a daughter born there, first mentioned in town records on Dec 31, 1667, when land was laid out to John How, "next John French bordering upon the Common", from that time until 1697 his name is found frequently. He was chosen surveyor of highways, or fences, or both, seven times, tythingman, three times, on jury at Ipswich, three times, grand juryman, three times, and commissioner on special errands to the"sheare Towne," twice. He built a one story house about 1675, which before 1798 was raised to two stories and enlarged. This is still standing, and is known as the "French-Andrews" house, located on Howlett St., near the Dry Bridge [Topsfield Hist. Coll., vol. 8. p. 22, vol. 6,p. 47] A few years before his death he deeded his homestead to his son John, by the following instrument, dated Dec. 2, 1701 ... quoted in article... John French and his wife were both members of the church in Topsfield, in a list dated 1684. There are two stories of her death: "John French his wife drown herself May 13, 1701. " Phebe French dyed on ye 14th of May 1701." Frenchline, vol 4, no. 1, p. 20 1: The French-Andrews house, The oldest House owned by a French in the US. As far as we know, this is the oldest house still standing that was built or occupied by a French. This house, built by John French in 1675, stands near the Topsfield, MA, town common. John French was the son of Thomas French of Ipswich, the first person inthe US with the name French ..... This house is now owned and being restored by Peter Clemsey, who is keeping as much original as possible. [FFA Chart 1]576 | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Last Modified 23 Jan 2001 | Created 26 Jun 2001 by Reunion for Macintosh |