James French Sr. was one of the frontiersmen of Ky. and was in the fort at Boonesborough when the town was laid off in lots and one of the streets was named in his honor. While in this fort he married Miss Keziah Callaway, a daughter of Colonel Richard and Elizabeth Calloway, who was born in Virginia in 1769. After leaving the fort James French settled first in Madison County but in a short time moved to Clark County, on what was known as the Simon Kenton tract, which he acquired at a Federal Tax sale, and upon the creation of Montgomery County the line ran through the farm, leaving a part in each county.
James French was considered one of the largest land owners in Kentucky in his day, owning at one time 225,000 acres, known as the upper and lower Franklin patents and covering a large portion of Estill, Lee and Breathitt counties and comprising much of the richest mineral and iol lands in the state. He and his family were among the leading members of Lulbegrud Church for years, and his wife, whose picture appears in the history of that church, drew the plans for the church building, known as the church of twelve corners, which represented the twelve disciples. (For further notes on James French, see history of the Lulbegrud Church.)
One of teh sons of James French Sr. was Judge Richard French, born June 23, 1792, who chose law for his profession and in the practice of which he entered in partnership with ;Mr. Dillard at Winchester, Ky., who was afterwards the distinguished Ryland T. Dillar, D.D.
Judge French was a man of distinction and was appointed and served many years as Circuit Judge and also served in Congress until defeated by the brilliant Richard Menifee. In 1840 Judge French was the Democratic nominee for governor against Governor Letcher and ran many thousand votes agead of his ticket, but lost by only a small majority. Frenchburg, the couty seat of Menifee County is named for him and his protrait adorns the walls of the Clark County Court House.
Though wedded to his professional career, no doubt that the early teachings of his pious parents caused him to pause in the midst of his political honors to seek the salvation of his soul and he was baptized by his former law partner, Dr. Ryland T Dillard.
He was a consistent member of the church and died in the full triumph of his faith on May 1, 1854. His widow, Mary Taliaferro French, was one of the constituant members of the First Baptist Church of Winchester and their three sons, Judge James H. French, Judge Charles S. French and Rev. Richard French, became prominent in both the civil and religious affairs of the community and state. All three of the sons were influential members of the First Baptist Church and zealous for her welfard.
A fourth son, William, died in early manhood.
Judge James H. French was a deacon of the church, clerk of the Boone's Creek Assn. for two years and moderator from 1872 to 1881, with the exception of two years, and in all matters pertaining to the church, especially those of doctrinal and denominational importance his counsel was always sought.
Judge Charles S. French was a constituent member of the First Baptist Church and her clerk, serving for 21 years, and was a deacon during the latter part of his life.
Rev Richard French was clerk of the church for several years and was then ordained to the ministry. (For further notice of Rev. Richard French, see history of Ephesus Church.) |
