Aaron French, 1819-1909

FRENCH, DUKE

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/7/2011 at 06:38:04

Aaron French, who resided with his son, Simon, in Lone Tree township, went to his reward last Thursday, at a ripe old age. Mr. French was born in Pennsylvania July 4th. 1819, and when eleven years old moved with his parents to Licking county, Ohio, and there later, was married to Mary Ann Duke. Sixty-one years ago he and his family moved to Jones county, Iowa, where his wife died the 30th of April, 1877, aged 48 years. From Jones county he and his family moved to Clay county, where he died, aged 89 years, 9 months and 18 days. Fourteen children, nine of whom are still living, were born to Mr. and Mrs. French. Besides his nine children he leaves two sisters and one brother to mourn his loss. The funeral was held Monday at 1 o'clock, when services were conducted by Rev. O. M. Bond, pastor of the M. E. church, Spencer. The remains were taken back to the old home in Jones county for burial. Deceased had a twin brother, Bethuel French, who died a few years ago. The two so greatly resembled each other in size, looks, voice and manner that only those intimately acquainted could distinguish them. On their 80th birthday they were photographed and pictures of them were reproduced in the Daily Register and Leader soon after. They were good examples of the strong, sturdy characters of their day and are kindly remembered by many Clay county people.

Source: The Spencer News, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; May 6, 1909.