French, Thomas

FRENCH

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 11/20/2007 at 22:30:00

Thomas French

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.77, Boomer Twp.)
Thomas French, farmer, Council Bluffs, came to Pottawattamie County first in 1852, but did not remain but a short time, and then went to the mountains, freighting from the Missouri River to the mountains. He was engaged in this business till 1867. His home from 1852 to 1867 was just where he happened to be, but two winters he wintered in Council Bluffs. In 1867, he bought his present farm, and has been on it ever since. Ther first land he bought of a man named Butterfield, and the place his house is on of Perry Reel, paying $20 per acre for 150 acres, and paid Mr. Butterfield about the same. On the farm there were about ten acres broken, and a shanty built on it, but no other improvements, althought they had lived here for years. Mr. French went into general farming business when first coming, as fast as he could, but had a good deal to contend against. He has hauled corn to Council Bluffs and sold it for $10 cents per bushel, and had to take goods at a high price, in pay for the same, and wheat he has also hauled there and got 40 cents per bushel. At first he hired help, but from the prices received for grain, they could not pay their way. When moving to his farm, many old settlers told Mr. French that fruit would not grow, but he went to work setting out trees, and now has an orchard which has been bearing so as to make it paying. Besides orchards, he has forest groves, etc. Mr. French has two farms, 280 acres in each, and it has cost him, from $7.50 to $20 per acre. It is all improved, about half in cultivation, the other half inpastures and meadows. Mr. French has one of the best residences in Boomer Township, a large brick, two stories and a basement. He built it in 1870. It is 36x44 feet. He also has a large barn. Mr. French has been successful in business, but has always worked hard for it, and that ishow he has made what he has. He is an Englishman by birth, and came to Council Bluffs direct from England in 1852; was six months making the trip, which now he could make in a few days. Left Liverpool January 7 and came to New Orleans, and then up the river to St. Louis, rested a few days, and then came up the river to Keokuk, and from there took an ox cart and crossed the State to Council Bluffs, landing July 3. He was born May 27, 1832, son of James French. Mr. French has no relatives living at all, except one brother, who is still in England. He has been married twice, first in 1856, In Utah, to Miss Sarah Ann Spyge. She came from near Mr. French's home in England, just across the street, and they had played together when small children. He had five children by first wife, all living now and in Pottawattamie County. Married second time, in Pottawattamie County, to Miss Mary Roberts; by this wife he has three children living; married in 1868. He is Democratic in politics.