Charles Newton French 1830-1903

FRENCH, DAVIDSON, NEWMAN, DIETRICH, FOLKER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 9/19/2005 at 18:56:52

CHARLES NEWTON FRENCH.
Born in Pennsylvania September 17,
1830, and Died at Acasto,
Missouri, March 15, 1903.
OBITUARY SKETCH.

Charles Newton French was born September 17, 1830, in Richland Co., O. where he lived until he was eleven years of age when they moved to a farm near Farmington, Iowa. Here they resided until Charles was twenty-one years old.

At this time he goes with the goldseekers to California and very successfully works in the gold mines for three years. Returning to Iowa he bought a large farm near Acasto, Mo., and June 4, 1856, was married to Miss Matilda Ruth Davidson of Farmington, Iowa. They at once moved on the farm which they owned until death.

To them were born seven children, all of whom are living except Grace who died May 31, 1863, aged 7 months and 16 days. Their names and addresses are as follows: Mrs. Lizzie Eugenia Newman of near Farmington, Edmond Enoch French of Acasto, Mo., Alice Elvira Dietrich of Acasto, Mo., Ada Edith Newman of Bonaparte, Ia., Jessie Louise Folker of Acasto, Mo., and Charles Garfield French of Acasto, Mo. These were all at his bedside at the time of his death which occurred Sunday, March 15, 1903, being at the time of his death 72 years, 5 months and 28 days old.

During the Civil war he belonged to the Missouri State Militia and took an active part in patrolling the state line. He held a prominent position in his township and was a model farmer, held in high esteem by his neighbors. In his death the community loses one of its best citizens, the family a kind and indulgent father, and the country a loyal citizen.

His wife died December 4, 1884, at the age of 52 years, and the care of the large family then devolved upon the eldest daughters.

During his many months of severe illness he was never known to murmur or complain, always thanking his attendants for every care they gave him. As a careful, energetic business man, as a whole-souled, warm-hearted friend, as a considerate, devoted, kind and faithful husband and father, a consistent Christian and all that goes to make a grand and noble character, Mr. French had few equals.

He united with the Congregational church at Farmington in 1851 and after moving to Missouri changed his membership to the Congregational church at Prospect Grove of which church he served as deacon continuously until his death.

He has four brothers and one sister living, three of whom were present at the funeral. There are nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral services were held Wednesday from the Congregational church at Acasto, Rev. Wiggins of Chicago, Illinois, officiating. The floral offerings were unusually beautiful.

The funeral was in charge of Brewster and Page and pall bearers were Martin Hornbaker, Milard Coffin, Geo. Brewster, Joe Folker, Jim Kennedy and John Sullivan.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA