William Jonathan French (1863-1929)

FRENCH, HENRY

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

August 15, 1863 --- September 11, 1929

Goldfield

Wm. J. French was born Aug. 15, 1863 at Freeland, Ill., near Sandwich and married Sarah E. Henry Sept. 29, 1886.

As a young man he attended Jemings Seminary and Aurora Normal school and here because of his genial disposition and musical abilities, formed many lasting friendships. Soon after he was married he moved to Goldfield, Iowa, and farmed for a short time, then entered the furniture and hardware store, formerly owned by Hayes Bros., then took up banking business and real estate in Goldfield and later in Clarion and then Waterloo. For some years he has been working in Oklahoma City, Okla. and because of his failing health his wife and youngest daughter accompanied him to Oklahoma, April 15, 1929. Sept. 11 he was in Chickasaw, Okla. on business and had driven about three blocks from the building he had left, when he was called. People took him to a hospital but life had flown and the soul had returned to the God who gave it.

He will be missed in his home where his widow and two daughters will so often think of him, and the eldest daughter, Elsie, at Zagazig, Egypt, will miss her father's good letters which have been coming to her so often since 1909, when after graduation from Monmouth College in Illinois, she went out to teach in Egypt. At the social gatherings of relatives "Uncle Will" was usually the life of the company. He understood young people and sympathized with them. His aim was to help the bringing in of Christ's kingdom.

Services were conducted by Rev. W. J. Chisholm of Waterloo, assisted by Rev. R. M. McCracken of Goldfield and Frank Jamesson, D. D. of Monmouth, Ill. on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 15, 1929 at the U. P. church in Goldfield and the body was laid to rest beside the grave of the son, Leon, who died so long ago.

The lovely flowers, told of kind thoughts from loving friends and the music was what he might have wished, if he had been called on to choose it. The busy life here is ended. May each of us make his peace with the Heavenly Father, while there is life and hope, that when called we may be ready for the change which will come to each.

Among the out of town friends were: Mr. and Mrs. Hytle and Albert, the Templeton family, Mr. and Mrs. Rust and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. McClery, Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore McDowell and family and John McDowell. Mrs. D. McDowell and Rev. W. J. Chisholm all of Waterloo; Miss Anna Henry and Susie French and Mrs. White also of Waterloo were present at the funeral at Goldfield; Miss Amy Morehead of Cedar Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bangs of Cedar Falls, Miss Irma Bangs of Escanaba, Mich.; from Clarion, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Weber, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. and Mrs. Darland, Mr. and Mrs. Elnore Paul. Jas. Winter of Eagle Grove was also present.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
September 9, 1929

Goldfield

William J. French, 66, was born August 15, 1863, at Somonauk, Ill., and died September 11, 1929, at Chickasha, Okla., while at work near his home which was at Oklahoma City. He spent his early life at Somonauk, Ill., where he was married to Sarah Elizabeth Henry on September 29, 1886. To them were born Elsie Mae, who is stationed at Zagazig, Egypt; Mary Ellen, teacher at Escanaba, Mich.; Leila B., who is at home; and Leon, who died in infancy.

Shortly after his marriage he moved to Goldfield, where he located on a farm. Later he was engaged in the hardware business and finally the sale of real estate. In 1901 he moved to Clarion, where he organized the Clarion Savings bank, being it first cashier for about three years. He moved to Waterloo in 1904 and resided at that place until April of this year, when he moved to Oklahoma City. Besides his wife and daughters he is survived by Miss Susan French of Waterloo and Alexander French of Goldfield. Services were held at the United Presbyterian church at Goldfield in charge of Rev. Chisholm, former pastor of the U. P. church of Waterloo, assisted by Rev. McCracken of the local church and Rev. J. F. Jamieson formerly of Clarion. Burial was in Glenwood cemetery. A large number of relatives and friends from various places attended the services.

Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
September 18, 1929

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[William Jonathan French]