The lives of men who have achieved success in any sphere of action are regarded by the majority of people as interesting subjects for study, and the faithful biographer or autobiographer will zealously record the words and deeds which show the man as he was or is. There is perhaps no pleasanter task for him who attempts to write of another man's career than to find his subject replete with instances of that perseverance and determination, coupled with intellectual powers, which develop the youth with few opportunities into an intelligent and capable man. Lucius French, one of the oldest and most prominent physicians in the City of Davenport, has had a career to which not a little of this interest attaches. Born more than sixty years ago — February 2, 1832 — in Chenango Township, Brown County, New York, he was confronted early in life with the realization that he must either settle down to a life devoted to agricultural pursuits, or overcome single-handed the obstacles which might be found in the pathway to more congenial labors. His parents were Ebenezer S. French and Anna (Seward) French-not wealthy but able to give their children fair educational advantages. There were six children in all: Lucius, Hepzibeth, Olive, Mary, Betsie and Kit Carson. The Frenches are of English descent and have an uncommonly notable record for longevity. It is related of Mr. Livermore, Dr. French's great grandfather on the maternal side, that he on his one hundredth birthday shot a deer near his home in Barker Township , Brown County. Others of the family lived to a good old age and preserved their faculties remarkably well. Brought up to work, Lucius French early acquired habits of industry and close application, which in after years proved invaluable to him in the profession he chose for his life- work. Agricultural pursuits were not suited to his tastes and he early resolved to study medicine. As an instance showing the pluck of the lad it may be stated that he made up his mind at the age of sixteen to educate himself, and accordingly left his home with five dollars in his pocket, given him by his grandfather, and went to Binghamton Academy, Binghamton, New York, where he entered upon his studies with great earnestness.
(Unfortunately, there are two pages missing in this biograhpy.)
There is a striking personality about Dr. French which makes him noticeable anywhere. He is a man of fine physique and wears heavy whiskers, which, like his hair, are tinged with gray.
BIOGRAPHIES