"John French, born in Topsfield, Aug. 26, 1671, called yeoman and planter in deeds, removed to Norwich, Connecticut, about 1718. The first mention of 'John french iunr' on the Topsfield town records is found March 3, 1695/6, and from that date to 1709 he was chosen surveyor of highways, twice, fence viewer, twice, juryman, constable, and tythingman, once each. He received the homestead from his father by deed in 1701, and sold it for £400, June 16, 1718, to Joseph Andrews of Boxford, the deed conveying 'about forty-seven acres' (Essex Deeds, 32:289). He exchanged some land with Ephraim Wildes, Dec. 29, 1710, receiving 'one acre of meadow more or less,' for 'one acre & a halfe & halfe a quarter' (Essex Deeds, 25:84 ; and 26:155). He also bought three acres in Ipswich of Nathaniel Boarman, Jan. 4, 1715/16, for £15, 10s., and three acres in 'Hafsockey Meadow,' Topsfield, of Thomas Baker, March 19, 1717, for £15. The Ipswich land, he sold June 19, 1718, to Jesse Dorman, for the same sum he paid for it (Essex Deeds, 28:116; 33:196; 34:196). His wife's name was Elizabeth _____. They were both members of the church at Topsfield, and Oct. 12, 1718, 'were dismissed to ye Church in Norwich on yr removal thither.' He was admitted an inhabitant of the town of Norwich in 1724, and died there April 20, 1730, leaving sons Abner, John, Joseph, and Samuel."
