Person:Henry French (1)

Henry French, a rugged frontiersman who settled in Kentucky, undoubtedly helped establish a new state and a new nation. He fought under George Rogers Clark for the Illinois Regiment during the Revolutionary War, was a lieutenant under Simon Kenton in one campaign, and fought at the Battle of Blue Licks. Henry was also one of the seven original trustees of Louisville, Kentucky. The Louisville Centenary says that in April, 1779: "The Trustees selected were William Harrod, Richard Chenowith, Edward Bulger, James Patton, Henry French, Marsham Brashears, and Simeon Moore." Edward Bulger was one of many men killed at the Battle of Blue Licks and Henry French is listed as a witness to Edward's will dated 21 Aug 1782. Many acres of land were granted to Henry for his military service. Henry and his wife, Elizabeth Earsom (also spelled Ersom), lived out their years in Mercer County, Kentucky.

It has been established from a court record that Henry had one brother named Samuel French. He may have had a brother named Jacob French. This Jacob French married Rebecca Paul in Virginia in 1773 and had a son named Paul French. Paul French and Henry's son, George French, later migrated to Indiana (and to Illinois after that). They, as well as another Samuel French and his brother George Hedges French, fought in Indiana during the War of 1812. There were others with the surname "French" living in the Knox, Sullivan, and Vigo county region of Indiana who are probably closely related. These include Philip French, David French, and another Henry French who owned many acres of land in Sullivan county and fought during the War of 1812 in Ohio.

DNA

For information about the FRENCH Surname Y-DNA Project and how to participate, go to the FRENCH Surname DNA Project website.

Henry French, Shenandoah County, WV to Mercer County, KY - Chart #31

Refer to French Family Association Chart #31: This chart includes many of the descendants of Henry FRENCH. It is a compilation of the work of several genealogists over many years. There is disagreement on whether Henry was born in England or in Germany or even possibly in Virginia. Because the records in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky show Henry French associated with several families of Dutch or German descent (Bulger, Hite, Pancake, Smick, Van Metre, etc.) and because he was a gunsmith or "armorer/armourer" (often a German occupation) current evidence tends to support German ancestry.

Mysteries to solve

Who were Henry French's parents and other siblings? Was he born in Germany? Henry and his wife may have emigrated from Germany to America shortly after they were married (so says a biographical sketch of their grandson). Or they could have been born in Virginia (the census for one of their daughters says they were born in VA). If he was a native German, did his parents emigrate with him? Can any passenger list be found? Was his surname changed after he emigrated?