Person:James French (17)

Origins

James French was transported out of England by Thomas Notley of Dorset, England in 1671. There were 52 other "adventurers" transported together. Many have connections with Catholic gentry in Dorset, and among families that established St. Clements Island in Maryland. Notley later became Maryland's 8th governor. Others with James included Gerrard, Thomas, and Robert Slye. Robert Slye's 1670 will [apparently an older generation than the "adventurers"] indicates he had family in London, land in Maryland, and that he was a close friend of Notley. James remained connected with the Slye's throughout his life. In 1722, at age 72, he gave a deposition about the birth and lineage of Robert's son Gerrard Slye.

James was transported on the "Society" of Bristol, England.

Galway?

Although a 1996 book (and many subsequent internet trees) claim origins in Galway, Ireland, no proof of that has been found. The connection was likely suggested because there was a Martin French among the "Tribes of Galway", but he was much too young to be James' father (will written 1737). In addition, the story that accompanies this origin--that James was sent by family to manage land in Maryland--is inconsistent with James working as a servant three years after he arrived.

Maryland

By 1674, James was a servant of Luke Gardiner on St. Clement's Island (per Gardiner's inventory).

James French is believed to have married Elizabeth Meakin, the daughter of William Meakin and Margaret Beard, and to have accordingly become the possessor of 129 acres of "Wolver Hampton" which bordered on "Hopton Park" (land that Meakin patented in 1681). After William Meakin’s death, James' tract totaled 150 acres and he later received 100 acres of "Hopton Park" from John Baptist Carberry, an Irish immigrant. James French and his descendants lived at "Wolver Hampton" until after the Revolution.

James appears in the records of St. Mary's County in connection with the wills of Robert Thompson, watchmaker (1697), John Curry (1697), John Sissill (1698), John Cooney (1698), Thomas Sissill/Cecil (1700), Arthur Thompson (1701), and Peter Gray (1702), Thomas Cooper (1723). (James' daughter Mary m1) Robert Thompson; m2 Thomas Cissill; Thomas' father was named John. Arthur Thompson was Robert's son. Arthur's son John married Thomas Cissell's daughter Margaret.).

Will of James French

French, James, planter, St. Mary's Co., 4th Mch., 1733; 18th Mch., 1733-4.

To grandson John, ex., and hrs., 110 A., including dwelling plantation, being part of “Hopton Park.”

To granddau. Mary, wife of John Leek, and hrs., 50 A. to be laid out on w. side “Mayland.”

To servt. James Kirby, his freedom.

To grandchild. ——, residue of estate.

Test: John Thompson, James Kail, Elizabeth French. 21. 6.

[Source: Maryland Calendar of Wills: Volume 7]

1.   Research by Mara French, in French Family Associate Website
   Chart 137.