Adjutant French served in the 10th Mississippi Regiment. He served with distinction throughout the Civil War, including Battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, and Franklin. Taken prisoner at Ft. Craig as a result of remaining with his mortally wounded commanding officer, Col. Robert Smith, until his death. Enemy later allowed French to return to his unit under safe conduct. [Information provided by Linda Thompson.]
The following obituary was provided by Paul Armstrong:
****
WILLIAM FRENCH
In the last issue of The Clarion, it was our sad duty and privilege to pay a feeble tribute to the life and character of one who went to big rest full of years and honors. Today we record the death of another who had risen to equal eminence in the great Brotherhood of Masons, but who had been cut down in the prime of life. After a protracted illness, Col. William French died last Monday night, at 9 o'clock, at the residence of Capt. Jno. W. Clingan in this city, and was buried yesterday afternoon with well-deserved honors. His brethren and friends of Vicksburg, where he had resided for the past fifteen years, came out on a special train. William French was born in Donegal county, Ireland, and was about forty-seven years of age. He was the fourth of seven brothers. The family came to this country in l854, residing first at Pittsburg, Pa. In 1800 [sic -- should be 1855] they came to Jackson. William was then in his eighteenth year. He was apprenticed to Mr. C. H. Manship, and in the course of a few years became remarkably expert as a painter. As one of the young men of the city, we remember his zeal and activity in many public enterprises. He was conspicuous as a fireman, and was "always ready" when the business of that organization demanded his services. His military career was particularly honorable and distinguished. On the organization of the Mississippi Rifles, commanded by Capt. Robert A. Smith, he became a private in the ranks, and left Jackson with that gallant command on the morning of March 27, 1861. On arriving at Pensacola, he was appointed regimental bugler and afterward Sergeant-Major. and in a few months became adjutant. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Mumfordrille, Murfreesboro, Chlckamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin and Nashville, and in all the marches and skirmishes in which the Tenth participated. He was wounded in the face at Marietta on the 20th June, 1864, and seriously in the left thigh at Franklin, on the 8th November, 1864. He answered to his name at the last roll-call in April, 1865, and returned to his old home to resume his chosen pursuit. On November 1st, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Walmsley, who, with four children, mourn the loss of a most devoted and indulgent husband and father. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Vicksburg, the growth and prosperity of which city at once enlisted the energies of his ardent nature. He became a leader in the several Masonic bodies, was Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, was one of the city's magistrates, and was, at times, favorably spoken of in connection with the office of mayor. Although his education was quite limited, he mastered the study of law sufficiently to be admitted to its practice, and attained a fair measure of success as an advocate. He was an orator by nature, and the fervor and sincerity with which he asserted his propositions, and with which he contended for what he deemed the right, seldom failed to carry the approval and applause of his hearers. In 1874 he was commissioned as Colonel of the Warren County Militia, and hence the title by which he has since been known. It was as a Mason that William French became best known in later years. He was made a Mason in Pearl Lodge, No. 23, in the year 1859. On the reorganization of the Lodge after the war, in 1867, he became its Worshipful Master, and continued an active member until his removal to Vicksburg. In the Grand Lodge, his zeal and efficiency was so generally admitted and recognized, that he was annually appointed on its most important Committees, until, in February, 1880, he was elected to the highest station in the gift of the Craft, that of Grand Master. At the session of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in February last, he was elected Grand High Priest, but the apprehension was then very general that be would not be spared to preside over its next Annual Convocation. In 1881, he was Grand Commander Knights Templar. But his labors of love and duty are ended, and
"Like the dew on the mountain,
Like the foam on the river,
Like the bubble on the fountain,
He is gone, and forever!"
One of the last requests that he made, while in a state of consciousness, was that he should be buried near his old commander, Col. Robert A. Smith, and this request was sacredly complied with yesterday afternoon. A few yards to the northeast of the Smith granite shaft rests William French the brave soldier, the gallant fireman, the bright Mason, the generous and unselfish citizen. Requicescat in pace!
The Clarion, Jackson, MS, April 30, 1884.
****
Memorial Service of William French - Sixty-Seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of MS, Jackson, February, 1885:
Past Grand Master French was no ordinary man, and although he started out in the race of life with few advantages,and from the first had to push his way unaided, his was not a spirit which contented itself with remaining in the rear ranks of his fellows. Self-made, he early acquired self-confidence, and hence he was always and everywhere recognized as a leader. As he was in Masonry so he was in the community, and whatever he undertook to do he did with his whole heart and a singleness of purpose which did not admit of defeat.
Brother French was warm and impulsive in his temperament, and either liked a man, as he himself expressed it, ‘clear through’ or was indifferent to him…Frank and free-spoken he denounced the wrong and maintained that which was right — oftentimes with a zeal which outran his discretion.
Parents:
Joseph French
Elizabeth French(1804 - 1882)
Siblings:
Joseph French(1824 - 1868)
Margaret French Jones(1828 - 1910)
Samuel French(1832 - 1915)
David French(1835 - 1902)
Alexander A. French(1838 - 1918)
James French(1841 - 1860)
The following obituary was provided by Paul Armstrong:
****
WILLIAM FRENCH
In the last issue of The Clarion, it was our sad duty and privilege to pay a feeble tribute to the life and character of one who went to big rest full of years and honors. Today we record the death of another who had risen to equal eminence in the great Brotherhood of Masons, but who had been cut down in the prime of life. After a protracted illness, Col. William French died last Monday night, at 9 o'clock, at the residence of Capt. Jno. W. Clingan in this city, and was buried yesterday afternoon with well-deserved honors. His brethren and friends of Vicksburg, where he had resided for the past fifteen years, came out on a special train. William French was born in Donegal county, Ireland, and was about forty-seven years of age. He was the fourth of seven brothers. The family came to this country in l854, residing first at Pittsburg, Pa. In 1800 [sic -- should be 1855] they came to Jackson. William was then in his eighteenth year. He was apprenticed to Mr. C. H. Manship, and in the course of a few years became remarkably expert as a painter. As one of the young men of the city, we remember his zeal and activity in many public enterprises. He was conspicuous as a fireman, and was "always ready" when the business of that organization demanded his services. His military career was particularly honorable and distinguished. On the organization of the Mississippi Rifles, commanded by Capt. Robert A. Smith, he became a private in the ranks, and left Jackson with that gallant command on the morning of March 27, 1861. On arriving at Pensacola, he was appointed regimental bugler and afterward Sergeant-Major. and in a few months became adjutant. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Mumfordrille, Murfreesboro, Chlckamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin and Nashville, and in all the marches and skirmishes in which the Tenth participated. He was wounded in the face at Marietta on the 20th June, 1864, and seriously in the left thigh at Franklin, on the 8th November, 1864. He answered to his name at the last roll-call in April, 1865, and returned to his old home to resume his chosen pursuit. On November 1st, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Walmsley, who, with four children, mourn the loss of a most devoted and indulgent husband and father. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Vicksburg, the growth and prosperity of which city at once enlisted the energies of his ardent nature. He became a leader in the several Masonic bodies, was Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, was one of the city's magistrates, and was, at times, favorably spoken of in connection with the office of mayor. Although his education was quite limited, he mastered the study of law sufficiently to be admitted to its practice, and attained a fair measure of success as an advocate. He was an orator by nature, and the fervor and sincerity with which he asserted his propositions, and with which he contended for what he deemed the right, seldom failed to carry the approval and applause of his hearers. In 1874 he was commissioned as Colonel of the Warren County Militia, and hence the title by which he has since been known. It was as a Mason that William French became best known in later years. He was made a Mason in Pearl Lodge, No. 23, in the year 1859. On the reorganization of the Lodge after the war, in 1867, he became its Worshipful Master, and continued an active member until his removal to Vicksburg. In the Grand Lodge, his zeal and efficiency was so generally admitted and recognized, that he was annually appointed on its most important Committees, until, in February, 1880, he was elected to the highest station in the gift of the Craft, that of Grand Master. At the session of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in February last, he was elected Grand High Priest, but the apprehension was then very general that be would not be spared to preside over its next Annual Convocation. In 1881, he was Grand Commander Knights Templar. But his labors of love and duty are ended, and
"Like the dew on the mountain,
Like the foam on the river,
Like the bubble on the fountain,
He is gone, and forever!"
One of the last requests that he made, while in a state of consciousness, was that he should be buried near his old commander, Col. Robert A. Smith, and this request was sacredly complied with yesterday afternoon. A few yards to the northeast of the Smith granite shaft rests William French the brave soldier, the gallant fireman, the bright Mason, the generous and unselfish citizen. Requicescat in pace!
The Clarion, Jackson, MS, April 30, 1884.
****
Memorial Service of William French - Sixty-Seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of MS, Jackson, February, 1885:
Past Grand Master French was no ordinary man, and although he started out in the race of life with few advantages,and from the first had to push his way unaided, his was not a spirit which contented itself with remaining in the rear ranks of his fellows. Self-made, he early acquired self-confidence, and hence he was always and everywhere recognized as a leader. As he was in Masonry so he was in the community, and whatever he undertook to do he did with his whole heart and a singleness of purpose which did not admit of defeat.
Brother French was warm and impulsive in his temperament, and either liked a man, as he himself expressed it, ‘clear through’ or was indifferent to him…Frank and free-spoken he denounced the wrong and maintained that which was right — oftentimes with a zeal which outran his discretion.
Parents:
Joseph French
Elizabeth French(1804 - 1882)
Siblings:
Joseph French(1824 - 1868)
Margaret French Jones(1828 - 1910)
Samuel French(1832 - 1915)
David French(1835 - 1902)
Alexander A. French(1838 - 1918)
James French(1841 - 1860)
Adjutant French served in the 10th Mississippi Regiment. He served with distinction throughout the Civil War, including Battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, and Franklin. Taken prisoner at Ft. Craig as a result of remaining with his mortally wounded commanding officer, Col. Robert Smith, until his death. Enemy later allowed French to return to his unit under safe conduct. [Information provided by Linda Thompson.]
The following obituary was provided by Paul Armstrong:
****
WILLIAM FRENCH
In the last issue of The Clarion, it was our sad duty and privilege to pay a feeble tribute to the life and character of one who went to big rest full of years and honors. Today we record the death of another who had risen to equal eminence in the great Brotherhood of Masons, but who had been cut down in the prime of life. After a protracted illness, Col. William French died last Monday night, at 9 o'clock, at the residence of Capt. Jno. W. Clingan in this city, and was buried yesterday afternoon with well-deserved honors. His brethren and friends of Vicksburg, where he had resided for the past fifteen years, came out on a special train. William French was born in Donegal county, Ireland, and was about forty-seven years of age. He was the fourth of seven brothers. The family came to this country in l854, residing first at Pittsburg, Pa. In 1800 [sic -- should be 1855] they came to Jackson. William was then in his eighteenth year. He was apprenticed to Mr. C. H. Manship, and in the course of a few years became remarkably expert as a painter. As one of the young men of the city, we remember his zeal and activity in many public enterprises. He was conspicuous as a fireman, and was "always ready" when the business of that organization demanded his services. His military career was particularly honorable and distinguished. On the organization of the Mississippi Rifles, commanded by Capt. Robert A. Smith, he became a private in the ranks, and left Jackson with that gallant command on the morning of March 27, 1861. On arriving at Pensacola, he was appointed regimental bugler and afterward Sergeant-Major. and in a few months became adjutant. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Mumfordrille, Murfreesboro, Chlckamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin and Nashville, and in all the marches and skirmishes in which the Tenth participated. He was wounded in the face at Marietta on the 20th June, 1864, and seriously in the left thigh at Franklin, on the 8th November, 1864. He answered to his name at the last roll-call in April, 1865, and returned to his old home to resume his chosen pursuit. On November 1st, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Walmsley, who, with four children, mourn the loss of a most devoted and indulgent husband and father. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Vicksburg, the growth and prosperity of which city at once enlisted the energies of his ardent nature. He became a leader in the several Masonic bodies, was Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, was one of the city's magistrates, and was, at times, favorably spoken of in connection with the office of mayor. Although his education was quite limited, he mastered the study of law sufficiently to be admitted to its practice, and attained a fair measure of success as an advocate. He was an orator by nature, and the fervor and sincerity with which he asserted his propositions, and with which he contended for what he deemed the right, seldom failed to carry the approval and applause of his hearers. In 1874 he was commissioned as Colonel of the Warren County Militia, and hence the title by which he has since been known. It was as a Mason that William French became best known in later years. He was made a Mason in Pearl Lodge, No. 23, in the year 1859. On the reorganization of the Lodge after the war, in 1867, he became its Worshipful Master, and continued an active member until his removal to Vicksburg. In the Grand Lodge, his zeal and efficiency was so generally admitted and recognized, that he was annually appointed on its most important Committees, until, in February, 1880, he was elected to the highest station in the gift of the Craft, that of Grand Master. At the session of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in February last, he was elected Grand High Priest, but the apprehension was then very general that be would not be spared to preside over its next Annual Convocation. In 1881, he was Grand Commander Knights Templar. But his labors of love and duty are ended, and
"Like the dew on the mountain,
Like the foam on the river,
Like the bubble on the fountain,
He is gone, and forever!"
One of the last requests that he made, while in a state of consciousness, was that he should be buried near his old commander, Col. Robert A. Smith, and this request was sacredly complied with yesterday afternoon. A few yards to the northeast of the Smith granite shaft rests William French the brave soldier, the gallant fireman, the bright Mason, the generous and unselfish citizen. Requicescat in pace!
The Clarion, Jackson, MS, April 30, 1884.
****
Memorial Service of William French - Sixty-Seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of MS, Jackson, February, 1885:
Past Grand Master French was no ordinary man, and although he started out in the race of life with few advantages,and from the first had to push his way unaided, his was not a spirit which contented itself with remaining in the rear ranks of his fellows. Self-made, he early acquired self-confidence, and hence he was always and everywhere recognized as a leader. As he was in Masonry so he was in the community, and whatever he undertook to do he did with his whole heart and a singleness of purpose which did not admit of defeat.
Brother French was warm and impulsive in his temperament, and either liked a man, as he himself expressed it, ‘clear through’ or was indifferent to him…Frank and free-spoken he denounced the wrong and maintained that which was right — oftentimes with a zeal which outran his discretion.
Parents:
Joseph French
Elizabeth French(1804 - 1882)
Siblings:
Joseph French(1824 - 1868)
Margaret French Jones(1828 - 1910)
Samuel French(1832 - 1915)
David French(1835 - 1902)
Alexander A. French(1838 - 1918)
James French(1841 - 1860)
The following obituary was provided by Paul Armstrong:
****
WILLIAM FRENCH
In the last issue of The Clarion, it was our sad duty and privilege to pay a feeble tribute to the life and character of one who went to big rest full of years and honors. Today we record the death of another who had risen to equal eminence in the great Brotherhood of Masons, but who had been cut down in the prime of life. After a protracted illness, Col. William French died last Monday night, at 9 o'clock, at the residence of Capt. Jno. W. Clingan in this city, and was buried yesterday afternoon with well-deserved honors. His brethren and friends of Vicksburg, where he had resided for the past fifteen years, came out on a special train. William French was born in Donegal county, Ireland, and was about forty-seven years of age. He was the fourth of seven brothers. The family came to this country in l854, residing first at Pittsburg, Pa. In 1800 [sic -- should be 1855] they came to Jackson. William was then in his eighteenth year. He was apprenticed to Mr. C. H. Manship, and in the course of a few years became remarkably expert as a painter. As one of the young men of the city, we remember his zeal and activity in many public enterprises. He was conspicuous as a fireman, and was "always ready" when the business of that organization demanded his services. His military career was particularly honorable and distinguished. On the organization of the Mississippi Rifles, commanded by Capt. Robert A. Smith, he became a private in the ranks, and left Jackson with that gallant command on the morning of March 27, 1861. On arriving at Pensacola, he was appointed regimental bugler and afterward Sergeant-Major. and in a few months became adjutant. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Mumfordrille, Murfreesboro, Chlckamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin and Nashville, and in all the marches and skirmishes in which the Tenth participated. He was wounded in the face at Marietta on the 20th June, 1864, and seriously in the left thigh at Franklin, on the 8th November, 1864. He answered to his name at the last roll-call in April, 1865, and returned to his old home to resume his chosen pursuit. On November 1st, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Walmsley, who, with four children, mourn the loss of a most devoted and indulgent husband and father. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Vicksburg, the growth and prosperity of which city at once enlisted the energies of his ardent nature. He became a leader in the several Masonic bodies, was Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, was one of the city's magistrates, and was, at times, favorably spoken of in connection with the office of mayor. Although his education was quite limited, he mastered the study of law sufficiently to be admitted to its practice, and attained a fair measure of success as an advocate. He was an orator by nature, and the fervor and sincerity with which he asserted his propositions, and with which he contended for what he deemed the right, seldom failed to carry the approval and applause of his hearers. In 1874 he was commissioned as Colonel of the Warren County Militia, and hence the title by which he has since been known. It was as a Mason that William French became best known in later years. He was made a Mason in Pearl Lodge, No. 23, in the year 1859. On the reorganization of the Lodge after the war, in 1867, he became its Worshipful Master, and continued an active member until his removal to Vicksburg. In the Grand Lodge, his zeal and efficiency was so generally admitted and recognized, that he was annually appointed on its most important Committees, until, in February, 1880, he was elected to the highest station in the gift of the Craft, that of Grand Master. At the session of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in February last, he was elected Grand High Priest, but the apprehension was then very general that be would not be spared to preside over its next Annual Convocation. In 1881, he was Grand Commander Knights Templar. But his labors of love and duty are ended, and
"Like the dew on the mountain,
Like the foam on the river,
Like the bubble on the fountain,
He is gone, and forever!"
One of the last requests that he made, while in a state of consciousness, was that he should be buried near his old commander, Col. Robert A. Smith, and this request was sacredly complied with yesterday afternoon. A few yards to the northeast of the Smith granite shaft rests William French the brave soldier, the gallant fireman, the bright Mason, the generous and unselfish citizen. Requicescat in pace!
The Clarion, Jackson, MS, April 30, 1884.
****
Memorial Service of William French - Sixty-Seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of MS, Jackson, February, 1885:
Past Grand Master French was no ordinary man, and although he started out in the race of life with few advantages,and from the first had to push his way unaided, his was not a spirit which contented itself with remaining in the rear ranks of his fellows. Self-made, he early acquired self-confidence, and hence he was always and everywhere recognized as a leader. As he was in Masonry so he was in the community, and whatever he undertook to do he did with his whole heart and a singleness of purpose which did not admit of defeat.
Brother French was warm and impulsive in his temperament, and either liked a man, as he himself expressed it, ‘clear through’ or was indifferent to him…Frank and free-spoken he denounced the wrong and maintained that which was right — oftentimes with a zeal which outran his discretion.
Parents:
Joseph French
Elizabeth French(1804 - 1882)
Siblings:
Joseph French(1824 - 1868)
Margaret French Jones(1828 - 1910)
Samuel French(1832 - 1915)
David French(1835 - 1902)
Alexander A. French(1838 - 1918)
James French(1841 - 1860)
Family Members
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