Saint Joseph County MI Archives Biographies.....French, Albert C. April 27, 1829 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 March 18, 2007, 9:00 pm Author: Chapman Brothers ALBERT C. FRENCH. A self-made man in the strictest sense of the word, our subject was early in life thrown upon his own resources, and by his own efforts has made his way up to a good position, socially and financially, among his fellow citizens. A native of Genesee County, N.Y., he was born April 27, 1829, and was the youngest in a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, the offspring of Olin and Arethusa (Palmer) French, who was born in Windsor County, N.Y., where they were also reared and married. The French family after coming to the United States settled in New England, where they became widely and favorably known as well-to-do and influential citizens. The parents of our subject upon leaving the Green Mountain State crossed the St. Lawrence River, and took up their abode in the township of Hull, Lower Canada, adjacent to the City of Ottawa. thence a few years later they returned to the States, and settled in Genesee County, N.Y. Later they removed to Erie County, and from there, in 1847, to Branch County, this State, locating in Union City, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father, however, only lived until 1854, passing away in the midst of his usefulness. The mother survived her husband a period of fifteen years, passing away in 1869. The subject of this sketch remained a member of the parental household until a youth of eighteen years, and accompanied his parents to Michigan. Soon afterward he commenced the struggle of life on his own account. At the age of twenty-three he commenced the study of medicine in Union City, under the instruction of the late Dr. J.M. Chase, remaining with him a year also, then going to Rockford, Winnebago Co., Ill., spent one summer in the office of Dr. Waite, one of its most eminent and successful physicians. During the winter of 1854-55 Mr. French attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago. the spring following he returned to Mottville. About that time occurred the death of Dr. Chase by accident, and our subject for a time succeeded to his practice. He finally drifted out of the medical profession, and turning his attention to mercantile business, was employed as clerk in a general merchandise store at Mottville. We find him next established in a book store at Constantine, of which he had the general supervision, and was thus occupied one year. He then formed a partnership with Joseph R. Bonebright, and under the firm name of Bonebright & French they conducted the mercantile business one year together, and at the expiration of this time Thomas MItchell was added to the firm. The admission of Mr. Mitchell brought to them additional business, and there was organized in addition the firm of T. Mitchell & Co., as operators of the hardware business, while the general merchandise branch was conducted under the old firm name. The mercantile career of Mr. French embraced about four years, and upon dissolution of the partnerships his time from 1861 to 1864 was spent largely in closing up the business of the two firms. In 1864 Mr. French turned his attention to the lumber trade, and for two years thereafter was in partnership with the late Isaac Benham. In 1866 he again formed a partnership with his old firend, Mr. Bonebright, and they operated tiogether until 1884. In 1884 Thomas Mitchell was admitted as a partner in the lumber business, but in 1886 he withdrew, and Mr. French now operates the business alone. Mr. French several years ago wisely invested a portion of his capital in land, and is now owner of a fine farm of 120 acres in Lockport Township, which is conducted by a tneant. In 1861 he put up the first brick residence in Constantine, a handsome, roomy structure, which not only makes a very desirable home, but is an ornament to the town. It is built in the midst of handsome grounds, and there are about it all the indications of taste and culture for which the proprietor is noted. The marriage of Albert C. French and Miss Esther R. Benham took place at the home of the bride in Constantine Village, April 17, 1858. This lady is the eldest daughter of the late Isaac and Chloe (Case) Benham. Mrs. French was born in Constantine, Aug,. 28, 1836, and is a lady greatly esteemed in her community, possessing more than ordinary intelligence and accomplishments. There are few men in St. Joseph County whose record has been more creditable or praiseworhty than that of Mr. French. As a business man he has been active and enterprising, prompt to meet his obligations, and of the highest integrity. None have taken a warmer interest in the growth and development of St. Joseph County, and to the various enterprises tending to this end he has given his uniform encouragement and support. He has been honored with many positions of trust and responsibility, officiating as County Recorder and as a member fo the Common Council, and occupying the minor offices. Socially, he belongs to Constantine Chapter No. 61, R.A.M., in which he has filled all the offices, and for a period of five years was the Master of Siloam Lodge No. 35, F. & A. M. He also belongs to the three Rivers Commandery No. 29, K.T. He is one of the most conscientious supporters of Democratic principles. A man of decided views, he keeps himself well posted upon matters of gneral interest, and is essentially one of those who form the bone and sinew of a well- regulated community. Additional Comments: Transcribed from the Portrait & Biographical Album of St. Joseph Co. Chapman Brothers 1889 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/stjoseph/bios/french673gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 6.2 Kb