George Albert French

M, b. 26 October 1892, d. 6 July 1931
Family Explorer

George Albert French 1892-1931 Photo thanks to Helen.
  • George Albert French was born on 26 October 1892 in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia.
  • He was the son of George French and Elizabeth Jane Bentley.
  • George Albert French's parents moved to in Toowoomba, Queensland, circa 1907 with their family, most likely some time after the birth of their eight child Alice Ruby. George's sister Elizabeth Werner and her husband and family also moved to the area a year or so earlier. George and Elizabeth's last two children, twins, Ada and Ellen were born at the home of George's sister Elizabeth Werner in Toowomba.
  • At the age of 28 years, 3 months and 24 days, George Albert French married Elizabeth Morris (Morry) Hiddleston on 19 February 1921 in Wilston, Brisbane, Queensland.
  • George Albert French died on 6 July 1931 in the General Hospital, Toowoomba, Queensland, at age 38. George was taking part in a Light Horse display at the Millmerran Show Grounds when he fell from his horse sustaining head injuries. He was transported to the Toowoomba General Hospital but did not regain consciousness.
  • George was buried on 7 July 1931 in Toowoomba & Drayton Cemetery.

Child of George Albert French and Elizabeth Morris (Morry) Hiddleston

George Daniel (Dan) French

M, b. 1904, d. 1968
Family Explorer

George Edward French

M, b. 1881, d. 1967
Family Explorer
  • George Edward French was born in 1881 in Queensland.
  • He was the son of Walter French and Mary Ann Sear.
  • George Edward French appeared on the Electoral Roll with Mary Ann Sear and Walter French between 1903 and 1908 in Ravensbourne. Walter was a farmer. Their son George was a labourer at the Settlement.
  • At the age of 28 years, George Edward French married Annie Ellen Stewart in 1909 in Queensland.
  • George Edward French and Annie Ellen Stewart appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1909 living at Ravensbourne. George was a labourer, Annie carried out home duties.
  • In 1960,his wife, Annie Ellen Stewart died in Brisbane, Queensland.
  • George Edward French died in 1967 in Queensland.

George Henry French

M, b. 1889, d. 1956
Family Explorer

Gloria Fay French

F, b. 28 July 1940, d. 7 February 2006
Family Explorer

Gordon Albert French

M, b. 19 October 1921, d. 11 August 1943
Family Explorer

Flight Sergeant Gordon Albert French. Killed in Action 11 August 1943. Son of Albert French and Lucy Donaldson. Photo Courtesy National Archives of Australia. (1921-1943).
  • Gordon Albert French was born on 19 October 1921 in Toowoomba, Queensland.
  • He was the son of Albert French and Lucy Fanny May Donaldson.
  • Gordon Albert French enlisted in the RAAF on 31 January 1942 in Toowoomba. Service number 425147. He was a 20 year old grocer's assistant currently unemployed, father Albert French of Crow's Nest. He was 5' 11', 134 lbs with medium complexion, light brown hair and blue eyes. He enlisted hoping to become a wireless operator trainee. However he failed the exam and opted to be a canteen steward. He then trained as a gunner. Gordon embarked for England on 15 January 1943 where he took part in operations from the UK. He became a Flight Sergeant Air Gunner and was reported missing in action on 11 August 1943, presumed dead.
  • Gordon Albert French died on 11 August 1943 at age 21. Killed in Action World War II - EUROPE.
  • Gordon was buried in Durnback War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany.

Gwenyth Neta French

F, b. 3 December 1917, d. 4 December 1997
Family Explorer

Hannah French

F, b. 16 January 1825
Family Explorer
  • Hannah French was baptized on 16 January 1825 in Merriott, Somerset.
  • She was the daughter of Jacob French and Hannah Osborne.
  • At the time of the 7 June 1841 census, Hannah French was living in the household of Jacob French and Hannah Osborne in Riddle Town, Haselbury Plunkett. Jacob is shown as a 40 year old agricultural labourer, living with Hannah aged 40, and their children Mary 19, Hannah 15, John 14, Prudence 12, William 8, Susan 5, Eliza 3, Elizabeth 18 months and Mary Osborne aged 80, a pauper.

  • At the age of 24 years, 9 months and 19 days, Hannah French married Samuel Stowser Howsby on 4 November 1849 in Crewkerne, Somerset. They were both of full age and lived in Crewkerne Parish. Hannah's father Jacob was a labourer and Samuels father John a blacksmith. Samuel was a labourer. Hannah's sister Prudence was a witness to the marriage. Hannah signed with her mark.

Harriet May French

F, b. 1897
Family Explorer

Henry French

M, b. circa 1900

Herbert James Bentley French

M, b. March 1897, d. 11 January 1971
Family Explorer
  • Herbert James Bentley French was also known as James.
  • He was born in March 1897 in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia.
  • He was the son of George French and Elizabeth Jane Bentley.
  • Herbert James Bentley French 's parents moved to Toowoomba, Queensland, circa 1907 with their family, most likely some time after the birth of their eight child Alice Ruby. George's sister Elizabeth Werner and her husband and family also moved to the area a year or so earlier. George and Elizabeth's last two children, twins, Ada and Ellen were born at the home of George's sister Elizabeth Werner in Toowomba.
  • At the age of 26 years, Herbert James Bentley French married Ivy Baillie in 1924.
  • James and Ivy had 7 children including Lyla.
  • Herbert James Bentley French died on 11 January 1971 in Millmerran, Queensland, at age 73.
  • Herbert was buried in Milmerran Cemetery.

Child of Herbert James Bentley French and Ivy Baillie

Hester French

F, b. 26 October 1760
Family Explorer

Isabel French

F, b. 1879
Family Explorer

Ivy Pearl French

F, b. 1898, d. 1955
Family Explorer

Children of Ivy Pearl French and Charles George Buckingham

Ivy Pearl French

F, b. 1914
Family Explorer

Jacob French

M, b. 1796, d. 23 October 1855
Family Explorer
  • Jacob French was born in 1796 in Merriott, Somerset.
  • He was the son of Mary French.
  • Jacob French was baptized on 13 May 1804 in Merriott, Somerset. Jacob is shown on the baptism record as a base child of 8 years.
  • At the age of 22 years, Jacob French married Hannah Osborne, daughter of Abraham Osborne and Prudence Lawrence, on 28 March 1818 in Merriott, Somerset, England.
  • Jacob French and Hannah Osborne appeared on the census of 7 June 1841 in Riddle Town, Haselbury Plunkett. Jacob is shown as a 40 year old agricultural labourer, living with Hannah aged 40, and their children Mary 19, Hannah 15, John 14, Prudence 12, William 8, Susan 5, Eliza 3, Elizabeth 18 months and Mary Osborne aged 80, a pauper.

  • Jacob French and Hannah Osborne appeared on the census of 30 March 1851 in Crewkerne, Somerset. Jacob is shown as a 45 year old agricultural labourer, born Merriott, living with Hannah aged 44,both born Merriott, P(rudance) a 21year old spinner born Haselbury, S(usan) 18 a spinner, Elizabeth 12, a glover and Ellen 8 all born Merriott.

  • Jacob French died on 23 October 1855 in Lower Street, Merriott.
  • Jacob was buried on 27 October 1855 in Merriott, Somerset.

Children of Jacob French and Hannah Osborne

James French

M, b. circa 1740
Family Explorer

Children of James French and Mary Pattemore

James Edward French

M, b. 1906, d. 20 October 1984
Family Explorer
  • James Edward French was born in 1906 in Piggabeen, Murwillumbah, New South Wales.
  • He was the son of William George (Bill) French and Mary Jane (Bid) Hood.
  • At the age of 23 years, James Edward French married Lillian Muriel Trappett, daughter of Edwin Herbert Trappett and Lizzie Blake, on 13 March 1929 in Methodist Parsonage, Tweed Heads, New South Wales. James' fathers occupation is given as a woodworker, and Lillian's as an invalid pensioner.
  • James Edward French and Lillian Muriel Trappett lived in Lewellyn Street, Toowoomba. When Jim retired they moved to Wynnum in Brisbane.
  • James Edward French died on 20 October 1984 in Queensland.

James Harold French

M, b. 12 August 1910, d. 1993
Family Explorer
  • James Harold French was born on 12 August 1910 in Queensland.
  • He was the son of William French.
  • At the age of 25 years, James Harold French married Violet Ann Cole in 1936 in Marrickville, Sydney, New South Wales.
  • James Harold French died in 1993.

Child of James Harold French and Violet Ann Cole

James William French

M, b. 27 January 1858, d. 1926
Family Explorer
  • James William French was born on 27 January 1858 in Castlereagh, New South Wales.
  • He was the son of William French and Elizabeth Baker.
  • James William French was the informant of the death of William French on 10 July 1878 in Six Mile, Tenterfield, New South Wales. James French gave the following information about his father at the time of his death. At the time James, like his father was a farmer of Six Mile. William's cause of death was a heart disease from which he had suffered for three months, he was 47 years old, had lived in Australia for 23 years, parents NOT KNOWN, spouse Elizabeth Baker, children 4 males and 3 females. The medical attendant was A W Bateman who last saw William on the day he died. His youngest child, William George was only three years old.
  • James William French witnessed the burial of William French on 12 July 1878 in Tenterfield Cemetery; The minister of religion was J D Hennessy, Wesleyan and undertaker A Butler. Witnesses to the burial were his sons James William French and John French.
  • In 1883 he was Shearer.
  • At the age of 25 years, 10 months and 4 days, James William French married Mary Jane O'Brien, daughter of Edward O'Brien and Jane E(lizabeth) Weldon, on 1 December 1883 in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia. Mary Jane O'Brien was a widow and was aged 34 years at the time of her marriage to James. He was a 26-year-old shearer. According to a letter from one of her descendants her maiden name was O'Brien. It appears that her mother had also remarried to someone named Weldon. Mary's second marriage took place at her mother's residence in Tenterfield. Witnesses to the marriage were Elizabeth Ann Weldon (her mother?) and Louis Werner. The service was officiated by William Denning according to the rites of the Weslyan Church. Mary Jane had four young children under nine at the time of the marriage.
  • James William French died in 1926 in Ryde, New South Wales, Australia.

Children of James William French and Mary Jane O'Brien

Jewel French

F, b. 29 March 1925, d. 2009
Family Explorer
  • Jewel French was born on 29 March 1925 in Temora, New South Wales.
  • She was the daughter of Charles Edward French and Effie McGeorge.
  • On 9 January 1933,Jewel French's mother, Effie McGeorge died in Brisbane, Queensland, at age 42.
  • Jewel French died in 2009.

Jill (Effie) French

F, b. 5 February 1918, d. 7 June 1996
Family Explorer
  • Jill (Effie) French was born on 5 February 1918 in Seacombe Private Hospital, Wosleey Street, Drummoyne, Sydney, New South Wales.
    Effie McGeorge and Charles French with their daughter Effie French born 5 Feb 1918 Sydney. Photo thanks to Carol Kurz and ansund1 (Ancestry)
  • She was the daughter of Charles Edward French and Effie McGeorge.
  • In 1919.
    Four generations - Samuel McGeroge, Effie French (nee McGeorge), Jill (Effie) French and grandfather James Samuel McGeorge. Taken in Scotland in 1919. Photo thanks to Carol Kurz and ansund1 (Ancestry)
  • Jill (Effie) French and Charles Edward French appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1930 living at Cowper, New South Wales.
  • At the age of 18 years and 19 days, Jill (Effie) French married Archibald James Gordon on 24 February 1936 in Brisbane, Queensland.
  • On 16 August 1992,her husband, Archibald James Gordon died in Brisbane, Queensland, at age 78.
  • Jill (Effie) French died on 7 June 1996 in Sydney, New South Wales, at age 78.

John French

M, b. 18 February 1827, d. March 1912
Family Explorer
  • John French was baptized on 18 February 1827 in All Saints, Middle Chinnock, Somerset. His father was a labourer at the time. Note: The 1851 census shows he was born in West Chinnock but the1881 census shows John as being born in Merriott.
  • He was the son of Jacob French and Hannah Osborne.
  • At the time of the 7 June 1841 census, John French was living in the household of Jacob French and Hannah Osborne in Riddle Town, Haselbury Plunkett. Jacob is shown as a 40 year old agricultural labourer, living with Hannah aged 40, and their children Mary 19, Hannah 15, John 14, Prudence 12, William 8, Susan 5, Eliza 3, Elizabeth 18 months and Mary Osborne aged 80, a pauper.

  • At the time of the 30 March 1851 census, John French was living in the household of Abraham French and Maria Winsor in Goar Knap Gate, Yeovil, Somerset. Abraham is shown as a 30 year old labourer born Merriott. He is living with his wife Maria 30 born Sutton; and a Elizabeth Frances (Ann Frances?) age 14, nurse child; born Sutton and Frederick John 11 an errand boy born Haselbury; and Sarah Ann aged 7 born Merriott. Abraham's brother John an agricultural labourer & carter aged 20 born Middle Chinnock was also living with the family as was their brother William, aged 19, an agricultural labourer, born Hazelbury.

  • John French and Maria Winsor appeared on the census of 7 April 1861 in Yeovil, Somerset. John French, born Merriott, is shown as the 30 year old carter and brother in law of Maria French. She is shown as a the 45 year old head of the family born Sutton, a glove welter. Living with them is Sarah Ann French born Merriott aged 18, Maria and Abraham French's daughter.

  • John French and Maria Winsor appeared on the census of 2 April 1871 in Yeovil, Somerset. John is shown as the 40 year old head of the family born Middle Chinnock. He is living with his "wife" Maria French, born 1817 in Sutton Bingham.

  • John French and Maria Winsor appeared on the census of 3 April 1881 in 18 Hgr Kingston, Yeovil. John is shown as head of the household. He is a 54 year old gardener born Merriott living with his "wife" Maria a 65 year old born Sutton, Somerset and Maria's (& Abraham French's son) Fred a 40 year old carter born Merriott. Maria was not John's wife but the wife of his brother Abraham. The couple continued to live together after Abraham left (or died). Her son Fred was married, but his wife and son were living with her parents in another part of Yeovil.

  • John French appeared on the census of 5 April 1891. John is shown as a 62 year old widowed general labourer, living with his lodger Mary A Trask born about 1823 a retired glover.
  • He appeared on the census of 31 March 1901. John is shown as a 71 year old widowed carter livng with his househeeper Mary A Ferrett born 1846.

  • His death was recorded with the Yeovil, Somerset, Registration District in the March 1912 Quarter. Shown as 86 years old at the time of his death.

John French

M, b. 24 July 1768
Family Explorer

John French

M, b. 13 May 1804
Family Explorer

John Alexander French VC

M, b. 15 July 1914, d. 4 September 1942
Family Explorer

QX 1071 Corporal John Alexander FRENCH - 2/9th Australian Infantry Battalion, AIF. Winner of Victoria Cross. Son of Albert French and Lucy Donaldson. Photo courtesy of Australian War Memorial (1914-1942).
  • John Alexander French VC was born on 15 July 1914 in Crow's Nest, Queensland.
  • He was the son of Albert French and Lucy Fanny May Donaldson.
  • The following is from the Toowoomba Regional Council website - "John Alexander French was born on July 15, 1914 in Crow’s Nest, north of Toowoomba. His father, Albert French, was a barber originally from Tenterfield and his mother, Lucy, settled in Crow’s Nest with her family after moving from Charleville.
    John attended the Crow’s Nest State Primary School from 1920 to 1928. In May of 1928, he sat for and successfully passed a demanding State scholarship examination. As a boy, John excelled at sports, and in rugby league he was known as “The Flying Winger”.
    John was renowned for his sense of fair play and protected those who were weaker. One childhood friend, Alf Blinco, remembers a time when he was accused of stealing and unjustly punished, John found the real culprits and brought them to justice thus exonerating his friend.
    John enrolled as a State scholarship holder at the Toowoomba State High School and Technical College for his secondary schooling. He was popular and well regarded by his peers and the teachers. After completing his studies in 1929, John returned to Crow’s Nest and commenced an apprenticeship with his father.
    When World War II became a certainty, John was the first in Crow’s Nest to enlist. He was posted to the 2/9th battalion and left home on October 23, 1939. This was the first battalion raised in Queensland in World War II.
    On May 5 1940, after a period of intense training, the battalion embarked on the ‘Mauritania’ which carried them to the UK for further training. On January 1 1941 the battalion sailed to Alexandria and successfully captured the Italian fort of Giarabub. The battalion went on to battle at Tobruk before engaging in further training in Syria.
    The battalion was eventually permitted to return to Australia for seven days leave followed by a new round of re-training using new methods. The men realised that a new enemy was to be faced to protect their families and their way of life, they must engage the Japanese.
    At 4pm on September 4 1942, ‘B’ Company of the 2/9th battalion of which Corporal French was a member, encountered heavy Japanese fire at Milne Bay. After ordering his section to take cover, John bravely wiped out two Japanese gun posts.
    As he advanced on the third however, he was hit with a barrage of bullets and fatally wounded but not before killing all of the three Japanese gun crews and successfully concluding the attack. John French was awarded the British Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross.
    His was the first awarded in Australia and the only one on the Downs. "
  • John would often catch a lift with the MacDiarmid's when they drove to Haden for their weekly pig and calf inspection.
  • John Alexander French VC died on 4 September 1942 in Milne Bay, New Guinea, at age 28. "At Milne Bay on the afternoon of the 4th September, 1942, a company of an Australian infantry battalion attacked the Japanese position East of the K.B. Mission where it encountered terrific rifle and machine gun fire. The advance of the section of which Corporal French was in command was held up by fire from three enemy machine gun posts, whereupon, Corporal French, ordering his section to take cover, advanced and silenced one of the posts with grenades. He returned to his section for more grenades and again advanced and silenced the second post. Armed with a Thompson sub-machine gun, he then attacked the third post, firing from the hip as he went forward. He was seen to be badly hit by the fire from this post, but he continued to advance. The enemy gun then ceased to fire and his section pushed on to find that all members of the three enemy gun crews had been killed and that Corporal French had died in front of the third gun pit. By his cool courage and disregard of his own personal safety, this non-commissioned officer saved the members of his section from heavy casualties and was responsible for the successful conclusion of the attack." - Australian War Memorial.
  • John was buried in Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, New Guinea.

John Arthur French

M, b. 1912, d. 1980
Family Explorer

John D French

M, b. 1915
Family Explorer
  • John D French was born in 1915 in St Peters, Sydney, New South Wales.
  • He was the son of William French.

John Maitland French

M, b. 11 January 1856, d. 14 June 1931
Family Explorer

Charles Edward French with his father John French and twin daughters. Taken c 1930
  • John Maitland French was born on 11 January 1856. at sea on board the "Maitland" bound for Sydney, Australia. It arrived in Sydney on the 22 April 1856. He was born at Lat 33"22'N, Long 11"42W'. He is unnamed on his birth certificate. His father was William French, an agricultural labourer aged 24 years, married in England and mother Elizabeth French (Baker) aged 23 years. At the time of his birth his brother Thomas was alive. The birth was registered on the "Maitland" on 23 April 1856 by the Captain Joshua Larmond.
  • He was the son of William French and Elizabeth Baker.
  • John Maitland French witnessed the marriage of Isiah (James) Bezanson and Eliza Jane French on 18 March 1878 in Tenterfield Wesleyan Parsonage, Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia; The Ceremony was performed by Rev Ebenezer Fox.
  • John Maitland French witnessed the burial of William French on 12 July 1878 in Tenterfield Cemetery; The minister of religion was J D Hennessy, Wesleyan and undertaker A Butler. Witnesses to the burial were his sons James William French and John French.
  • At the age of 23 years, 1 month and 21 days, John Maitland French married Elizabeth Ann Bailey, daughter of William Bailey and Elizabeth Cubis, on 4 March 1879 in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia. She lived with her parents at the time of her marriage. Witnesses to the marriage were William Bailey (either Elizabeth's brother or father), a labourer and Elizabeth French.
  • In 1916 he was hairdresser in Tenterfield, according to his son Charle's marriage record.
  • On 12 June 1928,his wife, Elizabeth Ann Bailey died in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia, at age 71.
  • John Maitland French died on 14 June 1931 in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia, at age 75.
  • John was buried in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia. Presbyterian Section B13.

Children of John Maitland French and Elizabeth Ann Bailey

Josias French

M, b. circa 1799
Family Explorer

Children of Josias French and Catherine Wills