John French (1848 - 1929)

Born 1 Nov 1848 in Scotland, United Kingdom

Husband of Fanny (Wisbey) French — married 24 Apr 1874 in Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia

Descendants

Died 22 Nov 1929 at age 81 in Northam, Western Australia, Australia

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Biography

John was born in 1848. He passed away in 1929.

"DEATH OF MR. JOHN FRENCH. USEFUL LIFE ENDED

A long and useful life was ended by the death, on Friday last, of Mr. John French, who might well be described as a pioneer of the Northam district, in which he had lived since he was five years of age. On October, 23, Mr. French, whilst being driven by one of his sons to the Toodyay agricultural show, was the victim of an unfortunate motor accident, in which the old gentleman sustained painful facial injuries, necessitating his detention in the Toodyay hospital for some time. Eventually he was enabled to return to his home, but subsequently he contracted pneumonia and had to be conveyed to Fermoy Hospital, where his condition immediately excited the keenest anxiety of his relatives. Their fears regarding his recovery were, unfortunately, only too well founded and his death occurred on November 22, as stated. The late John French of "Gold Gully" farm, Northam, was a native of Scotland, where he was born on November 1st., 1848. He arrived in the colony on 3rd January, 1853, with his parents, who came to Bardeen to work for Mr. Abraham Morgan (father of the late Mr. W. J. Morgan) and there his early boyhood days were spent. The deceased and the late W. J. Morgan were life-long friends and attended the same school at Buckland. After leaving Bardeen, Mr. French's father took up an adjoining holding, where the family resided, the homestead standing on the first ten acres of land purchased. Following his father's death, Mr. French purchased properties at Irishtown and Frenches Siding, which he worked with the help of his sons. He was married to Fanny, eldest daughter of the late Charles Wisbey, Senr., a member of the police force in the early days of the State. His wife predeceased him 45 years ago, but there are four sons and one daughter living, an elder daughter dying twelve months, ago. Twenty-four grandchildren and five great grandchildren are also left to mourn his loss. The deceased and the late James McManus were instrumental in starting what was then called the Green Hills Farmers Club and as a result cf their efforts the present Irishtown Hall was built. The late Mr. French was for thirty years a member of the Northam Road Board, in which capacity he rendered lasting service to the farming community. As a member of the Northam Agricultural Society since its inception, he also achieved much good on behalf of agriculturists generally. The number of his friends was large, for his genial and extremely kindly disposition made him universally popular, whilst the gentlemanly characteristics that were natural to him won for him the esteem and the warm regard of all. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place on Sunday, leaving the private mortuary of Messrs. J. W. Purslowe and Sons at 3 p.m., and proceeding to St. John's Church, where the service was conducted by the Rev. W. B. Kirby, rector of St. James', who delivered an impressive address. The cortege then reformed and proceeded to the Anglican portion of the Northam cemetery, where the Rev. Kirby conducted the burial service. The chief mourners were Messrs. John, James, William and Ernest French (sons) and Mrs. W. H. Eaton (daughter). The pall-bearers were Sir James Mitchell and Messrs. W. J. Gillett, Andrew Martin, James Clarke, W. H Morgan, H. G. Withnell, F. Rowel J, J..M. Carroll, E. McManus, V. L. Bode." - Goomalling Weekly Gazette, Friday 29 November 1929, page 2

Sources

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215149166/john-french