Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-08-14
Death Of James q. French.

His disease Is believed to have been an affection
of the heart, indications of which had previously
manifested themselves, especially since an acute
attack Of pleurisy in the spring
Mr. French was the oldest son Of the venerable
| Micah French, of Barre who IL still living and in
comfortable health lie was born in Peru, N Y,
in 1924, but removed to Barre in early childhood,
with his fathers family After n busy boyhood,
and the attainment of n good common-school edu-
cation, he spent two or three years in the foundry
of the late Joshua living, of Barre, where he
learned of that remarkable man practical lessons
of industry economy and business thrift which
were of untold value in after life. After attaining
his majority he embarked in mercantile pursuits
! in Morrisville, lamoille county; but not meeting
| the desired success, he soon came to Montpelier
where lie served two or three years ~ clerk for
II. s. Loomis and Ellis, Wilder & Co. About
twenty-five years ago Mr.. French opened ready
made clothing and gcntlemen's furnishing store
which proved the business Of his life, and
to which nephew-one Of his many "boys," in
whom he took much pride-has succeeded
| With relish for politics. and II zeal character
stic of the man in all he undertook, Mr. French
became an active and prominent Republican, and
! held the important position Of postmaster of
Montpelier during the entire eight years of Mr..
| l.ncolns administration. And it il but simple
justice to him to add, that he took new and i'm
portant departure in the administration of the Of
fee and elevated 1t to position Of responsibility
and public accommodation It had never known
before
Early in the history of the agitation which re-
suited in the building of the Montpelier and Wells
River railroad Mr.. French became deeply in
terested in the scheme, and ultimately his bust
ness energy and skill found legitimate employ
ment as constructing agent of the road, and as its
general manager, after completion, until it III
timately fell into the hands of the bond holders.
As his means warranted, Mr. French's ncli-
nations led him to invest in rea-estate-until, at
the time of his death he was with possibly
single exception, the largest real-estate owner in
town, and paid taxes upon the second largest
grand list.
While residing at Morrsville, Mr. French mar
red daughter of the late Joel Goldsbury, of
Barre, who, with young lady daughter, will now
for the first time know what it is to face a cold
and frendless world without the thoughtful inter
position of an exceptionally strong hand and low
ing heart
We cannot refrain from adding few sentences
from Mr.. Wright's tribute at the burial
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sonal relations with Mr.. French, in spite offrankly
avowed disagreements and very free mutual
criticisms Mr.. Wright continued But he will
be more widely missed lie was not helped into
prominence either by the opportunities of profess
sional life, or by political successes and yet few
men in Montpelier have been more widely known,
few have been more conspicuous in matters vitality
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hiieu WIN proofs oi unui'ns energy ana enter
priSe' inc speaNer auueu' RESTLESS spirit
was MS iuh oi nervous iorce' ne, ana ehthu-
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hearted CONVICTIONS, LOT "hich enforced inac'ioh
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ously with others, but he often found 1t delight