Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1898-06-17
OBITUARY..
MIR. NJ. V. FREUCH.

MIR. NJ. '. fREJCh'
Mr.. NJ. V. French, one Of the val
ley's most progressive farmers and
business men, died on Tuesday night
June IA, 1898, at 1855 O'Clock, at his
residence in Woodstock. The news Of
| his death came with startling sudden
ness to many ofthe townpeople, who
were not aware that he was danger
ously i'll. Mr.. French was seized
with the attack, which eliminated
fatally, on Monday afternoon at about
1 O'Clock. Although he had not
been well man for years and was
subjected at times to severe attacks
of heart trouble, which Frustrated
him temporarily, he was able to be
about and attend to business the
greater part of the time. On Mon
day morning he seemed to be IN fairly
good hea tn and was in excellent
spirits. He visited the mill to attend
to business matter. In some way
he overtaxed himself and was forced
in the afternoon, to 90 to bed, becom-
ing seemingly at once a very Ill
man. AIthouglrthe best Of medical
attention was given him Immediately
and loving family were constantly
soIictous for his welfare, he failed
rapidly. Tuesday morning found no
improvement in his condition and he
became unconscious, never rallylng.
He passed away as if to sleep, sur
rounded by his family and some
friends.
Martin Van Buren, French was
born on Nov. 4, 1880, at New Gretna
y. J. He came of a large family,
the most of whom have preceded him
to the grave. lie was married in 1854
to Miss Frances Scoonoyer, Of near
Owego, New York. In early life he
was sea captain. Abandoning this
vocation, he embarked in the lumber
business in Pennsylvania and prosper
ed. About twenty seven years ago
Mr.. French with his wife visited the
valley with a view ofbuying property
and locating. They were pleased with
Woodstock and Mr.. French purchas-
ed the fine farm on the south eastern
edge of.own, which became part
of his estate. In the ensuing summer
Mr.. French moved his family here.
He at once became useful citizen
and q successful farmer. He embarked
in various enterprises which were not
only remuneratiye to him but gave
employment to others and helped the
town. He built the modern steam
flour mill which bears his name. Mr..
French never hesitated to give both
his influence and means to aid projects
that would benefit the town. He
sought to do all he could to enhance
the Importance of Woodstock. Mr..
French also owned n flour mill near
Edinburg. lie received valuable as
sstance in all his enterprises from his
son, Mr. w. 5. French.
The deceased was an exceedingly
capable business man. lie was thor
oughly abreast Of the times, hOnora.
bic in all his dealings, and by his
death the business community loses
heavily.
I'm his private life Mr.. French was
a model christian man. lie loved his
home. In nature he was reserved but
when he made friendships they were
lasting and no one, on MIR.
French's account, ever had cause to
regret knowing him intimately. He
took lively interest in local, state
and national affairs and was an ex-
ceptionally well informed man. He
was of a sympathetic disposition and
it was his greatest pleasure to per-
form unostentatious charities. Many
homes in Woodstock have enjoyed
his bounty. By his death the poor
lose friend that they will sorely
miss.
Mr.. French united with Emanuel
Lutheran church which he had long
attended, in Feby. 1896. He was a
consistent christian and n man of
usefulness to his church. To mourn
irreparable loss, Mr.. French,
leaves a widow, one son, Mr.. W. 5.
French, and one daughter, Miss
Florence French, three children, Of
whom Mr.. Charles French was the
last, having preceded him to the
grave.
The funeral took place on Thurs
morning at 10 O'Clock from the
family home. Rev. A. A. J. Bushong
his pastor officiated. Burial was in the
family plot in Massanutten cemetery.
b.