The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-26

only temporary. however. and he recently
had had two attacks Of paralysis of the
heart and never rallied from these suf-
ncienuy TO walk.
HIS CAREER.
Samuel Bassett French was the only
child of Rev. John French. NJ. D., ID. D.,
and Mrs Fanny Marsden French nee
aioseley He was born IN the borough OF
Norfolk. Va, March 81. 1920. He was
educated al Hampdcn-Sidney College
1856 to lSlS. and afterwards studied law
under Hon. Robert Y. Conrad. Of Win
chester. Va. He was licensed and ad-
United 10 the bar in the midsummer of
1ssS. and practiced his profession FOR a
Few months i'm Berryville, Clarke coun-
ty Va.
On February o. 1912. he located perma-
nently i'm Chesterfield county and in 1872
was appointed United states commits
sioner in bankruptcy for the Eastern
District Court of Virginia. lie married
Helen Bland. youngest daughter Of James
and Jane lie Vest Lyle nee DaVidson)'
OF "Whitby." Chesterfield.
AT TIE BAR.
In 1919 he was appointed by the Hon.
John b. Clopton Commonwealth attor-
ney for the Circuit Court Of Chesterfield
county. In 1852 he retired from the bar
and was elected clerk OF the Senate Com
mittee on Propositions and Grievances
and afterwards served on the Committee
on Courts Of Justice. where he continued
until 1861
He was assistant clerk Of the House OF
Delegates from 1853 10 800. and again In
1850. lie was inspector Of tobacco at
Shockoe Warehouse from 1851 10 1888.
During the civil war he was aido-de-
A
1861 10 1864 Early In the war he was
recommended by General Robert f. Lee
for a Internationally. but the Gov
ernor refused 10 endorse the recommen-
dation on the ground that he could rem
der the State better service as his pri-
waite secretary lie acted as confidential
secretary 10 General Thomas j. Jackson
IN several % his important movements.
was with him In his march 10 Romney
and in the first Maryland campaign.
ANNOUNCED JACKSONS WOUNDING
He had received orders 90 join him and
was on HIS way. when he received orders
from the commanding general TO return
90 Richmond and convey the sad intelh-
Eence Of his being wounded at Cham
cellorsyille.
Judge French also held the position 81
confidential secretary to Governor VIII
liam Smith. He was paroled by General
Meade at Burkevillc.
From 1856 10 1880 he was employed at
various times as "A writer by the Whig
and Enquirer and was not infrequently
IN editorial charge Of both At one time
after he war he owned and published
farm journal
He IVES regarded ne n graceful. polish
ed writer. he published an article on
Taxes and Taxation" In the Norfolk
Landmark and some OF the northern pa
pers. also a pamphlet IN reply TO Mr..
Robert Beverly president Of the Nir-
sfnIa Agricultural and Mechanical So
ciety.
ELECTED JUDGE.
In 1880 he was. by the unanimous vote
OF both houses Of the General Assembly.
elected Judge Of the Corporation or
Hastings Court OF the city OF Manchcs-
ter for term OF six years. He was de-
1eated for reelection by strict party
vote IN 1857.
Since 1890 he was engaged in the pre-
paration OF work TO be entitled. AN
nails OF Prominent Native Yirginians Of
the Nineteenth Century" Some years
ago he undertook 20 write short sketches
OF the war. entitled. "Recollectlons OF a
Stan Oficer." which he never finished.
Judge French leaves a widow and eight
children--four daughters and four sons.
Their names are Mrs. George r. Gary.
Mrs. Stanley Robertson, Miss Fannie
French. all OF Manchester and Mrs.
Pate; Messrs. Robert L., s. Bassett,
Cary and John French.
rcw men I'm Chesterfield were 80 well
a~a favorably known as was Judge
Trfnch. lie had friends all over the
county and. indeed. all over Virginia.
lis death will be a source OF keen regret
20 hundreds OF people who knew him only
- admire him as a useful citizen. kind
friend and a hish-toned Virginia gentle
n1an