Contra Costa County Biography

CHARLES A. FRENCH

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


Charles A. French serves in a creditable and able manner as postmaster of 
Brentwood. He was born in Tennessee on October 29, 1875, the son of Peter and 
Malinda French, both natives of Tennessee. His father died in 1902, and his 
mother passed away in 1909. The grandfather of Mr. French was one of the highly 
respected pioneers of Knox County, Tennessee. The subject of this review 
acquired his education in the public schools of his native State, after which he 
attended college. In May, 1903, he came west and settled in Brentwood, 
California. He found employment on a ranch with Mr. Grigsby for a time, after 
which he bought a lease on the Marsh grant. He continued farming for one year. 
He then took up his abode in Knightsen, where he farmed, and later removed to 
Brentwood again, where he followed agricultural pursuits for three years. He 
entered the mercantile business, and owing to his ability he managed the general 
store for R. E. LaMoine & Co. for two years. He has been associated with the 
East Contra Costa Mercantile Company since its incorporation. Mr.  French was 
appointed postmaster in 1915. He was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Anna 
LaMoine on October 18, 1905. There have been two children to this union - Bertha 
Annam born May 15, 1909, and Floy Elsa, born August 21, 1912. Mr. French gives 
his political allegiance to the Republican party. He enjoys a reputation as a 
reliable business man and has served on the grammar-school board for two years. 
Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, and locally 
he can be depended upon to co-operate in all movements that tend to the 
upbuilding and substantial improvement of his town.
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California", Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
pp. 532-533.