William T. French

William T. French - whose death occurred October 24, 1879, was born in Crawford county, May 29, 1819. He was a son of John and Julia A. (Hobelsell) French; settled in Paulding county in 1853. His wife, Margaret J., to whom he was married January 5, 1853, is a daughter of Thomas C. and Sarah (Cartwright) Poyns, who came to this county in 1861; she was born in Conneaut, Ohio, October 19, 1833, and her children are: Courtland J., born December 23, 1853, died January 17, 1854; Carrie L., September 30, 1857; Effie, July 11, 1860, died November 17, 1860; Sankey L., December 23, 1861. Mr. French has held the offices of Clerk of Courts three years; Recorder, seven years; several years Postmaster, and Justice of the Peace one term. His son Andrew Y. served three years in the army. Mrs. French’s father also served in the army; he enlisted in the 11th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry; served thirteen months, and was discharged for disability; then re-enlisted as a substitute, for nine months, in the 9th Indiana Cavalry; again re-enlisted in the 7th Indiana Cavalry, for three years, or during the war; was injured in the battle of Okolona, Tennessee, and died, July 20, 1870, from injuries received during the war. Mrs. French also had twin brothers in the war. Edward C. served seventeen months in the 11th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, was discharged for disability, and died at Nashville, on his way home; Edwin G. served three years and was discharged at the expiration of his term of service with the loss of his left hand at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Mrs. French is a dressmaker in Paulding, Paulding county, Ohio.