Frank J. French, who owns a dairyfarm in Northfield, and supplies a large milk route, was born in Gilmanton, N.H., March 30, 1855, son of Sylvester F. and Mercy E. (Hayes) French. The father, a native of Gilmanton, in early life was a shoemaker, and resided in Dover, Rochester, and Haverhill, Mass., for some years. He finally returned to Gilmanton, and is now occupying a farm on Shepard’s Hill. His wife, Mercy, who was born in Strafford, N.H., has had three children-Frank J., Jeremiah S., and Eliza O. Jeremiah S. married Ida Locke, and is a carpenter in Gilmanton. Eliza O. married William Hartford. Neither is now living.
Frank J. French received his education in the Dover grammar school. Four years later he went to Concord, where he was employed in the Eagle Hotel for a year. The succeeding two years were spent at his father’s farm in Gilmanton. Afterward for several years he was an overseer at the New Hampshire State Prison. In November, 1881, he purchased his present farm in Northfield. On this property, which contains one hundred and twenty-five acres of land and is especially well adapted for dairy purposes, he keeps fifteen milch cows, devoting his attention chiefly to the milk business, and supplying a large number of regular customers in Tilton.
On January 5, 1879, Mr. French was united in marriage with Nettie Munsey. She was born in Gilford, N.H., August 16, 1860, daughter of the Rev. John G. and Olive (Mooney) Munsey, of Laconia. Mr. Munsey has retired from the ministry. Mr. and Mrs. French have one son-Harold M., who was born December 31, 1884, and is now attending school in Laconia. Well-advanced in Masonry, Mr. French is a member of Doric Lodge, No. 78, of Tilton, St. Omer Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Franklin, and Mount Horeb Commandery, Knights Templar, of Concord. He is also connected with Belknap Lodge, No. 18, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of Tilton. Both he and Mrs. French are members of the Free Will Baptist church.