CHARLES H. FRENCH, an extensive and prosperous, manufacturer of Norfolk County , residing in Canton , was born in this town, April 17, 1848 , a

son of Charles Howe French. His grandfather, Alexander French, was likewise born in Canton , and was of old Colonial stock, the family having

emigrated from England in the seventeenth century.

 

Charles Howe French was born and bred in Canton , and during his years of activity was identified with the highest and best interests of the town. For

some time he was engaged in business as a railroad contractor, but afterward established himself in business in Stoughton as a manufacturer of fancy

woolen goods, for which he gained a wide reputation, the productions of his mill being in demand in all the leading New England markets. He was a stanch.

Republican in politics and very active in local affairs, serving as Selectman, besides being Representative to the General Court, and State Senator two

terms. He was.  For thirty-eight years president of the Neponset National Bank, a position which he occupied at the time of his death, on January 13,

1889, at the age of seventy-four years. Four children were reared by' him and his wife, Elmira K. Everett, daughter of Deacon Leonard Everett, of Canton,

namely: Caroline O.; Ella A., widow of D. T. V. Huntoon, of Canton; Charles H. ; and Abbott E., of this town.

 

Charles H. French completed his education at the age of eighteen years in the Chauncy Hall School, Boston, and at once entered the factory of his father in Stoughton, in  order to learn the business, and was there employed in various capacities until the demise of his father. Since that time he has carried on the business in company with his brother, Abbott E. French, and Robert Ward, of South Orange , N.J. , this firm being among the leading woolen manufacturers of Massachusetts .

 

In politics Mr. French is a Republican, faithful to the principles in which he was reared. He has succeeded his father as president of the Neponset National Bank, is also president of the Braintree & Weymouth Street Railway Company, and is a member of the Canton School Board. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Blue Hill Lodge, F. & A. M., of Canton to Mount Zion Chapter, R. A. M., of. Stoughton ; and to Cypress Commandery, K. T., of Hyde Park . He is of the liberal type in his religious belief and a regular attendant of the Unitarian church.

Mr. French was married September 13, 1875 , to Miss Theresa I. Noyes, daughter of Samuel B. Noyes, of Canton . Mr. and Mrs. French have three children, sons, namely: Charles Howe, who was named for his grandfather; Malcolrn B.; and Norman B.

Source: Biographical Review - Volume XXV - Containing life sketches of leading citizens of Norfolk County Massachusetts . (Boston, Mass., Biographical Review Publishing Co., 1898), pg. 570.

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