Henry French, son of Henry French and Ellen Riordan/Reardon was born on 18.2.1859 at Black Creek, South Australia.

He spent his early life in South Australia, but left Lobethal, SA with her mother Ellen, sister Mary Ellen and brother Michael around 1869.

He stayed briefly in Willoughby in Sydney, then moved to the Taree District of the NSW coast, where he married, firstly Fanny Tinonee Poole in 1881 then secondly Mary Wilhelmina McClymont in 1894.

Mary was the daughter of William Henry Ralston McClymont and Annie Butler.

They had a family of 11 children.

Ethel Daisy French married John Joseph (Jack) Collins
Stanley William (Plugger) French did not marry
Alice May French married Stanley Worth Avery
Clarice Mabel French married George Alfred Burns
George Raymond (Pat) French married Vida Streeter
Clarence Percy French married Violet Irene Hare
Victor Lionel French married Ella Sarah Anderson
Annie Irene French married George Alexander Marlborough and Joseph Ross
Horace Henry (Horrie) French married Rosa Ruth Marsh and Margaret Willis
Rita Marjorie French married Cecil Joseph Lane
Oliver Melville French married Neva Rose Jahnsen and Daphne Clarice Handebo

Henry French died 29.12.1915 aged 56 from pneumonia and asthenia at Manning River Hospital, Taree, NSW. He was buried in Coolongolook Cemetery, Church of England Section.

Mary Wilhelmina French nee McClymont died 9.1.1944 aged 68 from coronary occlusion and arteriosclerosis at 5 Buchanan Street, Hamilton, NSW. She was cremated at Beresfield Crematoriam, in the Newcastle district.

The contribution made by the French family over many years to the town of Coolongolook and surrounding districts of the Taree area have been considerable. They were true pioneers.

The book published in 2008 is A4 sized and wire spiral bound. It consists of 94 pages, including 64 photographs (sepia, black & white and colour), certificates, telegrams, post cards, newspaper articles, World War II Service Records, and a Wedding Invitation.

Cost $110.00 (includes postage throughout Australia)
Available from author; postal order, or cheque, and details to:
Mrs. Catherine Williams, PO Box 4, CAIRNS, QLD. 4870
Enquiries: Email the author