Frank J. French
1862-Sept. 19, 1931

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, September 19, 1931, page 1, col. 8, continued page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

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    Frank J. French, 69, president of the French Paper company, died suddenly at 11:15 o'clock last night while playing cards with members of his family in this home, 43 N. St. Joseph avenue.
    His death follows by a little more than eight months that of his brother, J. Edward French, who was the former president of the paper company, an industrial institution of Niles since early post-bellum days of the Civil war, and removes the second of the two outstanding fugures[sic] from the business and social life of this community.
    Since the death of J. Edward French last Janurary, 9, in Battle Creek sanitarium Frank J. had been shouldering the heavy duties and responsibilities as head of the French Paper company . . [illegible]
     . . Frank J. had not been in good health for many months.  About six weeks ago he became ill with a severe cold.  On advice of this physician, who feared possible development of pneumonia, Mr. French went to Pawating hospital.  Pneumonia was averted and he was discharged two weeks ago.  His death last night was attributed to a heart attack.
    Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home.  The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, will officiate. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. The body is at the Troost and Augustine funeral home.
    Surviving is another brother, W.W. French of Los Angeles, also widely known in Niles, two daughters, Mrs. W.J. Gardner and Mrs. Edward Brecker, and three grandchildren, Frank, Jacqueline and Alene Gardner, children of Mrs. Gardner, a nephew Frank G. French of Niles, son of the late J.E. French, survives and holds the post of vice-president of the French Paper Co.  Other surviving nephews are Joseph W. French of Chicago, E.B. French of Ann Arbor and W.S. French of Detroit.
    Frank J. French was elected president of the paper company immediately following the death of Edward last January.  Frank at that time was vice president.
    Both brothers were widely known in Masonic circles, and both were members of St. Joseph Valley blue lodge, No. 4 and also the Chapter Commandery and Shrine.
    In his early life Frank J. French (continued on Page 2) married and settled down to an active business career with his father and brothers. His bride was Minnie Crawford. She preceded him in death by seven years, passing on November 21, 1924.
    The French family has been prominent in southwestern Michigan since pioneer days.  The late Joseph W. French, father of Frank J., Willard W. and Edward, came to Three Rivers from Connecticut in 1854 at the age of 21, and purchased an interest in a factory there manufacturing spokes, carriage materials and axe handles.
    Two years later young French engaged in manufacture of wagons, carriages, stage coaches or omnibusses and hearses. He was successful, and in the latter enterprise was associated with Julius D. Shaller, of Boston, Mass., under the firm name of J.W. ..[illegible] business grew rapidly.
    In 1857 French closed out his interests in the vehicle factory and turned to manufacture of paper.  In 1854 Shaller and associated had obtained a water power right on the St. Joseph river at Three Rivers and they set up a paper mill, and also acquired large real estate interests. In this year Shaller appointed French his agent with power of attorney. Previously Shaller had sold a half interest to Bradner, Smith & Co. French was in charge as manager.
    In 1865 French bought out the entire interests.  In 1872 French, in association with Bradner, Smith & Company, bought a water power right on the St. Joseph river at Niles, at the present site of the French Paper Mill, and established a wood pulp business. In 1883 French again bought out Bradley, Smith & Company and continued . [illegible]. . to manufacture paper, and it has for many years been known widely among manufacturing circles.  The founder died in 1910.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, September 21, 1931, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for Frank J. French were held this afternoon in his home, 43 N. St. Joseph avenue. The services were conducted by the Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, rector of Trinity Episcopal church. Burial was made in Silverbrook cemetery.  The pallbearers were chosen from among the executives and employes of the French Paper company of which Mr. French was president, as follows: M.C. Parker, L.S. Kretchman, J. Carrigan, Hugh Dean, Andrew Martin, and Charles Larsen. Numerous business friends of Mr. French from Chicago and other cities were in Niles for the funeral services.  Relatives and friends here for the services include E.R. Brecker of Housten[sic], Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Willard French of Detroit, Joe French of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Edward French of Ann Arbor and Miss Sadie [illegible] of Purdy Station, N.Y.  Mr. French died suddenly on Friday evening of a heart attack.