J. Henry French
J. Henry French, long prominent in the business and social circles of Cincinnati, held the position of treasurer of the Procter & Gamble Company at the time of his demise, which occurred November 5, 1903. He came of New England ancestry and was born at Derby, Connecticut, in 1828. Seeking wider business opportunities, he left that place in boyhood and for a time resided in Granville, Ohio, whence he came to Cincinnati in 1849. After spending a short season in the wholesale grocery business he became connected with the well known grain firm of Tweed, Sibley & French, remaining the junior partner until 1874. Business prospects attracted him to Chicago, where he became very actively interested in the grain trade and was honored by election to the presidency of the Chicago Board of Trade. After successfully competing with the business giants of the western metropolis he returned to Cincinnati to resume old social associations and to establish here his permanent home. He was warmly welcomed and soon afterward accepted the position of treasurer of the Procter & Gamble Company, serving in that capacity until called to his final rest. His success as a business man was largely attributable to this careful attention to every obligation and his constant recognition of all the relationships of commercial life.
On the 20th of September, 1853, Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Catherine C. Smith, who was born in Williamstown, Vermont, of Kentucky and Vermont parentage. To them were born four children: Harry D., who is engaged in the piano business at Baltimore, Maryland, wedded Miss Mable Kimball, by whom he has two children, Dudley K. and Edith M., the wife of Harry E. Bachtenkirker and the mother of one child, Raymond F.; Nellie C., who is the wife of Charles E. Cate, of Cleveland, Ohio, by whom she has two children, Russell F. and Dorothy A.; Charles L. French, who died when three years of age; and Herbert, living in Cincinnati, who is the treasurer of the Procter & Gamble Company. Mr. and Mrs. French celebrated their golden wedding in September 1903, and the occasion will ever remain a sweet and comforting memory to their children.
Mr. French was one of the most liberal and withal one of the most unostentatious supporters of Christ Episcopal church, he having joined the Episcopal faith in boyhood and for many years was closely identified with Christ church. His many sterling characteristics and gentle courtesy won him the high esteem and regard of all with whom he came in contact. Among those who came to pay a last tribute to his memory at Spring Grove cemetery were the leading citizens of Cincinnati, many of whom had been his friends from young manhood. To the poor and needy he extended a helping hand and they found in him a warm friend. So upright and honorable was his life in all of its phases so commendable his principles so manly and sincere his actions, that his name is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him in a way that time cannot obliterate. He himself was quite a musician and critic on musical matters, taking the deepest interest in all productions in this branch of art undertaken in Cincinnati, promulgating and fostering all laudable efforts made in that direction. His widow resides in a beautiful home at No. 974 Dana avenue, Avondale.
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Volume III, by Rev. Charles Frederic Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912