If I had to pick a single ancestor whose life trajectory I most admire, it would have to be this man. As a youth, he volunteered for and fought in the French and Indian War. In his young adulthood, he was a respected surgeon. And from the middle of his life to the end, he was a beloved minister. That, to me, is the trifecta of use to one’s community; offering at each distinct stage of his passage through this world what he best had to give.

If these next few posts can encourage in others a fraction of the respect I feel for him, and help to keep his name and his example alive, I’ll view this site as having been worth the time.

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Historical Sketches of Andover (comprising the present towns of North Andover and Andover), by Bailey, Sarah Loring, 1880

https://archive.org/details/historicalsketch00bail

Rev. Jonathan French, 1740-1809

pp. 279

A relic of the military service of Rev. Jonathan French, in this war, has been found among his papers, in possession of his descendants at Andover, — an Almanac which has his name and “Castle William” written on it. It is for the year 1761. It contains the following verses on the victories of our arms, which, no doubt, thrilled the sensibilities of the then Sergeant French : —

“How shall my muse in proper lines express Our Northern Armies Valour and Success? While I am writing comes the joyful news Which cheers my heart anew inspires my muse. Our three brave armies at Montreal meet, A conquest of New France they three compleat. To God we owe the Triumphs of the Day ; New France submits to George’s gentle sway. May Lewis that proud tyrant never more. Bear any rule upon this northern shore !”

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pp.327-8

The day of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the night which followed, were full of terrible anxiety and suspense to the friends trembling for the fate of their kindred and townsfolk. From the high hills they strained their eyes to catch a glimpse of coming messengers, and watched the lurid fires of the burning city stream up on the horizon, while the incessant booming of the cannon made even stout hearts quail and all tremble for the fate of friends on the battle-field.

The next day was the Sabbath; but who could sit down in the meeting-house and listen to sermons, or compose his mind for the duty of public prayer, however devout he might be! Concerning the state of things, the pastor of the South Church, the Rev. Jonathan French, writes: —

“Our houses of public worship were generally shut up. It was the case here. When the news of the battle reached us, the anxiety and distress of wives and children, of parents, of brothers, sisters, and friends was great. It was not known who were among the slain or living, the wounded or the well. It was thought justifiable for us who could to repair to the camp to know the circumstances, to join in the defence of the country and prevent the enemy from pushing the advantages they had gained, and to afford comfort and relief to our suffering brethren and friends.”

With surgical instruments, for he was a practical surgeon, and musket, for he was a trained soldier, and Bible, as became his profession, the Rev. Dr. French made his Sabbath day’s journey to the camp, and rendered valuable aid there in ministering to the wounded and the dying.

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