I am looking for a French ancestor, as you are (Sally French born in Eastern Connecticut in 1776 - still no replies on this list, unfortunately), but that is not why I am replying. I noticed your mention of Naples in Ontario County, New York, as the home of the French you were searching. Another line I have traced (the Goodings) lived in Bristol, Ontario County, and I visited the place. There is an excellent historical library in Canandaigua (which is the county seat) covering all the small towns in the county. If you are ever traveling in western New York (and it is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled parts of the country - well worth a trip) I am sure you will find something on your French ancestor in that very interesting collection. Dean Burgess (redlion3@juno.com)
Yes that area is beautiful. I was born and raised in Cananandaigua and have relatives there. I am well rooted in that area. My ancestors had large families and although many moved west, many remained in the area. I am just now learning of many aunts, uncles and cousins that I didn't know about. I am familiar with the Goodings as I am related to the Wilders in Bristol and South Bristol and, I believe, they married into the Wilder family. My great great great grandfather Joseph French was born 1803 in Otsego County and moved his family to Ontario County. From what I can gather Joseph's father was named James, b. 1776/77, and according to the 1850 Naples NY census was born in MA and his wife Sarah, b. 1773 was from NH. That is all I know of the early French line. So far I can't connect them with any of the New England Frenches. There are strong French family lines in Otsego County NY, but can't connect them there either. Bummer!!! In case you don't know of these sites, here are a couple of good resources for Ontario County NY and the surrounding area: http://raims.com/home.html http://www.townofbristol.org/ http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyontari/ Gail At 10:44 AM 8/11/00 -0400, you wrote: >I am looking for a French ancestor, as you are (Sally French born in >Eastern Connecticut in 1776 - still no replies on this list, >unfortunately), but that is not why I am replying. I noticed your mention >of Naples in Ontario County, New York, as the home of the French you were >searching. Another line I have traced (the Goodings) lived in Bristol, >Ontario County, and I visited the place. There is an excellent historical >library in Canandaigua (which is the county seat) covering all the small >towns in the county. If you are ever traveling in western New York (and >it is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled parts of the country - well >worth a trip) I am sure you will find something on your French ancestor >in that very interesting collection. > >Dean Burgess (redlion3@juno.com) >