Wyman/Clifford/Saxton

William was supposed descended from Thomas FRENCH of Halstead. However, William FRENCH the son of Thomas died in England a bachelor. There was another FRENCH in Halstead to which belonged a William born in 1606. William with his wife Elizabeth aged 30, and children Francis aged 10, Elizabeth aged 6, Marie aged 2 1/2, and John aged 5 months arrived aboard the ship DEFENCE in July 1635. They came with a party from Halstead with the Reverend Thomas SHEPHERD and his brother Samuel, Roger HARLAKENDEN, and Joseph and George COOKE. Roger HARLAKENDEN is called "cousin". Roger's first wife, Emlyn SCROGGS, was a first cousin of Elizabeth SYMMES. Sara SYMMES, sister of Elizabeth, came with William and Elizabeth FRENCH to Cambridge. She never married and in her will mentioned "brother William French. " HARLAKENDEN's near relative, who came in the same ship was from Earl's Colne, Essex. William was a tailor, in 1638 he was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, and he settled first in Cambridge. There he resided on the west side of Dunster Street. In 1639 he bought property which on July 18, 1656 he sold to William BARRETT. He was a deputy and on May 26, 1647 he was confirmed as lieutenant. They removed to Billerica where in 1652 he was one of the original settlers and proprietors with 150 acres. "He bought part of the Old Dudley Farm in "Shawshin" (Billerica) and his house stood near the turnpike, east of Bedford Road, near Ralph Hill's house. Hill is called his brother in his will." "He was a Lieutenant of the militia, and afterwards Captain. In 1659, he was chosen to 'sit in the deacon's seat,' and that same year was commissioner to establish the county rates. He was the first representative to the General Court at Boston in 1660, taking his seat in 1663. He was one of the first selectmen and served nine years. In 1661 he was on the committee to examine children and servants in 'reading, religion and the catechism.' He was a leading man in his town. Later Billerica became a part of Cambridge." "William French was an officer in King Philip's War. (He would have been about 70. Men were not required to serve after 60.) A tract entitled 'Strength out of Weakness,' written by him, giving a detailed account of an Indian convert to Christianity, was published in London, and afterward re-published in Massachusetts Historical Society Collections." "His estate was divided and the record filed January 6, 1687. One third went to the widow, and two-ninths to each of his three daughters, Mary, Sarah and Hannah." The widow Mary FRENCH, wife ofWilliam was living "very aged" in 1735.