Colman S. French

New Plymouth Sentinel
Friday, June 11, 1920

C. S. French Passes Away

Colman S. French died at his home southeast of New Plymouth, June 5th. Mr. French was born at Barre, Vermont, seventy-two years ago. In 1866 he engaged in the mercantile business in Chicago. Later he moved to Iowa where he held a position with a railroad company for twenty years. Then returned to Chicago when he again engaged in the mercantile business, and from Chicago came to the Payette Valley. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Abbie Southgate. He is survived by his wife and his son, Fred P. French, and his grandchildren.

He has not been in good health for several months. While paying a visit to Chicago last winter he had a severe sickness from which he partially rallied and returned to his home this spring. Recently he again took sick and all efforts failed to conquer the disease which had fallen upon him.

He came to the Payette Valley in 1898 where he engaged in farming and later in fruit culture. He accumulated considerable property about three miles southeast of New Plymouth where he built his home now well know as Valley View. About the year 1905 he became interested the Farmers State Bank of New Plymouth and was in charge of this bank for several years. He took an active part in politics. Served in the state senate several years ago and was his county's representative in the lower house, and was speaker of the house in the 1915 session.

He was a man of sterling qualities and substantial strength of character. One who loved his family and was loved in return. He was a part of the community in which he lived, and lived in it to make it better. Where he lived his presence was felt. Now that he is gone he will be missed. Ne're more will his firm grasp close on the hand of friend or loving arms enfold dear ones of his home. He is gone, but only in the flesh. He will remain in the memory of those who knew him. There is a vacant place in the home. A sorrow in the hearts of those who were dear to him. A sorrow which can not be dispelled. But let kind friends with tenderest sympathy carry love, like Heavens sweetest sunshine into the home of those bereaved people and lighten the burden of sorrow so far as may be possible.

Payette Enterprise (Thursday, June 10, 1920)

PROMINENT PIONEER CALLED TO REST

Coleman S. French, one of Payette County's most respected citizens, died at his home near New Plymouth Saturday evening at 7 o'clock after a long continued illness. He had been in failing health for several years but was not confined to his bed but a few days. Funeral services were held from the home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. Knight when the largest procession of sorrowing friends ever witnessed, followed to the last resting place at the New Plymouth Cemetery.

Mr. French was highly respected not only in his own community but throughout the state of Idaho. He was one of the early settlers in the Payette Valley and was one of the main factors in the upbuilding of Southern Idaho. He was a good neighbor and will be greatly missed in his community.

Coleman S. French was born November 27, 1847 at Borrie, Vermont and departed this life June 5th, 1920, age 72 years, 6 months and 9 days. He was a graduate of the Borrie Academy, taught school one year, moved to Chicago in 1866, and later to Marshalltown where he was in the employ of the Iowa Central Railroad for 20 years; then moved to the State of Ohio where he started a wholesale Drygoods store, and came to Idaho in 1898 where he continued to live until the time of his death.