City: Morristown
FRENCH, George Decatur, minister of the Gospel; born in Tazewell Co., Va., Dec. 11, 1846; Scotch-Irish and German descent; his paternal great grandfather and grandfather were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and served in the same company; his paternal grandmother was the daughter of Mitchell CLAY, whose family was partially massacred at Clover Bottom, Mercer Co., W.Va., he was the first settler, but one, inside the limits of that county; son of George Pearis and Martha (Bolton) FRENCH; father’s occupation, farmer; paternal grandparents John and Obediance (Clay) FRENCH, maternal grandparents Henry and Nancy (Mann) BOLTON; educated Point Pleasant Academy, Bland Co., Va.; D.D. degree was conferred on him by University of Harriman, Tenn., July 14, 1893; reared on farm and taught school four years; served four years in Confederate Army, and was captain Co. F 7th Confederate Cavalry Battalion; served a term in prison. Bat. was disbanded at Dublin, Va., after Lee’s surrender; married Sophie HOSS (great granddaughter of John SEVIER, and sister of Bishop E.E. HOSS)Aug. 20, 1874; member of Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, and is a member of all temperance organizations, and W.B Tate camp, U.C.V.; joined the Holston conference of the M.E. Church, South, in 1869, and served two years on circuits, stationed 11 years, Presiding Elder 20 years, Bible Agent 10 years; he is now Presiding Elder of Morristown District M.E. Church, South.
