A History of California and an Extended History of Los Angeles and Environs: Also Containing Biographies of Well-known Citizens of the Past and Present
By James Miller Guinn
Published by Historic Record Co., 1915
LORING W. FRENCH, D. D. S.
To see much of life in the nineteenth century and in different parts of the country was the destiny of Loring W. French, whose experiences from the late '60s until his death April 24, 1907, were associated with California. In his death the Pioneer Society of Los Angeles lost one of
its most highly respected members, for he had always shown himself to be a patriotic, upright citizen, preferring the public welfare to his own, and in every possible way he used his means and influence for the improvement of the city which he had early chosen as his place of residence.
None stood higher in the dental profession than did he, being one of the oldest and most honored members of the Southern California Dentists' Association.
It is a matter of no surprise to those who knew him that Dr. French was a descendant of sterling old Revolutionary stock, who cheerfully placed country before every other consideration. His paternal great-grandfather, Captain French, with the spirit of a true patriot, commenced talking strongly for independence of the American colonies before the war was declared, and, coming home one day, announced to his wife that he was about to enlist to fight for his principles. Quite naturally, woman-like, her spirit quailed at first, thinking of the horrors and possibilities of war, and she urged him not to leave his little family and imperil his life.
Striding to the wall where hung his old flint-lock musket, grown rusty with non-use, and with an old charge of powder in it still, he turned to her and said: "I'll try to fire that old load, and if it goes I'll go." An instant later there was a terrific report from the trusty old weapon, and Captain French went forth to battle for the land which was to be the inheritance of his children and children's children for generations.
John J. French, father of our subject, was a native of New York, where he followed the trade of a brick mason, and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Hearing glowing reports of the great west, he started on a prospecting tour, and floated down the Ohio river in a flatboat until he arrived in Indiana. He became one of the pioneers of that state, his home for years being in Ohio county. He sometimes went to Cincinnati or some other city and worked at his trade in order to procure ready money for some special purpose, and thus it happened that he built the first brick house constructed in the city mentioned. He died, loved and respected by all who knew him, at his old homestead in the Hoosier state, when he was in his eighty-fifth year.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Hargrave, and she, too, was a native of the Empire state, and died in Indiana when in her sixty-second year.
The birth of Loring W. French occurred on the parental homestead in Ohio county, Ind., January 31, 1837. He received a district school education, and when he was sixteen years of age he commenced learning the printer's trade in Jeffersonville, Ind. After following this calling for four years he decided to take up dentistry, and, going to Louisville, he began studying for his chosen rofession. At the end of a year or more of steady work he went to Greensburg, Ind., where he engaged in practice for six years, making an excellent record for one of his years and limited experience. In 1862 he responded to a call from the
president for troops, and enlisted in Company B, Seventy-sixth Indiana Infantry. He served for six months, reporting for duty every day of that period, and in the spring of 1863 was mustered out and discharged at Indianapolis. Returning to Greensburg, he soon made his plans to go to California, and upon his arrival here commenced practicing at LaPorte, Plumas county. After spending five years there he came to Los Angeles, where he felt that a wider field awaited him, and in this his hopes were fully realized, for his was the second dentist's office opened in the growing city.
When he was thirty two years of age Dr. French married Miss Mary Champion, and two children were born to them, Charles E., a practicing physician in San Francisco, and Clara F., the widow of Edward E. Powers. The family stand well in the social circles of the city and attend the nitarian Church.
If Dr. French is remembered for one thing more than nother it is for the kindly service which he rendered his home city in the introduction of the Kentucky blue-grass. Los Angeles undoubtedly bears the palm for handsome green-velvet lawns, which invariably attract the attention of the visitor from other points.
Dr. French was a charter member of the Society of Los Angeles Pioneers, and one of the oldest members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he had always been a Republican, casting his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln at his first candidacy. In 1882 he served as a member of the city council of Los Angeles, and then, as he did throughout the remainder of his life, gave unsparingly of his influence in the cause of education, good government and progress along all lines.
By James Miller Guinn
Published by Historic Record Co., 1915
LORING W. FRENCH, D. D. S.
To see much of life in the nineteenth century and in different parts of the country was the destiny of Loring W. French, whose experiences from the late '60s until his death April 24, 1907, were associated with California. In his death the Pioneer Society of Los Angeles lost one of
its most highly respected members, for he had always shown himself to be a patriotic, upright citizen, preferring the public welfare to his own, and in every possible way he used his means and influence for the improvement of the city which he had early chosen as his place of residence.
None stood higher in the dental profession than did he, being one of the oldest and most honored members of the Southern California Dentists' Association.
It is a matter of no surprise to those who knew him that Dr. French was a descendant of sterling old Revolutionary stock, who cheerfully placed country before every other consideration. His paternal great-grandfather, Captain French, with the spirit of a true patriot, commenced talking strongly for independence of the American colonies before the war was declared, and, coming home one day, announced to his wife that he was about to enlist to fight for his principles. Quite naturally, woman-like, her spirit quailed at first, thinking of the horrors and possibilities of war, and she urged him not to leave his little family and imperil his life.
Striding to the wall where hung his old flint-lock musket, grown rusty with non-use, and with an old charge of powder in it still, he turned to her and said: "I'll try to fire that old load, and if it goes I'll go." An instant later there was a terrific report from the trusty old weapon, and Captain French went forth to battle for the land which was to be the inheritance of his children and children's children for generations.
John J. French, father of our subject, was a native of New York, where he followed the trade of a brick mason, and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Hearing glowing reports of the great west, he started on a prospecting tour, and floated down the Ohio river in a flatboat until he arrived in Indiana. He became one of the pioneers of that state, his home for years being in Ohio county. He sometimes went to Cincinnati or some other city and worked at his trade in order to procure ready money for some special purpose, and thus it happened that he built the first brick house constructed in the city mentioned. He died, loved and respected by all who knew him, at his old homestead in the Hoosier state, when he was in his eighty-fifth year.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Hargrave, and she, too, was a native of the Empire state, and died in Indiana when in her sixty-second year.
The birth of Loring W. French occurred on the parental homestead in Ohio county, Ind., January 31, 1837. He received a district school education, and when he was sixteen years of age he commenced learning the printer's trade in Jeffersonville, Ind. After following this calling for four years he decided to take up dentistry, and, going to Louisville, he began studying for his chosen rofession. At the end of a year or more of steady work he went to Greensburg, Ind., where he engaged in practice for six years, making an excellent record for one of his years and limited experience. In 1862 he responded to a call from the
president for troops, and enlisted in Company B, Seventy-sixth Indiana Infantry. He served for six months, reporting for duty every day of that period, and in the spring of 1863 was mustered out and discharged at Indianapolis. Returning to Greensburg, he soon made his plans to go to California, and upon his arrival here commenced practicing at LaPorte, Plumas county. After spending five years there he came to Los Angeles, where he felt that a wider field awaited him, and in this his hopes were fully realized, for his was the second dentist's office opened in the growing city.
When he was thirty two years of age Dr. French married Miss Mary Champion, and two children were born to them, Charles E., a practicing physician in San Francisco, and Clara F., the widow of Edward E. Powers. The family stand well in the social circles of the city and attend the nitarian Church.
If Dr. French is remembered for one thing more than nother it is for the kindly service which he rendered his home city in the introduction of the Kentucky blue-grass. Los Angeles undoubtedly bears the palm for handsome green-velvet lawns, which invariably attract the attention of the visitor from other points.
Dr. French was a charter member of the Society of Los Angeles Pioneers, and one of the oldest members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he had always been a Republican, casting his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln at his first candidacy. In 1882 he served as a member of the city council of Los Angeles, and then, as he did throughout the remainder of his life, gave unsparingly of his influence in the cause of education, good government and progress along all lines.
A History of California and an Extended History of Los Angeles and Environs: Also Containing Biographies of Well-known Citizens of the Past and Present
By James Miller Guinn
Published by Historic Record Co., 1915
LORING W. FRENCH, D. D. S.
To see much of life in the nineteenth century and in different parts of the country was the destiny of Loring W. French, whose experiences from the late '60s until his death April 24, 1907, were associated with California. In his death the Pioneer Society of Los Angeles lost one of
its most highly respected members, for he had always shown himself to be a patriotic, upright citizen, preferring the public welfare to his own, and in every possible way he used his means and influence for the improvement of the city which he had early chosen as his place of residence.
None stood higher in the dental profession than did he, being one of the oldest and most honored members of the Southern California Dentists' Association.
It is a matter of no surprise to those who knew him that Dr. French was a descendant of sterling old Revolutionary stock, who cheerfully placed country before every other consideration. His paternal great-grandfather, Captain French, with the spirit of a true patriot, commenced talking strongly for independence of the American colonies before the war was declared, and, coming home one day, announced to his wife that he was about to enlist to fight for his principles. Quite naturally, woman-like, her spirit quailed at first, thinking of the horrors and possibilities of war, and she urged him not to leave his little family and imperil his life.
Striding to the wall where hung his old flint-lock musket, grown rusty with non-use, and with an old charge of powder in it still, he turned to her and said: "I'll try to fire that old load, and if it goes I'll go." An instant later there was a terrific report from the trusty old weapon, and Captain French went forth to battle for the land which was to be the inheritance of his children and children's children for generations.
John J. French, father of our subject, was a native of New York, where he followed the trade of a brick mason, and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Hearing glowing reports of the great west, he started on a prospecting tour, and floated down the Ohio river in a flatboat until he arrived in Indiana. He became one of the pioneers of that state, his home for years being in Ohio county. He sometimes went to Cincinnati or some other city and worked at his trade in order to procure ready money for some special purpose, and thus it happened that he built the first brick house constructed in the city mentioned. He died, loved and respected by all who knew him, at his old homestead in the Hoosier state, when he was in his eighty-fifth year.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Hargrave, and she, too, was a native of the Empire state, and died in Indiana when in her sixty-second year.
The birth of Loring W. French occurred on the parental homestead in Ohio county, Ind., January 31, 1837. He received a district school education, and when he was sixteen years of age he commenced learning the printer's trade in Jeffersonville, Ind. After following this calling for four years he decided to take up dentistry, and, going to Louisville, he began studying for his chosen rofession. At the end of a year or more of steady work he went to Greensburg, Ind., where he engaged in practice for six years, making an excellent record for one of his years and limited experience. In 1862 he responded to a call from the
president for troops, and enlisted in Company B, Seventy-sixth Indiana Infantry. He served for six months, reporting for duty every day of that period, and in the spring of 1863 was mustered out and discharged at Indianapolis. Returning to Greensburg, he soon made his plans to go to California, and upon his arrival here commenced practicing at LaPorte, Plumas county. After spending five years there he came to Los Angeles, where he felt that a wider field awaited him, and in this his hopes were fully realized, for his was the second dentist's office opened in the growing city.
When he was thirty two years of age Dr. French married Miss Mary Champion, and two children were born to them, Charles E., a practicing physician in San Francisco, and Clara F., the widow of Edward E. Powers. The family stand well in the social circles of the city and attend the nitarian Church.
If Dr. French is remembered for one thing more than nother it is for the kindly service which he rendered his home city in the introduction of the Kentucky blue-grass. Los Angeles undoubtedly bears the palm for handsome green-velvet lawns, which invariably attract the attention of the visitor from other points.
Dr. French was a charter member of the Society of Los Angeles Pioneers, and one of the oldest members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he had always been a Republican, casting his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln at his first candidacy. In 1882 he served as a member of the city council of Los Angeles, and then, as he did throughout the remainder of his life, gave unsparingly of his influence in the cause of education, good government and progress along all lines.
By James Miller Guinn
Published by Historic Record Co., 1915
LORING W. FRENCH, D. D. S.
To see much of life in the nineteenth century and in different parts of the country was the destiny of Loring W. French, whose experiences from the late '60s until his death April 24, 1907, were associated with California. In his death the Pioneer Society of Los Angeles lost one of
its most highly respected members, for he had always shown himself to be a patriotic, upright citizen, preferring the public welfare to his own, and in every possible way he used his means and influence for the improvement of the city which he had early chosen as his place of residence.
None stood higher in the dental profession than did he, being one of the oldest and most honored members of the Southern California Dentists' Association.
It is a matter of no surprise to those who knew him that Dr. French was a descendant of sterling old Revolutionary stock, who cheerfully placed country before every other consideration. His paternal great-grandfather, Captain French, with the spirit of a true patriot, commenced talking strongly for independence of the American colonies before the war was declared, and, coming home one day, announced to his wife that he was about to enlist to fight for his principles. Quite naturally, woman-like, her spirit quailed at first, thinking of the horrors and possibilities of war, and she urged him not to leave his little family and imperil his life.
Striding to the wall where hung his old flint-lock musket, grown rusty with non-use, and with an old charge of powder in it still, he turned to her and said: "I'll try to fire that old load, and if it goes I'll go." An instant later there was a terrific report from the trusty old weapon, and Captain French went forth to battle for the land which was to be the inheritance of his children and children's children for generations.
John J. French, father of our subject, was a native of New York, where he followed the trade of a brick mason, and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Hearing glowing reports of the great west, he started on a prospecting tour, and floated down the Ohio river in a flatboat until he arrived in Indiana. He became one of the pioneers of that state, his home for years being in Ohio county. He sometimes went to Cincinnati or some other city and worked at his trade in order to procure ready money for some special purpose, and thus it happened that he built the first brick house constructed in the city mentioned. He died, loved and respected by all who knew him, at his old homestead in the Hoosier state, when he was in his eighty-fifth year.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Hargrave, and she, too, was a native of the Empire state, and died in Indiana when in her sixty-second year.
The birth of Loring W. French occurred on the parental homestead in Ohio county, Ind., January 31, 1837. He received a district school education, and when he was sixteen years of age he commenced learning the printer's trade in Jeffersonville, Ind. After following this calling for four years he decided to take up dentistry, and, going to Louisville, he began studying for his chosen rofession. At the end of a year or more of steady work he went to Greensburg, Ind., where he engaged in practice for six years, making an excellent record for one of his years and limited experience. In 1862 he responded to a call from the
president for troops, and enlisted in Company B, Seventy-sixth Indiana Infantry. He served for six months, reporting for duty every day of that period, and in the spring of 1863 was mustered out and discharged at Indianapolis. Returning to Greensburg, he soon made his plans to go to California, and upon his arrival here commenced practicing at LaPorte, Plumas county. After spending five years there he came to Los Angeles, where he felt that a wider field awaited him, and in this his hopes were fully realized, for his was the second dentist's office opened in the growing city.
When he was thirty two years of age Dr. French married Miss Mary Champion, and two children were born to them, Charles E., a practicing physician in San Francisco, and Clara F., the widow of Edward E. Powers. The family stand well in the social circles of the city and attend the nitarian Church.
If Dr. French is remembered for one thing more than nother it is for the kindly service which he rendered his home city in the introduction of the Kentucky blue-grass. Los Angeles undoubtedly bears the palm for handsome green-velvet lawns, which invariably attract the attention of the visitor from other points.
Dr. French was a charter member of the Society of Los Angeles Pioneers, and one of the oldest members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he had always been a Republican, casting his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln at his first candidacy. In 1882 he served as a member of the city council of Los Angeles, and then, as he did throughout the remainder of his life, gave unsparingly of his influence in the cause of education, good government and progress along all lines.
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