From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
Publ. 1912 - Page 825-826
 
CHARLES E. FRENCH.  Success comes to the deserving after all, though it seems 
sometimes that this is not the case.  The man who puts forth the proper effort 
long enough and hard enough will achieve just about what he set out to 
achieve.  This fact was realized early in life by Charles S. FRENCH, of Lake 
Geneva, another of the sterling New Englanders who have cast their lot in 
Walworth county, and by so doing have benefited alike themselves and us.  His 
life record here has been especially characterized by the most absolute 
integrity of word and action, which has gained for him the unqualified respect 
of the entire community.  Added to this is a spirit of good fellowship and 
geniality which has brought to him a large circle of warm personal friends.  
He was born in Burlington, Vermont, July 26, 1856.  He is the son of Judge 
William H. and Ermina E. (BYINGTON) FRENCH, the father a prominent man at 
Burlington, having for some time been judge of the court at that city.  His 
widow survives and is making her home with the subject in Lake Geneva.
 
Charles S. FRENCH lived in his native city until he was ten years of age, 
then, his father having died, he and his mother came to Chicago, where they 
made their home until about 1868, then came to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and here 
they have since resided.
 
The subject attended the normal school at Whitewater and, deciding on a legal 
profession, began the study of law in the office of John A. SMITH and was 
admitted to the bar in 1879, soon afterwards becoming a partner of John A. 
SMITH, and they practiced together until the death of the latter.  He has 
practiced alone in Lake Geneva ever since, enjoying a liberal patronage and 
taking a high rank among the leading attorneys of this part of the state.  He 
has kept fully abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession and 
is known to be a careful, painstaking and learned counselor, and he has 
figured prominently in important cases in this locality for many years.
 
Taking an active interest in public affairs, Mr. FRENCH has held a number of 
local offices within the gift of the people, always to the eminent 
satisfaction of all concerned.  He was mayor of Lake Geneva for four terms 
when a young man, giving the city an administration such as it has seldom had 
in its history.  He was postmaster here for eight years, and for a number of 
years was president of the board of education, and years ago was also clerk of 
the village.
 
Mr. FRENCH organized the Equitable Electric Light Company at Lake Geneva in 
1897 and he has been president of the company ever since, its large and 
rapidly growing success being due very largely to his judicious advice and 
counsel.
 
The subject was united in marriage with Ida W. NEWBERRY, who was born in 
Chicago, and who is the daughter of Capt. Oscar E. NEWBERRY, a lake captain 
and Nellie (LOOMIS) NEWBERRY.  Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
FRENCH, namely: Eleanor E. married Howard BECKWITH and lives in Lake Geneva; 
Mary E. is at home with her parents; Charles W. lives at Jerome, Idaho; Harry 
L. lives in Chicago; Sidney B. is at home.
 
Mr. FRENCH has long been prominent in Masonry, being a Knight Templar and a 
member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.  He was 
high priest of the local chapter for a period of twenty-three years, a record, 
we believe.
 
Submitted by Carol