Rev. N. R. French is a native of Newton County, Mississippi. When very young was left an orphan to fight lifes battles, as were many others during the strenuous days of re-construction period. He went to Texas to build a home for himself in 1877. Here he was converted, and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the age of eighteen. Soon after he became impressed with a call to the gospel ministry, and having only a limited education, he began the struggle alone to better qualify himself for more efficient work in the Lord's vineyard. His principal education and theological instruction, he obtained at Buffalo Gap, Texas, under the tutelage of Rev. R. W. Benge, and Prof. C. N. Murray, who strove earnestly to thoroughly indoctrinate him in the "Whosoever will gospel." To their credit, and also that of Brother French, for the past eight years of their work has been "Tried as by fire" and found of the pure gold kind. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

He was licensed and ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by Red Oak Presbytery at South Fork, in 1894. Since that time he has been actively engaged in pastoral work. In 1900, he was married to Miss Anna Loper, of Conehatta, Mississippi, who has been an efficient helpmeet in his ministerial life and work. On account of the failing heath of his wife, he removed to his present home, in 1903 and affiliated with Mississippi Presbytery, taking full ministerial work in its bounds.

He was a Commissioner to the General Assembly meetings at Dallas, Texas, Fresno, California, and Bentonville, Arkansas, and earnestly opposed any alliance with the Northern Presbyterian Church. So. earnest was his protest against the "merger" among his own flock, during that memorable struggle, that not one member of his churches yielded to the misrepresentations, and seductive influence of the traitors of our church. Much persuasion, even fascinating promises, and glitter of gold, in increased salary, etc., was urged upon him. But he preferred rather to remain with the people of God, than to enjoy "Larger Things," for a season.

"Not for ease or worldly treasure,
Nor for fame, my prayer shall be--
Gladly will I toil and suffer,
Only let me walk with Thee."

Since 1907, his work has been more active and successful than ever before. He has preached 767 sermons; has witnessed 350 conversions; has had 182 additions to his churches.

It is his pleasure at all times to be loyal to the rulings of the General Assembly, and its various Boards. And, like all true christians he ever rejoices at the progress our beloved church is making notwithstanding bitter persecution, fierce antagonism, and loss of property.

"Sure I must fight if I would reign--
    Increase my courage Lord!
I'll bear the toil endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word."
    "Be thou faithful unto death and I will
        give thee a crown of life."

[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 133-135]

Rev. N. R. French, Alabama Was born September 2, 1861; died February 3, 1939, at his home in Gurley, Alabama. He was a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church forty-nine years, having served his Church in Texas; Miss.; Tenn.; and Ala.

No wife ever had a better husband, no children a better father, no unfortunate a more faithful friend and counselor, no cause a more loyal adherent, no community a better citizen than he.

He was love by all classes and many will bless the world through greater service because of their associations with him.

"How we miss him! But
They are not dead who live
In hearts they leave behind.
In those whom they have blessed
They live a life again
And shall live through the years
Eternal life, and grow each day
More beautiful as time
Declares their good,
Forgets the rest, and proves
Their immortality."
       One who loved him.

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, April 13, 1939]