Biography

Robert Angus French (1857-1924)

Robert Angus French, also known as Bobby, was born on 27 June, 1857 in Dunbarton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland where he was employed as a farmer until emigrating from Scotland in 1883 at the age of 24. After this his occupation was listed as a Steamship Fireman, Labourer and Seaman. He married Ann Morrison on 26 May 1881 in Glasgow.

When the family came to Dunedin they were living in Russell Street, Central Dunedin, between 1894 and 1896. During this time Robert’s occupation was recorded as a fireman, while Annie was occupied with domestic duties.

In 1902 Annie and Robert moved to 29 Littlebourne Road in Roslyn and Robert swapped his fireman job to be a seaman while Annie continued to do domestic duties.

Annie and Robert had eight children:

Archibald French (14 Feb 1882 – 8 May 1915)

Mary Ann (Polly) French (7 July 1884 – 21 June 1936)

Robert MacLeod French (10 Aug 1886 – 13 Jul 1916)

Christina “Chryssie” Isabella French (1 Apr 1888 – 10 June 1975)

Donald John French (2 Aug 1889 – 20 Sept 1889)

Norman MacLeod French (12 Aug – 8 Sept 1974)

Flora Grace French (18 May 1893 – 25 Aug 1945)

Donald Morrison French (26 Apr 1897 – 18 Jul 1988

Their sons, Archibald and Robert MacLeod were both killed in World War 1. Archibald was killed in action at Gallipoli on May 8 1915, aged 33 and his brother Robert MacLeod died of his wounds somewhere in France on July 14th 1916 at the age of 29 years.