Francis O. French

Francis Ormond French, who came of ancient New England lineage, was a man of varied pursuits, in all of which he excelled. A graduate of Harvard, distinguished for the excellence of his literary productions, he studied for the bar, and practised for a time as a lawyer, but soon abandoned the profession, and became a member of the firm of Foote & French, bankers. He was for several years connected with the house of Jay Cooke & Co., in charge of its foreign exchange department, though not a partner in the house. He subsequently became interested in the First National Bank of New York, but retired from his connection with it in 1880. With others he organized the Manhattan Trust Company, and at the time of his death he was its President. He was the author of numerous books and pamphlets on widely various topics. He was an attractive gentleman, of fine presence, of modest bearing, and great charm of manner.

Henry E. Howland
1894 Century Association Yearbook