GOD & TEXAS: James French

Texas History is rife with legends that capture the imagination. The adventures of Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Stephen F. Austin, and so many other Texan luminaries have filled volumes with tales of titillating romance, courageous warfare, and political intrigue. 

But there were recondite heroes who integrated their love for God with ingenuity to make Texas a better place to live. One of those lesser lights was James H. French. Born in Virginia in 1835 to a family of Irish immigrants, James moved to San Antonio with his bride Sarah in 1851. He was enabled by an excellent education and a vision to distinguish himself in life.

By 1860, James had amassed an incredible fortune in land and working capital. Having a deep commitment to his faith, he was an active member of the Presbyterian church, and benevolent to those in need.

James joined the Confederate Army and quickly rose to the rank of captain. He served nobly throughout the war and was often referred to as “Captain” the remainder of his life.

When the war ended, James had lost his wealth and property. Since the Alamo City was near bankruptcy following years of corrupt government, James vowed to help restore it to solvency even as he struggled to survive. He was elected mayor for five terms and became a beloved leader within both political parties. 

When James died in 1893, the eulogy by the San Antonio Express editors stated in part: "James H. French is dead, an Apollo with silver hair, a Chesterfieldian gentleman under any circumstances, to all a monitor, to man an example, to age a staff, to youth a guide, philosopher and friend. All knew him, and to know him was to love him, for his heart was a well-spring of courtesy and kindness, pure as a child's, broad and deep as humanity. He was brave as Caesar, generous as Maecenas, tender as Guaetemu, and true as the stars to their appointed courses…

"In public and private life his counsel was eagerly sought, and to him the poor and helpless turned as instinctively as the helianthus turns its face to the rising sun… The heart sinks low in anguish, and beneath the dark shadow, and the hand still tingling with his cordial salute, trembles and hesitates at the task so unexpectedly forced upon it, that of recording that James H. French has passed from time to eternity. Our loss is irreparable. We only unite in tendering our sympathy to those nearer and dearer to him than all others, so suddenly called upon to yield to God their greatest treasure.”

What an awesome tribute to a noble man of God! James left behind cherished memories of wisdom, kindness, and generosity. As former president Ronald Reagan once said, “Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” 

Proverbs 20:7 NKJV says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity.” May this be our goal as well.

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