Funeral services for the late Ezekiel French were held at French's Chapel at 1 P.M. Wed. Nov. 30, 1921, conducted by Rev. J.C. Bell. Pallbearers were Wm. Beckers of Mt. Pulaski, Philip Sampson of Lincoln, Herman Schmitgen, John McCoy, Howard Boggs and Wm. A. Boughan of the French's Chapel vicinity. Interment was in Downing cemetery. Ezekiel spent his entire life in the French's Chapel community on the farm where he died. He was the son of Asa and Hannah French, who were among the earliest settlers here. (1837) The French home was the stopping place and a preaching point in the early days of the Methodist Circuit riders when this community was a part of the Yankeetown circuit. After Ezekiel married Caroline Alexander, their home continued to be the church center until French's Chapel was built in 1870. Uncle Dick, as he was familiarly known among his friends and neighbors, was always deeply concerned not only in local community affairs, but in county, state and national affairs as well. His advice was sought by his friends on varied and many subjects. His loss is deeply felt in the church and community. We miss his smiles and jokes and his kindly interest in our affairs. Death came to Ezekiel very suddenly as a result of heart trouble. He was sitting in his chair talking with his family, when without a moment's warning, he breathed his last. Ezekiel was born 7 Jan 1843, his age at death being 78 yr. 10 mo. and 20 da. He married Caroline Alexander 24 Jan. 1864. She died 7 Nov 1908. He married Mrs. Emma Barnhart Hickman 9 March 1912. He is survived by his second wife, six children, twenty-two grandchildren and ten great great-grandchildren.
-Lincoln Courier