History:

Stephen French Jr. 

Stephen French Jr. built his brick house in around 1826.  It was said to be one of the best of its time.  Stephen French Jr. was born in 1775.  In 1800, he married Hannah Swett and had many children.  Stephen French Jr. was one of the founding members of the Bedford Presbyterian Church, and helped choose its location.  During his lifetime, his son, Phineas French lived there along with his grandson, Fred A. French.  Stephen French put the house in Fred A. French's name, but continued living there until his death in 1850.  Stephen French opened a shoe shopping the house that was opened until his death.  In those days,shoes were very valuable because most people walked barefooted, only putting their shoes on before entering the center of town in an effort to preserve the shoes for as long as possible.

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