J.S. French d. February 4, 1887

Rolla, Mo., February 4.--Mr. J. S. French, one of the best and most highly respected citizens of this city, died this evening at his home of lumbar abscess complicated with kidney disease. Mr. French was from Rotterdam, N.Y., was past 49 years old, and had lived in Rolla the last twenty five years. He held the office of County Clerk of this county for sixteen consecutive years, and until the first of the present year. He was formerly a druggist and has for a number of years done an extensive insurance business. His ailment commenced with an injury to his spine which he received a year ago and he has suffered much pain for several months. His remains will be taken to Springfield for interment on Sunday, the 6th inst., by the Masonic order of this city of which he was a devoted and worthy member.