An Early Account of Lowell, MA by J.B. French

Below is an excerpt from a story told by Josiah Bowers (J.B.) French (my 3rd great grand uncle) from a collection of stories about the history of Lowell, Massachusetts in a book titled, “Contributions of the Old Residents Historical Association – Lowell, MA 1877. The Association was formed in December of 1868 by prominent (male only) members of the local community who were residents at the time of the city’s incorporation in 1836 and who had continuously lived in Lowell since that time and were at least 45 years of age. His recollections on early transportation in Lowell/Billerica/Boston includes a reference to his father, my 4th great grandfather, Luther French ( 1767-1846) and mentions the use of a pillion that was used when courting on horseback. That was a new term for me and sounds both romantic and perhaps uncomfortable! ( I added the illustration, it was not part of J.B.’s story).

I previously posted a story about the interesting and successful life led by Josiah in “The Brothers French.”

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