William FRENCH  (15 March 1602/3 - 20 November 1681)

He arrived at Boston in the summer of 1635 aboard the ship "Defence". He
settled first at Cambridge and then was one of the original proprietors and
earliest settlers of Billerica in 1653. He was a tailor by trade and a
Lieutenant in the volunteer militia. In 1660 he was chosen a Selectman and
served for nine years. He was chosen as the first Deputy or Representative 
of that town to the General Court at Boston in 1663. He was active in 
converting Indians to Christianity. John and Richard French, who also lived
in Cambridge and Billerica, were his brothers.

Sources:
"NEHGR", Vol. XLIV, 1890, pp.367-372, "Lieut. William French and his 
Descendants", John M. Franch, MD.
Genealogical research charts and notes of Jerrie Moore, San Angelo, TX., 
1995.