Harley Ellsworth French was born in Delphi, Indiana, on December 7, 1873. He was one of eight children born to David (also known as Charles) and Mina (Fischer) French. He was educated in the public schools of Kearney, Nebraska, and Palouse, Washington. After graduation from Palouse High School, he attended Spokane College, as well as the University of Idaho. He taught in rural schools in Washington and Idaho. He graduated from Washington State College in Pullman, Washington, in 1902, with a B.A.. During his time at the College, he was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa, was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, a member of the debate team, and student body president. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in 1907. While at Northwestern, he pledged for Nu Sigma Nu, a medical fraternity. He was also a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. He next joined the faculty at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion as a professor of anatomy and physiology. He attended four summer sessions at the University of Chicago, and graduated with a Master of Science degree in 1911. In 1910, he married Mable Townsley of Vermillion on September 3, 1910. The couple had two children: Mary Margaret and Burton Townsley. In 1911, Dr. French left Vermillion to become the Dean of the Medical School at the University of North Dakota. French narrowed the Medical School's scope to emphasize sound teaching and public health work. Dr. French retired in 1947, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University in 1948. In 1949, the newly constructed Medical School Library was named in his honor. Dr. French served as Secretary for the North Dakota State Board of Health from 1921-1923. He was also a member of the North Dakota Medical Association, serving as President from 1921- 1922, the American Medical Association, the North Dakota Tuberculosis Society, the North Dakota Society for Crippled Children, and the American Red Cross. Locally, he was involved with the Masons, the Franklin Club, the Fortnightly Club, and the Lions. Dr. Harley E. French died on February 4,1961, in Grand Forks. He is buried at Memorial Park Cemetery. The fifth addition consists of two pieces of correspondence and two guest books. The letters date from December 1932 and May 1934, and were sent to Harley French by Dr. James Grassick, a physician from Grand Forks physician. The first guest book is entitled "A Book of Hospitalities and a Record of Guests," and records visitors at the French residence from 1910-1923. The second book is entitled simply "Guest Book," and notes visitors from 1923 and 1924, although there is one entry dated 1934.
From the description of Papers, 1910-1934 (University of North Dakota). WorldCat record id: 751999184
