His earliest known ancestor in America, Edward French, arrived in New England in 1630, just ten years after the establishment of the Plymouth Colony.

Henry also excelled in farming, contributing to an early understanding of civil engineering practices.

He oversaw the daily operations of both the school and the museum, working closely with Board President Charles L. Hutchinson.

French’s dedication to the Art Institute was so profound that, as a friend recalled, "he knew every stone in the structure, every collection in the galleries, and every servant in his employ.

"[6] He also taught a course in Artistic Anatomy for many years and was a founder and charter member of the American Association of Museums.

[7] French guided the Chicago Academy of Design's transformation from an arts organization focused on teaching and exhibiting local artists into a world-class school and museum.

The Art Institute purchased a lot on the southwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Van Buren Street for $45,000.

The existing commercial building on that property became the organization’s headquarters, and a new addition was constructed behind it to provide gallery space and house the school’s facilities.

By January 1885, the trustees recognized the need for additional space to accommodate the organization’s growing collection.

[10] Lorado Taft's tribute states, "To know Mr. French well was a liberal education; to have been counted among his friends will be esteemed by some of us as one of the most precious of life's privileges.