8-15-2025 12:49am

Albert French, the famous dairyman of Warren County, Ohio

[WARREN COUNTY, OH] -- In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the French Brothers Dairy was a household name in southern Ohio, known for pure milk, quality butter, and ice cream that reached homes across the region.

Born in 1846, Albert was the son of Thomas French, a pioneer in the dairy industry who established a model for quality and efficiency that was ahead of its time. Albert grew up surrounded by the rhythms of farm and dairy life, eventually taking on the role of secretary and treasurer for the company.

Albert oversaw the operation of the Lebanon Creamery and worked to expand the network of skimmer and milk stations. These stations allowed farmers from surrounding townships to quickly deliver fresh milk for processing, ensuring both quality and quantity for the growing market, and providing employment for Warren County, Ohio and the tri-state area in Indiana and Kentucky as well.

Albert’s own Valley View Farm in Lebanon became a showcase for producing certified milk, an early step toward modern dairy safety standards. His attention to health and cleanliness reflected an awareness of public trust that was rare for the era.

Beyond the business, Albert’s efforts brought economic opportunity to local farmers and supplied communities with products they could rely on. His steady leadership and practical innovations helped carry his father’s legacy well into the 20th century.

This is the story of Albert French — the man who took a family tradition and made it a cornerstone of Warren County’s agricultural history.

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Special thanks to Beth Johnson and Raina Regan of Cincinnati Preservation.