Diligence and good judgment have been important elements, in the
success of David B. Frey, who is prominently identified with the drug
business at Gillespie, where his birth occurred in 1883. He is a son of
Abraham and Arminda (Grant) Frey. The father, who is now deceased, was
for a number of years a leading citizen of Macoupin county. He was the
eldest of five children and was born at Oggersheim, Bavaria, Germany,
August 8, 1833. His father, lacob Wilhelm Frey, was born at Donnast,
Bavaria, and learned the butcher’s trade at which he worked in
connection with farming. In April, 1847, he went aboard a steamer at
Mannheim with his family and after arriving at Havre embarked on a
sailing vessel for America, landing at New Orleans after a voyage of
sixty-two days. They came up the river to St. Louis and, as Mr. Frey was
practically without money when they arrived in that city, their first
meal was eaten on a dry-goods box. The mother died ten days later and
the father, hearing of a small German settlement at Staunton, Illinois,
left the children in the care of their uncles, Jacob and John Hanson,
and came to Staunton to look for work. He died shortly afterwards,
leaving his family of five children to be reared by relatives or
strangers. At the time of his father’s death, Abraham Frey was fourteen
years of age, but he did not hesitate in assuming the responsibility of
finding homes for his younger brothers and sisters. He secured
employment upon a farm at four dollars per month, but at the end of two
years apprenticed himself to the harness-making trade at Alton,
Illinois, where he continued for two and one-half years. At the end of
the time named he returned to farming but at tbe outbreak of the Civil
war resumed work at his trade and for two years was employed as
journeyman harness maker at Staunton. He then opened a shop on his own
account at Gillespie and gained a wide reputation as an expert workman
and good business man, also becoming known throughout the county as a
public-spirited citizen. In 1890 he was elected county treasurer and
removed to Carlinville, serving in the office to the general
satisfaction of the people for four years.
In 1864 Mr. Frey was
married to Miss Arminda Grant, who was born in Madison county, Illinois,
in 1843. She was a daughter of Thomas Grant, who was one of the pioneers
of the county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Frey five children were
born, Emma, Edward, Charles, Lewis and David B. Mr. Frey gave his
support to the democratic party and was an influential factor in its
councils. He was a member of Lodge No. 214, A. F. & A. M., and Lodge No.
220, I. O. O. F., of Gillespie. He was successful in his business
affairs and at his death, in 1906, left a competency for his family. It
is not, however, on account of his material acquisitions that his memory
is revered but because of his fidelity to principle and his
trustworthiness as a man and citizen. He displayed many sterling traits
of character, and it may truly be said that in his life he measured up
to the full standard of honorable manhood.
David B. Frey, whose
name stands at the head of this review, was reared under the favorable
conditions of a peaceful home. He acquired his preliminary education in
the public schools of Gillespie and Carlinville, later carrying his
studies forward in Blackburn University. At the age of seventeen he
entered a drug store in Carlinville, where he began the study of
pharmacy, and in the fall of 1904 matriculated in the St. Louis College
of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated after pursuing the regular
course, in 1906, with the degree of Ph. G. Shortly afterward he became
connected with Steinmeyer’s Pharmacy at Carlinville and continued there
until 1909. He then bought out the Behrens Drug and Mercantile Company
of Gillespie and has since conducted one of the up-to-date pharmacies of
Macoupin county. Lender his management the patronage has steadily
increased and the appearance of the establishment indicates the careful
supervision of a practical and progressive owner. As he possesses a
thorough knowledge of his business and is in close touch with the latest
developments in his calling, there is no doubt as to his continued
prosperity.
On October 12, 1909, Mr. Frey was married to Miss
Bonniebel Blackburn, of Palmyra, Illinois. Fraternally he is connected
with Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., of Carlinville; the Lodge
of Perfection, No. 114, of Springfield; and Carlinville Lodge, I. O. O.
F. He is not a member of any religious denomination but Mrs. Frey is
identified with the Christian church, in which she is an active worker.
He is thoroughly alive as to the importance of promoting the business
interests of Gillespie, and holds membership in the Commercial Club.
Being blessed with genial social qualities, he has made many friends who
also admire him for his straightforward and honorable business methods.
Extracted 14 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 300-302.
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