Macoupin County
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Biography - DAVID B. FREY

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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