JOHN GEORGE FREY, who has retired from active business, and living in Beardstown in a pleasant home, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 9, 1827. He grew up and worked on his father's farm until twenty-eight years of age. In February, 1854, he took passage on a sailing vessel to New York City, making the trip in thirty days. He then settled at Lancaster, New York, but left that place in six months, and came to Beardstown, which he has since made his home, and has been fairly successful in life. His father, John Frey, died in Germany when eighty years of age. His wife had died many years before, they both being members of the German Lutheran Church.

What Mr. Frey possesses he has made by his own efforts. When he arrived in this city in 1854, he began as a laborer, and was variously engaged for two years. In 1856 he became connected with Mr. Bohlman, and continued with him four years, until he engaged with Mr. Anton Rock and continued there until he retired from active business.

He was married in Lancaster, New York to Miss Mary Hoearsch. She was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, August 13, 1824. She was a daughter of Mathias and Sarah Hoearsch, who lived and died in Wurtemburg. They were birthright members in the Lutheran Church. She was the only member of her family, who came to this country, coming on the same vessel that brought her husband. She died at her home in this city January 26, 1888, having been a member of the Fourth Street Church. Mr. and Mrs. Frey have had four children. Two are living: William, a turner in this city, and is a successful business man; and Mary, who is housekeeper for her father. She is a dutiful girl and an intelligent young woman. Mr. Frey and family are members of the Fourth Street Lutheran Church, and he and his son are Democrats in politics, good quiet citizens and upright, straightforward men.