My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE D. FREY, member of the city council, and a successful cigar and tobacco merchant of Newville, was born in Williamsport, Md., in 1867, son of Capt. Jesse R. Frey, who distinguished himself in the Civil war.

Capt. Jesse R. Frey was born Sept. 11, 1831, and died June 16, 1893. He enlisted Oct. 14, 1861, from Cumberland, and was mustered into the United States service at Harrisburg, Pa., as first lieutenant in Company D, 77th P. V. I., for a period of three years, under Capt. James Wymer, and Col. Stumbach. The regiment was assigned to the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Army Corps, of the Army of the Potomac, and Capt. Frey shared the fortunes of his regiment in the following movements and engagements; From Harrisburg to Nashville, Tenn., and engaged in the battles of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, April 6, 1862; Siege of Corinth, April 30 to May 30, 1862; participated in the various operations during 1862, and Dec. 30, 1862, at Stone River; was at Liberty Gap June 24, 1863. He was also at the battle of Chickamauga; and at Tunnell Hill, May 7, 1864. Later he was at Rocky Face Ridge, May 9-12, 1864; at New Hope Church, May 25, 1864; at Kenesaw Mountain, June 19 and 23, 1864; was at Peach Tree Creek, July 20-27, 1864. When the attack was made upon Atlanta, he was one of those who took part in the siege, July 22, to Sept. 1, 1864, where he was wounded by a gun-shot, in the right knee, and sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., thence to Louisville, Ky., where he was honorably discharged Dec. 15, 1864, on account of expiration of his term of service. On May 25, 1862, he had been promoted to the rank of captain. At the time of his demise he was a member of Colwell Post, No. 201, G. A. R., Carlisle, Pa., and he was buried with military honors by his comrades who so honored and loved him.

Capt. Jesse R. Frey was united in marriage with Miss Bella (Davidson) Frey, who was born in Cumberland county and still survives, making her home in Newville, now seventy years of age. Six children were born to Capt. and Mrs. Frey: Ella, now Mrs. Householder; Horace M., a traveling salesman; George D.; Bertha, wife of Frank S. Over, of Newville; Jennie at home in Newville; and Ida B., who died young.

George D. Frey studied in the common schools of Newville, and finished his course at the Newville high school. After leaving school, he learned the tinner’s trade with George W. Reeder, of Newville, with whom he remained four years, and then engaged in piece work for different parties. In 1894, he started in business at Newville, opening a cigar and tobacco store, as well as a newsstand. By close application to business he has greatly prospered, and now is the owner of the building in which he is located, a fine frame structure centrally situated on one of the best business streets in the city. In addition to this, Mr. Frey owns considerable residence and business property in Newville.

Mr. Frey married Miss Lydia Geyer Gibb, of Carlisle, a daughter of Hiram and Margaret Gibb. In politics, Mr. Frey is a Republican, and in 1902 he was elected a member of the city council, being elected by a majority of thirty-five in a Democratic ward, which is certainly evidence of his strong personality and popularity. In the spring of 1904 he was made president of the council. Fraternally, he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and very popular therein.