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My Frey family immigrated from Baden (in the southwest of modern Germany) to Charleston, South Carolina in 1842. They were: Joseph and Margaret Frey, their son Joseph Frey who was born en route, and Wilhelmina Stein, Margaret's daughter by a previous husband. In Charleston three more children were born: August Frey, Margaret Frey, and Albert Frey. Joseph and Margaret Frey were my great-great-grandparents. The single largest event in their lives was the Civil War. They fled to New York to escape the local enmity engendered by their charitable acts towards enemy prisoners. In New York their Confederate money was worthless. For an explanation of the numbering scheme and the date format, see the Clirehugh page. |
There are a number of mysteries for me in this family, principal among them: (1) Who fathered Wilhelmina Stein? Family stories have him the son of the famous German statesman, Heinrich Friedrich Karl, Baron vom und zum Stein (1757–1831) and his wife, Christiane Wilhelmine von Wallmoden. So far I have found only three children of the Baron's, all daughters. (2) Which Joseph Frey did what, father or son? Apparently both men had the same name: Joseph J. B. Frey. Both were illusive in the census. Family stories make no distinction. The only records I can trust are the deed to the cemetery lot in Brooklyn, NY, the patents, and the court case regarding the dispute of a will. Consequently I am ascribing the telegraph patent to the father and the military positions, the other patents, and the burial in Brooklyn to the son.
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Parents born Mannheim, Baden.
Daughter Wilhelmina von Stein was born about 1836 on "the Baron's estate in Nassau."
Immigrated to Charleston, SC about 1842 with husband Joseph Frey and two children (Wilhelmina and Joseph).
The common route of immigrants from Germany was overland to the French port of Le Havre, then via ship to America.
Son Joseph Frey was born in Le Havre in 1842.
In Charleston three children were born:
August Frey in 1845,
Margaret Frey in 1848, and
Albert Frey in 1850.
In 1850 lived in Charleston, SC in the Parish of St Michael and St Phillip
with husband and children (Joseph, August, Margaret, and Albert), but not Wilhelmina; husband was musician.
In 1860 lived in Charleston, SC at 87 Meeting Street with children Joseph, August, Margaret, and Albert;
ran boarding house.
A Martha Frey lived with them, age 22 and born Bavaria. I can find no confirmation that she was a daughter.
(The "South Carolina Naturalizations 1783–1850" by Brent H. Holcomb cites a George Joseph Frey born about 1810
in Bavaria, a repairer of musical instruments, arrived Charleston 1-26-1842 and was naturalized 1-9-1849.
Perhaps Martha was related to him.)
The 1860 Directory cites a Mrs. M. Frey with a boarding house at 93 Meeting Street.
In 1861 the Civil War began in Charleston, SC.
In 1862–3 helped Union officers imprisoned in Charleston. She sewed shirts, cooked food, wrapped bandages,
and visited the imprisoned men, sometimes taking her daughter Wilhelmina with her.
In 1863 she was driven out of Charleston, SC because the locals did not like her aiding the enemy.
Family story says she was taken out of Charleston in the middle of the night with daughter Margaret by the Yankee
soldiers who escorted her to the border where she got on a train and went to Hillside, NJ. Wilhelmina stayed behind
because she was to be married. (Or so the story goes. But Margaret was living in NYC in 1869, and Wilhelmina's first
child was born in 1854. See the Flight from Charleston for a different story.)
In 1869 lived in NYC, NY at 176 Hudson Street per the New York City Directory.
In 1870 lived in NYC, NY at 174 Hudson Street with children Joseph, Margaret, and Albert, a Florence Frey
(18, born NY?, housekeeping), and August Illing (age 40 born Germany, fancy goods store).
Joseph was running the boarding house. Mr. Illing may have been a partner of Joseph Frey the father (and inventor).
(The 1857 NYC Directory cites an August Illing as a confectioner at 210 Third Avenue.
The 1869 NYC Directory cites an Angus Illing as fancy goods at 329 Canal, home at 174 Hudson.)
In 1880 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 522 Walnut Street with daughter Margaret Frey Clirehugh and her family (husband John and son Vair Joseph).
Was a widow.
She largely lived separately from her husband because of her high temper. Her husband was reported to have said he loved his wife but could not live with her.
Remembered as "Madame Frey" by daugher Wilhelmina's descendants.
As of March 2008 I cannot find my source for her burial, so have come to doubt it.
In 1850 was a musician.
In 1863–64 he was one of at least 18 telegraphers who were at Hilton Head and Beaufort, SC.
In June 1863 he received a pass from the 8th Army Corps Provost Marshall in Winchester, VA to take his family to New York; good for 3 days.
He had Pass #87 dated 3-24-1865 from the Department of the South, Provost Marshall in Hilton Head, SC "to pass anywhere within the lines of this Department . . . good until April 30th, 1865."
An undated letter of recommendation from a retired telegraph officer: "Mr. Frey was for a long time in my . . . one of my most trusted and reliable men. . . . Mr. Frey has been particularly unfortunate in having his property there [South Carolina] destroyed by fire. He is industrious, ambitious, and faithful and has no bad habits."
In 1866 lived on Edisto Island (in Colleton County about 45 miles south of Charleston); the IRS assessed him tax on a piano and watch.
Made telegraphic equipment and held several patents.
He held patent #95014 issued 9-21-1869 for a self-closing telegraph key.
In 1870 he exhibited a self-closing telegraph key at The American Institute Fair held annually in New York.
An account of his key was published in "The Telegrapher," November 12, 1870.
The article concluded "It involves, however, such an extensive and radical change in existing arrangements that it runs but little risk of general adoption."
That same year he and A. Illing of 213 Church St., New York advertised their self-closing telegraph key.
Might this be August Illing who lived with the Frey family? The Church Street address is a few blocks from the family's residence on Hudson Street.
J. H. Bunnell & Co. sold a "Fry Open Circuit Key" into the 1920s;
there is a picture of a page from catalog #28 circa 1918 showing the key
on The Telegraph-Wireless World website By Steve Massey.
The current president of Bunnell told me that the inventor's name was spelled Fry and Frey in different places.
It was undoubtedly a design of Joseph's.
Nicknamed "Bum."
Remained in Charleston when her mother left for NY.
Married Charles Heuer.
Had three children, all believed born in Charleston:
Margaret Heuer born 1855,
Rosa Heuer born 1862, and
Amelia Heuer born 1863.
Lived on Sullivan's Island during Charleston's great flood; was burned out twice.
Once lived on Society Street, in a house that backed up to the YWCA.
Lived in Charleston, SC at 27 Spring Street, which was torn down after the early 1990s.
In 1870 lived in Charleston, SC with daughters Rosa and Amelia and a Robert Gray.
In 1890 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street, a widow.
The 1889 Charleston Directory cited a widowed Mrs. M. Heuer living at 147 Spring Street; if the "M" is correct, she may
have been Charles' mother.
Born during family's travel to America.
In 1850 lived with parental family in Charleston, SC.
In 1860 lived with parental family in Charleston, SC.
In 1861 and 1862 was a Private in the Charleston Zouave Cadets, a part of the South Carolina Militia.
Formed in 1860 for military and social purposes and mostly composed of young men, they did not appear on a battlefield.
They garrisoned Castle Pinckney, a fort in Charleston Harbor, when SC seceded.
After the First Battle Of Bull Run on 7-21-1861, Federal prisoners of war were housed there and the Cadets were their
jailers. They established an amiable association with the prisoners.
The unit disbanded in February 1862, some members joining the Confederate Army.
In 1861–1863 was a 1st Sergeant in the 16th Militia Infantry Regiment SC, Jackson Guards, Charleston District.
In 1870 lived in NYC, NY with mother and siblings Margaret and Albert; he ran the boarding house.
Also living there was a Florence Frey, who I believe was Joseph's wife.
I found five patents issued to him in 1882–1883 for devices related to water closets.
These are detailed in the Patents section.
On 4-17-1882 he executed a will leaving his estate divided among his wife,
mother, sister Margaret, brother August, and an un-named executor. The estate included "the profits accruing from certain
royalties on patents and . . . sale and manufacture of a certain other patent to be issued to him."
On 2-19-1887 purchased lots 261 and 262 in the Orient Hill section of The Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY.
After his death his widow contested his will. The court case decision was dated September 1889.
The identity of the executor could not be determined, so his portion was distributed amongst the named beneficiaries.
In 1850 lived with parental family in Charleston, SC.
In 1860 lived with parental family in Charleston, SC.
Had two wives: Ellen and Margaret.
Had seven children:
Angela Mary Frey born 1868 GA,
Bernardina M. H. Frey born 1872 GA,
Gretchen Frey born abt. 1874 GA,
August Joseph Frey born abt. 1875 GA,
Nellie (Ellen?) Frey born 1879 OH,
Albert Henry Remigius Frey born 1881 OH, and
John Rudolph Frey born 1883 OH.
In 1870 lived in Macon, GA with wife Ellen and daughter Angie; watchmaker.
In 1880 lived in Toledo, OH at 192 Cherry Street with wife Ellen and five children (Mary, Bernardina, Gretchen,
August, Nellie); jewelry manufacturer.
About 1897 married second wife, Margaret.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 158 Seventh Avenue with wife Maggie and son John; tinsmith.
In 1910 lived in Brooklyn, NY with wife Margaret; tinsmith.
The family bible has her birth date as 6-11-1846, but 46 is written in pencil over ink, could be 48.
In 1850 lived in Charleston, SC with parental family.
In 1860 lived in Charleston, SC with parental family.
In 1870 lived in NYC, NY with parental family.
On 3-4-1875 she married John Cumming Clirehugh in his home in Elizabeth, NJ at 522 Walnut Street.
They were married by James Stoddard, Rector of Grace Church "according to the rites of the Protestant Episcopal Church."
Her brother Albert Frey was a witness.
She had two children:
Vair Joseph Clirehugh born 1876 NJ and
John Alexander Clirehugh born 1884 NJ.
In 1880 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 522 Walnut Avenue with husband, son Vair, and mother.
In 1900 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 355 Morris Avenue with husband and two sons (Vair and John).
In 1910 lived in Union, NJ at 234 Conant Street with husband and son John.
In 1920 lived in Hillside, NJ at 135 Conant Street son with son John and his family. He built the house in 1912.
Two children, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.
I have long wondered at the origin of her middle names. It was common to use other names of the parents, but in this case I cannot find these names in Margaret's ancestors. A possible clue is in the 1850 census where another family lived with Margaret's parents: A. Berger, age 40, born France, dancing master and Octavia Berger, age 14, born France.
In September 1850 lived with parental family in Charleston, SC, age 8 months.
In 1860 lived with parental family in Charleston, SC.
In 1870 lived in NYC, NY with parental family; plumber.
On 3-4-1875 witnessed sister Margaret's marriage to John Cumming Clirehugh in Elizabeth, NJ.
Have not found him in 1880. An Albert H. Frey bought 160 acres in Gainseville, FL on 2-13-1884.
He may or may not be my family.
He married Rosa and had one child:
Harold C. Frey born 1894 FL.
In 1900 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 338 Morris Avenue with wife and son; foreman in laundry.
Birth stated as December 1852, but this conflicts with his age in 1850, so disregarded. Sister Margaret lived at 355 Morris Avenue.
In 1910 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 554 Walnut Street with wife and son; foreman in steam laundry.
In 1920 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 856 Nevada Avenue with wife and son; laborer.
Watchmaker. Family story: He repaired the clock in St. Phillips Episcopal Church, Charleston, but when unpaid he
removed a piece so it quit working.
Had a home on Society Street.
The 1870 census said she was born Ireland.
The 1880 census said she was born GA to father born GA and mother born Ireland.
Parents born Ireland.
A Margaret Frey born 11-3-1876 died 12-1966 in Trenton, NJ. May be different woman.
See Clirehugh family records for details.
Father born SC, mother born MD.
In 1910 had 2 children, 1 living.
In 1930 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 145 Reid Street with son.
About 1872 married Frederick F. HORRES.
Had five children:
Frederick F. Horres Jr. born 1874 SC,
John Ludga Horres born 1883 SC,
Francis Ameal Horres born 1888 SC,
Rosa Wilhelmina Horres born 1894 SC, and
Claude Joseph Horres born 1896 SC.
In 1900 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with husband and 4 children (John, Francis, Rosa, and Claude).
In 1910 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street as widow with five children; six children born, 5 living.
In 1920 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with sister Amelia, 3 children, son-in-law, and granddaughter.
In 1930 lived in Charleston, SC at 728 Rutledge with sister Rosa, son Claude and his family. Margaret had married at age 17.
Parents born France. Mother died at sea on way back from France to US. (per Carolyn)
The 1900 census gives his birth as October 1847, had been married 26 years.
At age 15 (about 1862) joined the Confederate Army (as did many young men).
Bred racing horses for the sulky (surrey?).
In 1888 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street.
In 1888 was in partnership with Henry Horres Jr. as Horres & Co., green grocers and sale stable, 484 and 486 King.
In 1888 and 1889 was in partnership with John L. Harbers as Horres & Harbers, butchers at 27 Pitt.
In 1889 was in partnership as Horres & Harbers, stables at 486 King.
French Catholic per granddaughter.
The house at 147 Spring Street was his.
Died of testicular cancer.
Per niece Carolyn, was born 5 years before brother John.
In 1899 lived in Charleston at 147 Spring.
In 1900 lived in Charleston Ward 11 at 210 Rutledge Avenue alone, a green grocer. He owned the home.
An outdoorsman.
Went to Wisconsin by the time Carolyn was young. Lived in Chicago.
Did not marry.
Was robbed at gunpoint of a diamond stickpin.
Died of heart attack.
In 1900 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family. Birth recorded as August 1886, but was overwritten (likely in error).
In 1910 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family; clerk in post office.
In 1917 was WS Postal Clerk at W. S. Post Office, Charleston; lived at 147 Spring Street.
In 1920 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street parental family; clerk in post office.
In 1930 lived on James Island, SC at 63 Riverland Terrace with aunt Amelia, sister Rosa, and her two daughters; clerk in post office.
Died of heart attack.
In 1900 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family. Birth recorded as November 1887, but was overwritten (likely in error).
About 1903 married Susan.
In 1910 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family; wholesale salesman.
In 1917 lived in Beaufort, SC with wife; self-employed butcher.
In 1930 lived in Charleston, SC at 511 King Street with wife; proprietor of meat market.
Died of heart attack.
Parents born SC.
Nicknamed Rosie.
In 1900 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family.
In 1910 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family.
Her plans for college fell through when her father died.
She was a legal stenographer for W. Turner Logan (who was elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-seventh and Sixty-eighth Congresses, 1921–1925).
Married John Roper Larsen.
Had children:
Gloria Rose Larsen born 1919 SC and
Carolyn Horres Larsen born 1921 SC.
In 1920 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family and husband.
In 1930 lived on James Island, SC at 63 Riverland Terrace with aunt Amelia, brother John, and two daughters.
And on Wapoo Drive per daughter Carolyn.
1-23-1939 bought lots #1–5 in row C of South section in Bethany Cemetery, Charleston, SC.
Parents born Denmark.
In 1917 had been 3 years in the SC National Guard as Sergeant; bridgeman working for American Bridge Co. in NC.
In 1930 lived in Allenton, PA; married, living alone; salesman with cemetery company.
Second marriage to ? had two children: Petra Larsen born 1941 and Peter Larsen born 1945.
In 1920 lived at 147 Spring Street.
In 1930 lived on James Island, SC at 63 Riverland Terrace with mother and other family members.
Married John M. Smith. No children.
Lived in DeKalb County, GA at time of death. "Smoked to death" per sister.
Up to age 8 lived at 803 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC.
In 1930 lived on James Island, SC at 63 Riverland Terrace with mother and other family members.
In 1941 married Andrew Murray Smith. They divorced in 1949/1950.
One child:
Lynne Murray Smith born 1942 GA.
In 1950 she moved from Florida to Atlanta after divorce from Andrew Smith. Moved to Atlanta because there was a school there for her daughter Lynne.
In 1952 married Courtney Mathis Wynn.
In 1985 retired as an insurance agent and partner to Wiley W. Virden Insurance in Atlanta, GA.
They are still close friends. Also worked for Johnson & Bryan insurance in Atlanta.
Lives in PA with step-sister Petra.
Father: Josiah Edward SMITH b. 1889 SC; an ophthalmologist.
Mother: Sarah Harriett BENNETT b. 1894 SC. Daughter of Washington Jefferson BENNETT (1808–1874) whose adopted son Andrew Buist MURRAY was Charleston's greatest philanthropist; she was wealthy.
In 1930 lived in Charleston, SC at 60 Montagu Street with parental family (house was built in 1790).
Met first wife at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, VA.
In 1941 enlisted in US Army as Private (drafted), at the time lived in Charleston, was motion picture actor/director, married.
In 1941 in Broward County, FL divorced Carolyn Jones.
Went into officers training and became a 1st Lieutenant. During WW II he was in the Austrian Alps, got frozen feet, and was evacuated. After the war he was on Eisenhower's staff in Germany.
Got a law degree after his divorce from Carolyn Larsen.
Mother: Cornelia, born about 1887 GA to parents born GA.
In 1910 lived in Jasper, FL with mother and brother Mack.
In WW II was in the Army. Parachuted into Germany.
Died of pancreatic cancer.
Born mostly blind with heart defects.
Lived with mother throughout her life.
Died of heart attack.
In 1900 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family. Born July 1897 per census.
In 1910 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family.
In 1920 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with parental family.
About 1922 married Mary Elizabeth Seel.
Two children:
Claude J. Horres Jr. born 1925 SC
Francis S. Horres born 1928 SC.
On 4-7-1930 lived in Charleston, SC at 728 Rutledge Ave. with wife Mary, son Claude J. age 4 11/12, son Francis S. age 1 5/12, mother Maggie (age 75, married at age 17), and aunt Rosa A. Harbers (age 73, married at age 18); proprietor of meat market.
Died of heart attack.
Father: Francis(co) Jacob SEEL b. 1-13-1876 in Charleston, SC.
Mother: Lucia Generette PALMER b. 2-25-1876 Charleston, SC; bap. 3-12-1876 St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Charleston, SC.
Carolyn grew up with Claude.
Was Marine in WWII, served in the Pacific.
Married Miss Gray. Had four children, 2 living.
Died of heart attack.
Changed name to Michael. SSN death record reads "Michael S. Horres."
Married Roberta Lillie. Children:
Mary Susan Horres
Michael Seel Horres Jr
Lived in Goose Creek, north of Charleston.
Obituary: "He was a member of the Moncks Corner United Methodist Church, an army veteran of the Occupation of Japan,
a Past Master of Landmark Masonic Lodge #76 A.F.M., a lifetime member of the Berkeley Lodge #269 A.F.M., and a former member
of the Charleston Yacht Club. Mr. Horres was an avid fisherman and gardener who loved his daylilies."
Son married Lisa and has child Michael Seel Horres III.
Married John Harbers.
One child died young.
In 1900 lived in Charleston, SC at 226 Spring Street with husband; married 16 years, no children.
Next door at 228 lived Annie Harbers age 51, born January 1849 SC, parents born SC, single;
do not know relationship, may have been sister of John Harbers.
In 1910 lived in Charleston, SC at 226 Spring Street alone. Next door at 228 lived Annie Harbers age 61; do not know relationship.
In 1920 lived in Charleston, SC at 226 Spring Street alone.
In 1930 lived in Charleston, SC at 728 Rutledge with sister Margaret and her family.
Died of old age.
Parents born SC.
In 1888–1890 lived in Charleston, SC at 226 Spring, green grocer.
In 1888 and 1889 was in partnership with Frederick Horres as "Horres & Harbers", butchers at 27 Pitt.
In 1890 had business at 27 Pitt, no mention of Horres.
In 1900 lived in Charleston, SC at 226 Spring Street with wife.
Nicknamed Millie.
In 1910 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with sister Margaret and 4 of her children.
In 1920 lived in Charleston, SC at 147 Spring Street with sister Margaret (a widow) and her family.
In 1930 lived on James Island, SC at 63 Riverland Terrace with nephew John, niece Rosa, and her two daughters.
Died of old age.
Parents born GA.
In 1870 lived in Macon, GA with parents.
In 1888 married Antonio Laurina. Marriage certificate #12730.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 638 Park Place with husband and two brothers August and Albert. Had 1 child not living.
In 1917 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 546 Nostrand Avenue.
In 1920 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 1353 Fulton Street with husband.
In 1930 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 215 Herkimer Street with husband.
Immigrated in 1885/7. Naturalized.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 638 Park Place with wife and her two brothers; barber.
In 1920 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 1353 Fulton Street with wife; barber.
In 1930 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 215 Herkimer Street with wife; barber.
In 1880 lived in Toledo, OH with parental family.
About 1896 married Thomas Patrick J. Corley.
Had children:
Ella May Corley born 1897 NY, and
Thomas Francis Corley born about 1903 NY.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 593 Park Place with husband, daughter Ella, and sister Nellie.
In 1910 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 1190 Nostrand Terrace (?) with husband and two children, had 7 children, 2 living: May was 12 born NY, Thomas was 7 born NY.
In 1920 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 52 Fountain Avenue with husband and son Thomas Francis Corley.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 593 Park Place with wife, daughter, and sister-in-law; conductor of cars.
In 1910 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 1190 Nostrand Terrace (?) with wife and two children; a money counter at the railroad company.
In 1920 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 52 Fountain Avenue with wife and son Thomas Francis Corley; receiver on street railway.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 593 Park Place with parents and aunt Nellie Frey.
In 1910 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 1190 Nostrand Terrace (?) with parental family.
In 1910 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 1190 Nostrand Terrace (?) with parental family.
In 1920 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 52 Fountain Avenue with parents.
In 1930 a Francis Corley (28, born NY, parents born NY) lived in Brooklyn, NY at 167 87th Street with wife Gladys (22, born NY, parents born NY),
and son Robert (1, born NY); he was cashier at brokerage. He married at age 25. This is the only census record that seems to
match, but it is not conclusive.
In 1880 lived in Toledo, OH with parental family.
In 1894 married Louis Fasano (born 11-1863 Italy, immigrated 1888/1890, naturalized 1904).
Had at least six children:
Angelo Albert Fasano born 8-1895 NY,
Bernard Fasano born 6-1897 NY,
Josephina Fasano born 2-1899 NY,
Basil Fasano born 1901 NY,
Ellen Fasano born 1903 NY, and
Margaret Fasano born 1906 NY.
In 1900 Lived in Brooklyn, NY at 127 Myrtle Avenue with husband and three children (Angelo, Bernard, Josephina);
husband was a barber.
In 1910 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 563 Jerome Street with husband and six children all born NY; husband was barber.
In 1918 son Bernard L. Fasano born 6-25-1897 Brooklyn, NY lived in Brooklyn at 563 Jerome Street; insurance clerk,
blue eyes, blonde hair.
In 1920 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 563 Jerome Street with husband and six children all born NY; husband was not working,
Albert was account (?) in post office, Bernard was real estate broker, Josephina was draper (?) in ladies wear,
Ellen and Margaret were insurance bookkeepers.
Son Bernard died 9-1957.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 638 Park Place with sister Angela, her husband Antonio, and brother Albert; shipping clerk.
About 1900 married Margaret. No record of any children.
In 1910 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 638 Park Place with wife; foreman in brass factory.
In 1917 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 638 Park Place with wife Margaret R., worked as superintendent at R? Goods Mfg. Co. in Brooklyn.
In 1920 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 638 Park Place with wife Margaret; moulder in brass factory.
Became naturalized citizen.
Per 1910 census father born Scotland, mother Scottish born Ireland.
Per 1920 census both parents born Scotland.
A Margaret Frey born 9-26-1881 died 9-1968 in NYC, NY. May be a different woman.
In 1880 lived in Toledo, OH with parental family.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 593 Park Place with sister Bernardina, her husband Thomas Corley, and their daughter Ella.
Nearby at 638 Park Place lived siblings Angela, August, and Albert.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 638 Park Place with brother August, sister Angela, and her husband Antonio; plumber apprentice.
In 1910 lived in Fort Wingate, NM alone; plumber.
In 1917 lived in Galveston, TX; plumber at Fort Crockett.
About 1925 married Catherine Elsie Anderson.
Had children:
Katherine Frey born about 1926 TX,
Margaret Frey born 2-1929 TX.
In 1920 lived in Galveston, TX alone; house plumber.
In 1930 lived in Houston, TX with wife and daughters; plumbing contractor.
Father born Finland, mother born LA.
A Catherine Frey born 12-10-1898 died 2-1976 in Brooklyn, NY. May be different woman.
In 1900 lived in Brooklyn, NY at 158 Seventh Avenue with father and step-mother; drove delivery wagon.
In 1917 a John Rudolph Frey lived at 380 Lexington, Brooklyn, NY with wife Bridget J.; age 35, born 2-4-1883; teamster.
I think he is my family based on name, age, and birth location—but may not be.
In 1920 a John Frey lived in Brooklyn, NY at 380 Lexington Avenue with wife Bridget and three children.
He was 39, born OH to father born VA
and mother born Ireland. She was 40, born Ireland, immigrated in 1900, naturalized in 1907.
Son Albert Frey age 8 born NY.
Son Gerard Frey age 7 born NY.
Daughter Mary E. Frey age 6 born NY.
It is likely he is 2.3.7, and the location of his father's birth an error.
In 1930 (4-4-1930) a John Frey (40, born OH to parents born OH) lived in Brooklyn, NY at 760 Marcy Avenue with
wife Bridget (40, born Irish Free State), son Albert (18, born NY), son Gerard (17, born NY), and daughter Mary E. (16, born NY);
auto mechanic. Bridget immigrated 1910, naturalized.
In 1942 a John Rudolph Frey born 2-4-1883 Toledo, OH lived in Jersey City, NJ.
See Clirehugh family records for details.
In 1900 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 338 Morris Avenue with parental family.
In 1910 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 554 Walnut Street with parental family; clerk in signal factory.
In 1917 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 134 Elm Street; clerk at Hall Switch & Signal Co, Garwood, NJ; single, medium height, slender, brown eyes and hair.
In 1920 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 856 Nevada Avenue with parental family; laborer in machine factory.
In 1930 lived in Elizabeth, NJ at 145 Reid Street with mother; secretary in sewing machine factory.
The Civil War is the background and a woman's compassion the actor. The Greek chorus is the residents who were enraged by kindness to the enemy. So the story unfolds in three acts: (1) secession and war, (2) aiding the prisoners of war, and (3) banishment.
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, on 12-20-1860. The Confederate States of America were formed less than two months later on 2-9-1861. Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as the 16th President of the US on 3-4-1861. On 4-12-1861 the Civil War began with the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor by Confederate soldiers; it was captured two days later.
The city of Charleston withstood efforts to invade and conquer it. The first major Federal effort to take the city was the Battle of Secessionville on 6-16-1862. It was fought on nearby James Island and ended with defeat by the Union.
The first Civil War prisoners in Charleston were those from the first Battle of Bull Run (or Manassas) in July 1861. These were the ones housed in Castle Pinckney. The prisoners from the Battle of Secessionville in June 1862 were, according to her daughter's letter, the ones aided by Margaret Frey.
In Charleston virtually every military operation by either side involved the navy including the first large scale use of ironclad vessels in an assault on forts, the first submarine attack, and extensive blockade running activities.
In February 17–18, 1865 Charleston was evacuated in the face of General Sherman's nearby land forces and of naval forces north and south of the harbor. A week later the city was described as "little more than a heap of ruins." On 4-9-1865 General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate Army to General Ulysses S. Grant. Three days later President Lincoln was assassinated. The remaining Confederate forces surrendered in May. The war was over—after more than 620,000 deaths in battle and over twice that many deaths from disease.
The treatment of prisoners in the Civil War was a tragedy on both sides, but perhaps worst by the North: official reports show more Confederates died in Northern prisons than Federals died in Southern prisons.
Margaret Bonheur Frey helped Union officers captured in the 6-18-1862 Battle of Secessionville (fought on James Island, near Charleston) and imprisoned in Charleston Jail.
I have ten letters from prisoners of war testifying to Margaret's kindness. The earliest dated 8-12-1862 was Signed Capt. A. J. Lawler, 28th Mich., Capt. G. E Pratt, 8th Mich., Fred R. Jeackson, 7th Conn., "and the rest of the prisoners." "Dear Madame, We the Federal prisoners of war cannot leave Charleston without expressing to you our profound sense of your great and constant kindness toward us. What we should have suffered had it not been for your kindness—you and a few kind souls like you—we cannot tell. Your generous and self-denying benevolence will be remembered and cherished by us to the latest hours of our existence. Accept this feeble testimony of our gratitude to you. We hope and pray that your path in life may be always pleasant and happy. Yours gratefully."
There are letters dated into April 1863, after which the next one is from 11-21-1864 signed by many men imprisoned in Hilton Head, SC. There are two letters from 1865 and one from 1867, the last being from J. P. Chazat, MD: "My dear Madam, I take pleasure in testifying to your devotedness to the Federal wounded placed under my charge, in 1862, after the battle of Secessionville. Your efforts to administer to their comfort being constant while I remained in charge. Very respectfully."
One letter, undated, included: "You will remember me to Albert and Miss Maggie and thank them for me."
Margaret was not alone in her ministrations to the prisoners. Prisoners at the City Jail during early 1864 mentioned "Sisters of Mercy" who visited the prison. Mrs. Eliza Gorton Potter was another woman who helped care for the sick and wounded; she is recognized at Ed Boots' website. There is a web page on the Charleston City Jail with pictures.
There is a long account of Civil War prisoners at www.civilwarhome.com: The Treatment Of Prisoners During The War Between The States compiled by Rev. Wm. Jones, Secretary of Southern Historical Society.
I have pieced the following account from the archives and the census.
Winchester is in northern VA, northeast of Washington, DC and about 40 miles southwest of Martinsburg, WV. Winchester was likely the northernmost city in the Confederacy. Winchester's location was the hub of key roadways linking the Ohio Valley to the eastern United States coastal plains. Sitting just south of the Potomac River, Winchester lay on the only route between the east and western United States with direct connections to Washington, DC.
Winchester was a base of operations for several Confederate incursions into the Northern United States, at times threatening the Federal capital city. Winchester also served as a central point for troops conducting raids against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and turnpike and telegraph paths along those routes and the Potomac River Valley.
It was a dangerous place in June 1863.
The Second Battle of Winchester was fought June 13–15, 1863, in Frederick County and Winchester, VA as part of the Gettysburg Campaign. As Confederate Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell moved down the Shenandoah Valley in the direction of Pennsylvania, his corps defeated the Union Army garrison commanded by Major General Robert H. Milroy, capturing Winchester and numerous Union prisoners.
The Freys likely traveled to New York by train. Certainly my mother said they left Charleston by train.
All these patents were held by a Joseph J. B. Frey of New York. The earliest one belonged to Joseph Frey, the father. The later ones belonged to Joseph Frey, the son.
| NUMBER | DATE FILED | DATE ISSUED | INVENTION |
| 95014 | 9-21-1869 | self-closing telegraph key | |
| 260965 | 3-31-1882 | 7-11-1882 | water-closet |
| 260966 | 4-11-1882 | 7-1882 | plumber S coupling for the bowls of water closets |
| 260967 | 4-29-1882 | 7-1882 | slop-safe for water-closets |
| 260968 | 6-9-1882 | 7-1882 | pipe coupling |
| 275900 | 4-1883 | bowl for water-closets |
This cemetery is located at 5th Avenue and 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY. Lot 7859 section 15 was bought by Vair Clirehugh and is owned by my uncle, John C. Clirehugh.
| NAME | BURIAL DATE | LOT | ID |
| Margaret B. O. Frey Clirehugh | 7-19-1927 | 7859 | 2.4 |
The cemetery is located at 1629 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207-1849. Four Freys are buried in the Orient Hill section. These lots were bought by Joseph J. B. Frey on 2-19-1887 for $135. It is currently owned by my uncle, John C. Clirehugh.
| NAME | BURIAL DATE | LOT | ID |
| Joseph J. B. Frey | 12-13-1888 | 261 | 2.2 |
| Ellen Frey | 1-1-1894 | 262 | 2.4 -1, first wife of August W. Frey |
| August W. Frey | 10-11-1918 | 262 | 2.4 |
| Albert H. Frey | 11-12-1929 | 262 | 2.6 |
This cemetery is owned by St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and is often referred to as the Lutheran cemetery. Founded in 1856, it is located at 10 Cunnington Avenue, just off upper Meeting Street, and has 52 acres. There are 15,000–20,000 people buried here. Modern records are incomplete. Burial records before 1904 are included in the church records (some of which have disappeared), those after 1904 are located at the office at the cemetery.
Lots #1–5 in row C of the South section were bought on 1-23-1939 by Rosa Wilhelmina Horres Larsen. There are 5 lots, 2 are currently empty. I do not know which person is in which lot.
Lot #300 in the Northeast section is owned by the Harbers family. It was closed before 1945 at the request in a will.
| NAME | BURIAL DATE | LOT | ID | LIFE |
| Wilhelmina Heuer | died 1908 | ? | 2.1 | |
| Charles Heuer | ? | ? | 2.1 -1 | |
| Amelia Heuer | died 1-13-1945 | 1–5 South section | 2.1.3 | |
| Rosa Harbers | died 1-9-1935 | 300 Northeast section | 2.1.2 | |
| John Harbers | ? | 300 Northeast section | 2.1.2 -1 | |
| baby Harbers | ? | 300 Northeast section | 2.1.2.1 | |
| Francis A. Horres | died 12-25-1938 | 1–5 South section | 2.1.1.3 | 1888–1938 |
| John L. Horres | died 4-14-1942 | 1–5 South section | 2.1.1.2 | 1883–1942 |
| Claude Horres | ? | ? | 2.1.1.5 | 1897–1941 |
Because the Frey family immigrated from what is today Germany, some places are described here by way of background.
Margaret Anne Frey was born about 1811 in Mannheim, a city in Baden, now Germany. Mannheim is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, in the northwestern corner of modern Baden-Württemberg.
From 1720–1778, Mannheim was the dignified Residence of the Elector of the Palatinate. In the early 1700s Mannheim was one of the most important cities of the era, in the latter half of that century it was a trend setter on the music scene. Mozart visited the town four times.
It was the first German city intentionally laid to waste in World War II. Beginning on December 16, 1940 Mannheim was bombed more than 100 times and was the goal of over 150 air raids.
Baden is a state in the southwest of Germany. It came into existence in the 12th century as the Margraviate of Baden and subsequently split into different lines, which were unified in 1771. It became the much-enlarged Grand Duchy of Baden, a sovereign country, through the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1803–1806. In 1803 Baden gained the entire palatinate east of the Rhine, including Mannheim. It joined the German Empire in 1871, remaining a Grand Duchy until 1918 when it became part of the Weimar Republic.
The ruler first became known as the Grand Duke of Baden in 1806, that being Karl Friedrich. In 1863 the Grand Duke was Friedrich I.
Nassau was first a town founded in 915 in the lower Lawn river valley of what today is Germany. The modern state encompassing the city is Rhineland-Palatinate.
The state of Nassau was formed within the Holy Roman Empire. After an initial division in 1255, Nassau became a united duchy again in 1806. In 1866 it was annexed by Prussia and incorporated into the province of Hesse-Nassau.
Margaret Anne Frey is believed by her descendants to have married a son of the famous Heinrich Friedrich Karl, Baron vom und zum Stein; this is in doubt because I have not found any record of a son of this man. The Baron was a German statesman. His family belonged to the order of imperial knights of the Holy Roman Empire. The family seat lies in the center of the town, the so-called Steinische Hof, which is today still in the possession of the descendants of the Baron.
The Kingdom of Prussia was an independent kingdom from 1701 until 1867 or 1871. It became the largest constituent kingdom of the united German Empire until its dissolution in 1918 at the end of WW I. It was predominantly a northern and eastern German state. Baden did not become a part of Prussia until after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
Le Havre is a city in Normandy, northern France, on the English Channel, at the mouth of the Seine. It was the port-of-call for French ocean liners making the Transatlantic crossing. Le Havre, known as "La Porte Océane," is the second largest city in Normandy after Rouen and is the second largest export port in France.
The port of Le Havre was mainly used by emigrants from southern Germany during the period from about 1830 to 1870. One sea route was Le Havre to NY, another Le Havre to New Orleans. I have as yet to find a route to Charleston. However as Le Havre imported cotton from the US and sent "passagers d'entrepôt" back to the US, it is likely there was shipping between Charleston and Le Havre.
Please contact me with corrections and additions or if you're a relative!
Revision: 11-29-2008.