My Genealogy Hound

Philip B. Fry is a Tennessean, who was born in Polk County December 4, 1839, and is a son of Harvey and Anna (Cate) Fry, both natives of McMinn County, Tenn. The parents were married in their native county, and afterward located in Polk County among the Indians. It was four years before the Indians were removed from the county. There Harvey Fry spent the remainder of his life. He improved a farm, which he cultivated, and operated a large flouring mill. For one or more terms he held the office of trustee of the county. His death occurred in 1881, and his wife’s in the spring of 1888. P. B. Fry grew to manhood at his father’s home, and in the spring of 1862 enlisted in the Confederate army. Joining the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry under Col. McKinzy, he, with the exception of six months, served with that regiment as second sergeant until the war closed, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Missionary Ridge, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, and those around Atlanta. Once while at home he was taken prisoner, but made his escape. At the close of the war his regiment was paroled at Greensboro, N. C., after which Mr. Fry returned to his home in Tennessee and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1864 he was married in Polk County, Tenn., to Elizabeth Taylor, a native of the county and a daughter of James Taylor. In the fall of 1867 he sold his farm in Tennessee and came to Arkansas. For a while he rented land, but in 1869 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, which at that time was nothing more than a small clearing with a few improvements. The farm now contains 360 acres, with 150 under cultivation, with good improvements, and upon which is an orchard of over 600 fine fruit trees. Politically Mr. Fry endorses and supports the principles of the Democratic party. He and wife have a family of six children, viz.: William H., Julia B., Emma M., Lou Ann, John R. and Elizabeth.