My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Posey County, Indiana by John C. Leffel and published by Standard Publishing Company in 1913.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

William Frier. A publication of this nature exercises its most important function when it takes cognizance of the life and labors of those who have risen, through their own unaided efforts, to positions of prominence and usefulness in the community and who have been of material value in its growth and development. Mr. Frier has realized a substantial success in the business world, is the owner of an important manufacturing enterprise in the city of Mt. Vernon and merits distinctive recognition in this publication. William Frier is a native of Illinois and was born at Shawneetown on August 12, 1875. His parents were William Matthew and Hannah (McGuire) Frier. The father was also born at Shawneetown. He was a jointer by trade, an occupation he followed until 1909. From 1892 until 1897 he resided in Mt. Vernon, subsequently in McLeansboro, Ill., and is now a resident of East St. Louis. He retired from active business in 1909. William Frier received his education in the public schools of his native town and later learned the cigarmakers’ trade. He came, with his parents, to Mt. Vernon in 1892, where he secured employment with A. C. Fogas, a pioneer cigar manufacturer of the city. He was employed in the Fogas factory until 1897, when, with Frank Kahn, he established the Mt. Vernon Cigar Company. The following year, 1898, he withdrew from this partnership and established his present factory, operated under the business style of William Frier, cigar manufacturer. During the fifteen years in which this enterprise has been under his ownership and management a trade has been developed requiring a factory output of over one million cigars per annum. His products have always had that necessary essential to success—quality. He possesses executive ability of a high order, is recognized by the trade as a salesman of exceptional ability, and his financial judgment sound. Mr. Frier has a substantial and profitable investment in Sapulpa, Okla., owning the controlling interest in the firm of Lawrence & Frier, wholesale and retail cigar merchants. They have a large and growing jobbing business in the territory surrounding Sapulpa and the most extensive retail business in their line in that city. Essentially a business man, Mr. Frier has neither inclination nor time for politics. He is independent as to party. On questions and measures affecting the welfare of the community he can be relied upon to lend his support. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Mt. Vernon Aerie, No. 1717, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a liberal contributor in support of the Catholic church. On August 15, 1900, Mr. Frier married Miss Lula Lawrence, a daughter of David Lawrence, a well known stock dealer of Mt. Vernon. Mrs. Frier is a native of Alabama and was born in Huntsville on October 27, 1876. They are the parents of one child, a son, Lawrence Matthew Frier, born October 3, 1903.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 232 biographies included in The History of Posey County, Indiana by John C. Leffel and published in 1913 by Standard Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: Posey County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Posey County, Indiana family biographies here: Posey County, Indiana Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.