SOLOMON A. FREY is engaged in general merchandising in Loran Village, Jefferson Township. He is the son of George and Barbara (Alloman) Frey, who were natives of Juniata County, Pa. They came to Stephenson County in May, 1850, and settled in Kent Township, where the father died on the 2d of April, 1876. The subject of this sketch was the third of a family of twelve children. He was born in Juniata County, Pa., on the 6th of June, 1836. His early life was spent on a farm, both in that State and after removing with his parents to Stephenson County. He always had a natural inclination for barter and trade, and in the fall of 1865 he engaged in the mercantile business in Loran, where he continued as a general merchant until July, 1880, when he discontinued his business there and established himself as a merchant in the city of Freeport. After five years of successful business in that place he disposed of his interests and returned to Loran where he re-established himself. He carries a general line of merchandise and his establishment is the headquarters for trade in Jefferson Township.

Mr. Frey was married in Harlem Township on the 27th of March, 1858, to Ann M. Higley, who was born in the State of New York on the 28th of August, 1840. They have three children living – Flora, Lillie and Daisy; and three children dead – George D., Theodore E., and one who died in infancy. Flora is the wife of Dr. Walter F. Knoll; Lillie is the wife of Otis Thayer; both reside in Chicago.

Because of the confidence reposed in Mr. F. by his neighbors he has been chosen Justice of the Peace, and for eight years served as Supervisor of Jefferson Township, while he has held other township offices. He held the position of Postmaster of Loran Township for fourteen years. These preferences by the people show undeniably the esteem in which he is held by those whose duty it is to chose (sic) public officers. He is a member of the order of United Workmen, of the Legion of Honor and order of Modern Woodmen, and in each of these benevolent orders he stands high. The fact of his holding a membership in so many different benevolent orders indicates his charitable disposition. Mr. and Mrs. Frey for many years have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are devoted to the workings and teachings of that organization.

Contributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 696-699