PHILIPP FRONIG is one of the oldest, longest established, and most successful physicians of the city of Freeport. He was born in the village of Coesfeld, in the Empire of Germany, on the 29th of April, 1827. His parents were Henry and Catherine (Dannenfeld) Froning. At the age of six years he entered school, which he attended until he reached sixteen, at which time he went into the employ of a druggist and served four years. He was then druggist’s clerk for five years, and subsequently attended a course at the Pharmaceutical University at Berlin, from which he was graduated in 1850.

For several years thereafter young Froning was employed in the drug-store, during which time he married Miss Maria Zenke, who was a native of Bremen, Germany. In 1855, in company with his wife, he sailed from Germany for New York, in which city he clerked in a drug-store one year. In 1856 he came to Freeport, Ill., and soon after arriving here, he opened the first German drug-store in the city. He continued in business until 1865, when he disposed of his store, and returned to the old country, where he studied medicine under the celebrated Dr. Busch one year, and was then appointed assistant surgeon in the hospital with Prof. Busch during the Prussian and Austrian War, and served in the hospitals until 1866. In September of that year he was assigned to duty as cholera physician, in Essen, Prussia, during the prevalence of that plague there. He remained thus employed nearly seven weeks, until the dreadful scourge subsided, when he was relieved, and in December of the same year he sailed for America, having been absent one year and seven months. Dr. Froning returned directly to the city of Freeport, and began the practice of medicine, in which he was successful from the start. The following year he established a new drug-store, which he conducted until 1886, during which time he also enjoyed a lucrative and extensive practice. In that year he turned his drug business over to the management of his sons John C. and Gustav A., who have since continued the business successfully. Dr. Froning having relieved himself of all business cares of a mercantile nature, has since given his entire attention, and devoted his whole time, to the practice of medicine.

Dr. and Mrs. Froning are the parents of five children, three of whom are living – John Christian, and Gustav Adolph, successors to their father, and Matilda, who resides with her parents. In 1876 Dr. Froning was appointed town physician, which position by appointment he has held ever since. He is a member of Freeport Lodge No. 239, I. O. O. F., and also of the Germania Society.

Since his residence in Freeport, Dr. Froning has taken an active interest in all matters tending to benefit the city. He is public-spirited and enterprising, and in 1869 built the handsome block on the corner of Galena avenue and Galena street. He has always been one of the progressive men of the city, and as such is duly recognized by its best people.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 352