Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

FOX, AARON
G.

p. 961

Surnames: FOX, LASH, YOCOM, HEMMIG, THOMPSON, POTTEIGER, MAURER,
HEFFNER, GRAEFF, MILLER, WEITZEL, GEHRET, HUYETT, BEECHER, GAUL,
HETTINGER, FISHER, KOCH, FIANT, CLAUSER, HOTTENSTEIN

Aaron G. Fox was born Oct. 12, 1841, in Alsace, now Muhlenberg,
township, Berks Co., Pa., and was brought up to farming on his
father’s farms in Bern and Lower Heidelberg townships, and was
educated in the public schools. When twenty-three years old he
engaged in butchering with the late James Lash, at Sinking Spring,
and after remaining with him for three years and learning the
business, he started for himself and continued at it on the same
premises at Sinking Spring for nearly forty years, which evidences
the successful character of his career. He lived there in
retirement from 1904 until the fall of 1908, when he bought a
residence on the Pike on the east side of Sinking Spring, where he
and his wife, who has been his constant and most helpful companion,
now make their home. Mr. Fox has served as township treasurer of
the Lutheran Church at Sinking Spring.

In 1867 Mr. Fox married Ann Elizabeth Yocom,
daughter of George and Catharine (Hemmig) Yocom, of Cumru township.

George Yocom was a son of Nicholas Yocom, who
was prominently identified with the iron business for a number of
years at Yocom’s Forge, Cumru township. He married Catharine
Thompson. George Yocom and his wife became the parents of twelve
children; William m. to Mary Potteiger; Aaron m. (first) to Hannah
Maurer, and after her decease to Catharine Heffner; Sarah, m. to
Frederick Graeff; Amos. M. to Isabella Miller, and after her
decease to Rebecca Weitzel; Catharine, m. to Henry Gehret;
Benjamin, m. to Catharine Huyett; Ann Elizabeth; Emma, m. to Reuben
Beecher; and four who died young.

Jonathan Fox, father of Aaron G., carried on
farming for many ears, first in Muhlenberg township, then in
Spring, and next in Heidelberg where he lived a number of years,
and the last four years he farmed at Sinking Spring, where he died
in 1894, at the advanced age of eighty years. He had lived in
retirement for five years before his death. He married Catharine
Gaul, daughter of Joseph Gaul, of Cumru township, who died in 1906,
at the age of eighty-four years. They were the parents of nine
children: Aaron G.; Henry, m. to Mary Ann Hettinger; Adam G., of
Mohnton; Reuben, m. to Valeria Fisher; John, m. to Elizabeth Koch;
Peter, m. to Catharine L. Fiant; Catharine, m. to Aaron Clauser;
and two who died young.

Peter Fox, grandfather of Aaron G., lived near
Leize’s Bridge in Bern township. In his active days he was a
farmer, but lived retired many years before his death. He owned two
adjoining farms, and was a substantial citizen. He is buried at
Epler’s Church, of which he was a Lutheran member. Among others he
had children as follows: John, who lived on the homestead; Peter,
who lived in Muhlenberg township; Jonathan; Adam, of Reading; a son
whose name is not remembered; Mrs. Reuben Hottenstein, whose
husband in earlier life lived in Bern township where he was a
farmer, but later moved to Reading where he died; and Mrs. Joseph
Gaul, whose husband was proprietor of the “Five Mile House,” in
Cumru township, many years.

FOX, CYRUS
T.

p. 1294

Surnames: FOX, SHARTLE, RICHARDS

Cyrus T. Fox, manager for many years of the Reading News Bureau,
which he established in 1887, and latterly connected with the
Department of Agriculture of Pennsylvania, has been identified with
journalistic work continuously since his graduation from the
Reading high school, June 30, 1864, at the head of his class. He is
also a political factor in the State of Pennsylvania as well as a
leaning authority in horticulture.

Mr. Fox was born March 12, 1847 , at Reading,
Pa. youngest son of Frederick Fox, whose ancestors were among the
earliest settlers of the English-speaking residents of Berks
county. After receiving his education in the public schools of
Reading, Jr. Fox entered the office of attorney John S. Richards of
Reading, where he studied law, but upon the death of Mr. Richards
abandoned the legal profession for agricultural pursuits. As early
as the year 1858, he had manifested a fondness for farm life, and
had engaged in fruit culture and gardening on the farm of a
relative in Oley township, Berks county. From 1865 until 1872 he
served as manager of the Chesterwood Experimental Gardens, in
Lancaster county, giving the same much of his personal attention.
Almost from boyhood he had been a contributor to a number of
newspapers throughout the State, including the Lancaster Inquirer,
Lancaster Examiner, Reading Evening Dispatch and the Farm
Department of the Berks and Schuylkill Journal. For several years
he was the Court reporter of the Reading Times, of which latter
newspaper he became city editor in 1872, a position he continued to
hold until Sept. 1, 1887. From July 1, 1895, until April 15, 1896,
he was editor of the Reading Daily Review, and in July 1897, he
resumed relations with this journal, serving as editor and business
manager until January 1899. In 1893 he served as president of the
Reading Press Club, and was present in his official capacity at the
organization of the International League of Press Clubs at
Pittsburgh in the same year. In 1902 he was president of the
Pennsylvania State Editorial Association, and in 1904 he was
elected corresponding secretary thereof; he had been on of its
organizers in 1871, as he was also of he National Editorial
Association at While connected with the Reading press Mr. Fox
organized the Reading News Bureau, for furnishing special matter to
daily newspapers in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and other
cities: also articles to leading agricultural and horticultural
journals, and to papers devoted to the horse, live stock and
sports, also contributing to trade journals. This he conducted for
a number of years, subsequently turning over a portion of this
business to his sons. He is still engaged in writing for many
papers, and is a regular contributor of special articles to the
Reading Eagle. In 1867 Mr. Fox became actively identified with the
Berks County Agricultural Society, becoming corresponding secretary
in 1873, and being elected secretary in 1874, in which office he
served continuously until 1902, inclusive, with the exception of
two years, 1877 and 1878. From 1877 to 1905 he filled the position
of State Pomologist; and for two years, 1897 and 1898, he served as
secretary of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania,
having been chairman of its General Fruit committee previously
thereto for a period of fifteen years. He is also secretary of the
Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Societies. Mr. Fox was one
of the first lecturers at farmer’s institutes in Pennsylvania, and
engaged in this work for many years, also serving as secretary of
the local board of Farmers Institute Managers. In 1904 he was
appointed superintendent of horticulture for Pennsylvania at the
St. Louis Exposition, and was elected secretary of the World’s Fair
Association of Superintendents of Horticulture May 2, 1904.

Mr. Fox has been a very active Republican for a
long period. From 1873 to 1883 he was chairman of the Republican
committee of Berks county, as well as chairman of the Republican
city executive committee for the same period, and for many years
was a member of the Republican State committee and was one of the
“Committee of Five” which in 1877 framed the new party rules. In
1871 he was a delegate to the Republican State Convention and
chosen secretary, and was chief secretary of the Republican State
Convention of 1882. He was city clerk and secretary of the board of
park commissioners and of the board of water commissioners of
Reading from 1889 to 1900. From 1891 to 1897, he was secretary of
the Reading Board of Trade, and during this period its membership
increased from seventy-two to six hundred. In the latter year he
was also secretary of the Board of Railway Excursion Managers,
created for the purpose of bringing excursions to Reading and
benefiting the business men. Mr. Fox was one of the organizers of
the Reading & Southwestern Street Railway Company in 1890, was
secretary of all the preliminary meetings held to organize the
company and from the beginning served as a member of its board of
directors, and for seven years was chairman of the executive
committee. At various times Mr. Fox has been honored with election
to offices of great responsibility. From 1891 to 1903 he served on
the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania State College, and in the
latter year he was the efficient manager of the great Roanoke Fair,
at Roanoke, Virginia.

This fair he managed for three years, and at the
same time assisted at other fairs in Virginia, including the first
Interstate Fair held in Lynchburg in 1905. In 1906 and 1907 he was
manager of the Great District Fair of Radford, Va. and in the same
years assisted in holding the fairs at Tazewell and Emporia, Va.
also serving as secretary of the Virginia-Carolina Fair and Racing
Circuit. In the fall of 1907 he was manager of the Southwest
Virginia Fall Festival at Roanoke, Va., held under the auspices of
the Woman’s Civic Betterment Club of the city. In 1908 he was a
general assistant in the arrangements for the Virginia State Fair,
held in Richmond, and had entire charge of the Department of
Publicity. He had previously helped in holding the first Virginia
State Fair in 1906.

For many years Mr. Fox officiated as Expert
Fruit Judge at a number of Fairs, notably those of Allentown, Pa.
twelve years; York, Pa; Mt. Holly, NJ; Raleigh, N. C.; Chattanooga,
Tenn; Lynchburg, Va.; and at the last three State Fairs held by the
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society. He, also, has started the
horses at various race meetings, and for some years has held a
Starter’s License, issued to him by the National Trotting
Association, on account of his recognized ability and his knowledge
of the racing rules. He was a delegate to several of the biennial
meeting, or congresses, of the National Trotting Association, and
assisted in forming many of the rules and regulations for the
government of events on the turf now in force.

On March 1, 1909, Mr. Fox became connected with
he Division of Zoology of the Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture, as an orchard inspector, lecturer, demonstrator, and
general assistant of Prof. H. A. Surface, State Zoologist, and in
that capacity has had editorial charge of the Zoological Press
Bulletin, issued weekly for the purpose of furnishing information
to the general public on timely topics of insect pests and diseases
of plant life through the medium of the press.

On Jan. 7, 1875, Mr. Fox married Miss Tillie
Shartle, of Reading, Pa. and this union was blessed with four sons,
all of whom grew to manhood. Two of them became newspaper men.
Harry B., the second son, after having been engaged in newspaper
work for ten years (the last two years with the Philadelphia Press)
died suddenly after an illness of three days of acute gastro
enteritis, on Sept. 3, 1905.

FOX,
FREDERICK S.

p. 1426

Surnames: FOX, MINGLE

Frederick S. Fox, editor of the Reading Telegram, was born in
Reading, Oct. 23, 1875, and has been associated with newspapers in
this city and Philadelphia for fifteen years. He was married in
1898 to Alma C. Mingle, daughter of Dr. I. Leo Mingle, of Reading,
deceased. Three daughters have been born to them.

FOX, JAMES
E.

p. 1544

Surnames: FOX, FUCHS, HERTZOG, MERTZ, ROHRBACH, DRUMHELLER, BUSH,
SCHOFER, HEFFNER, SIESHOLTZ, GERY, GINGINGER, RUSH

James E. Fox, school director and farmer in Hereford township,
Berks county, was born in Rockland township, this county, May 30,
1864, and comes of substantial German stock.

Engel Fox (or Fuchs) was born in Germany, and
came to America, locating in Rockland township, Berks Co., Pa.,
about 1800. In 1810 he was a large land owner, and in 1815 he and
his son Ernst both owned property and paid tax. He was a farmer by
occupation. He is buried at Mertz’ church.

Ernst Fox was born in Germany, and accompanied
his parents to the New World, locating in Berks county. He became
the owner of two large farms in Rockland township, one now the
property of Horatio and the other of James Hertzog, brothers. These
farms he sold during the fifties to David Hertzog, father of the
present owners. He then moved to the northeastern end of District
township, where he owned a small farm, and where he died. He is
buried at New Jerusalem Church, of which he was a Lutheran member,
and was a member of the building committee when the present church
was built in 1844. He was always liberal in his contributions to
religious causes. At his death he left an estate of $25,000, the
result of his own accumulation. For a number of years he
manufactured wool hats in District township, and these he took by
team to Philadelphia, where he sold them. He was successful in all
his undertakings. He married a Miss Mertz, and their children were:
Charles, Matilda (m. Daniel Rohrbach), Henry, Eliza (m. Reuben
Drumheller), Reuben R. and Carolina (m. Joel Rohrbach).

Reuben R. Fox, son of Ernst, was born in 1818 on
the farm now owned by Horatio Hertzog, in Rockland township. He
attended the pay schools of his district, and when eighteen went to
Norristown and there learned the cabinet maker’s trade, after which
he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at his trade three
years. In 1842 he returned to Berks county by team, and sold his
horse at Barto, his first location. His buggy is still owned by his
son. In 1850 he m. Caroline Bush, daughter of William Bush, whose
wife was a Miss Rohrbach, of Longswamp township. She died aged
sixty-three years and both are buried at New Jerusalem Church, of
which they were Lutheran members. Their children were: Samuel;
William; Hettie (m. John Schofer); Benjamin; Emma (m. John
Heffner); James E.; Aaron; Sarah (died unmarried); and Andora.

James E. Fox attended the common schools in the
vicinity of his home, and worked for his parents until he was of
age. Immediately after his marriage he began farming as a tenant on
the John Rush farm in Hereford township, and after two years there
came to Washington township, and farmed there three years. He then
moved to Maxatawny township, where he lived five years. His
father-in-law then decided to retire, and Mr. Fox took his farm in
Hereford, near Huff’s church, and this has been his home since
1897. In 1901 he bought the farm, which consists of 140 acres. The
present barn was built in 186-, and the house in 1878. Mr. Fox also
owns a tract of twenty-eight acres in District township, which is
improved with a good set of buildings, and this Mr. Fox has rented.

On Feb. 18, 1886, Mr. Fox married Amanda
Siesholtz, daughter of Samuel and Adelaide (Gery) Siesholtz, and
granddaughter of Samuel and Eliza (Ginginger) Siesholtz. Their
children are: Samuel, who graduated from the Kutztown Normal School
in 1907, and is now teaching in Hereford township; Ida; Edwin;
Aaron; and Elsie. Mr. Fox is a Democrat, and was township auditor,
and has been a delegate to a number of county conventions. In the
spring of 1901 he was elected a school director, and has since held
that office. He and his family belong to Huff’s Church (Lutheran),
of which he was a deacon for seven years.

FOX, JOSEPH
D.

p. 1398

Surnames: FOX, DITLOW, FIX, RAMBO, EISENBROWN, MADERIA, SCHEETZ

Joseph D. Fox, a conductor in the employ of the Philadelphia &
Reading Railroad Company, living at No. 118 North Fourth street,
Reading, was born in that city, at No. 116 North Fourth street, May
4, 1851, son of Daniel S. and Maria (Ditlow) Fox, the former a
native of Berks and the latter of Lancaster county.

John Fox, grandfather of Joseph D., was twice
married. He is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. He had but one
son, Daniel.

Daniel Fox followed the dual trades of
cabinet-making and painting in Reading, where he died in 1858, aged
thirty-two years. His remains rest in the Charles Evans cemetery.
He and his wife were the parents of two sons: John, who died Jan.
1, 1859; and Joseph D. Mrs. Fox married for her second husband,
John H. Fix, by whom she had four children: John H.; Mahala, who
married Thomas Rambo; Rose, who married George Eisenbrown; and
Maria, deceased. In religious belief the family are members of
Trinity Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Fox was a Republican.

Joseph D. Fox received his education in the
common schools of his native city, and was about eight years of age
when his father’s death occurred. He learned the painting trade,
which he followed for about fifteen years, when he accepted a
position as brakeman on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad,
continuing in that capacity until promoted to the position of
conductor, which he has held for twenty-five years. Mr. Fox was
married August, 1870, to Kate Maderia, daughter of David and
Sabilla (Scheetz) Maderia, and one child was born to this union,
Anna, who died at the age of two and one-half years. Mr. Fox is a
member of the P. O. S. of A., and the Brotherhood of America. In
religious belief he is connected with the Lutheran faith. He is a
member of the Reading Relief Association, and in 1868 joined the
Neversink Fire Company, retaining membership in that organization
until the present time, serving as assistant chief for two years,
and being a delegate to numerous firemen’s conventions. A very
interesting collection belonging to Mr. Fox, and one which he
prizes highly is one of about 150 badges, which he has framed. He
is well known in and about Reading, his genial, friendly manner
making for him many warm friends.

FRAME, A.
L.

p. 686

Surnames: FRAME, MARX, EDWARDS

A. L. Frame, who for some years has been
prominently identified with the iron interests of Berks county,
Pa., is now proprietor of the Grey Iron Foundry, formerly the Old
Ege Foundry, in Reading. Mr. Frame was born in 1864, in Reading,
son of Conrad and Catharine (Marx) Frame. [For detailed history of
the earlier generations of the family, see sketch of Charles N.
Frame]. After completing his education in the public schools of his
native city, Mr. Frame entered the employ of Glaser, Frame &
Co., formerly the Seneca Cigar Company, as a clerk in the shipping
department of the Rochester branch, and later took charge of the
salesmen, practically having control of the firm’s interests at
Rochester during his eighteen months stay. He then returned to
Reading and took charge of his father’s coal yard, which he
conducted from 1888 until 1896, in the latter year removing to
Fifth and Willow streets, where he took charge of another yard. In
1903 Mr. Frame located at the Old Ege Foundry, which business was
in such a condition that it needed a firm, strong hand to guide it
to success, and this was furnished by Mr. Frame, who was able to
establish one of the finest businesses of its kind in the county.
The firm, which manufactures light hardware specialties, employs
eighty-five people in its several departments ? foundry,
galvanizing, plating, japanning and polishing ? and enjoys a large,
steady trade throughout the country. In 1904 Mr. Frame also
established the Globe Lawn Mower & Manufacturing Company, being
made president thereof, and in his new, up-to-date factory, which
is equipped with the finest machinery to be obtained, he
manufactures a high-grade, ball-bearing lawn mower. This utensil is
superior in many ways to others, and Mr. Frame has a number of
patents on the improved parts. Mr. Frame is enterprising and
energetic, and he is favorably known in business and social
circles.

In 1888 Mr. Frame was married to Lillie Edwards,
daughter of John Edwards, and to this union there have been born
two children: Edith and Clarence L. Mr. Frame is a member of
Chandler Lodge No. 227; Excelsior Chapter; Lodge of Perfection;
Reading Commandery, K. T.; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. In
politics he is a Republican.

FRAME,
CHARLES N.

p. 638

Surnames: FRAME, FREMD, ALSESSER, MARX, RHOADS, MARKLEY, KEISER,
ULRICH, BERTOLET, NICHOLS

Charles N. Frame, an enterprising business man of Reading, manager
and city circulator of the Reading Eagle, with which paper he has
been identified since 1875, was born Dec. 21, 1848 at Reading, son
of George and Catharine (Marx) Frame, and grandson of George Ulrich
Fremd, as the name was originally spelled.

George Ulrich Fremd was born June 2, 1773 in
Vaihingen, Germany, where he married Feb. 11, 1798, Christina
Dorothea Alsesser, born in the same place, June 10, 1774. Prior to
coming to America Mr. Fremd had worked as a tanner and currier, but
after coming to this country probably engaged in farming, settling
in the vicinity of Reading. His death was caused by an accident
while fording the Schuylkill river in 1823, when he was aged fifty
years. Mr. Fremd and his wife had the following children: Johann
Christian, born Jan 24, 1799, settled in Mifflin county; Johannes,
born May 13, 1803, moved to Philadelphia; Anna Maria, born May 28,
1805, settled in Philadelphia; Christina Dorothea, born Sept. 13,
1811, m. George Ulrich, born Nov. 21, 1814 and they lived in
Philadelphia; Eliza, born in Berks county, m. Risden Nichols; and
Conrad born Jan 27, 1816.

Conrad Frame was a small boy when he accompanied
his parents to America, and after the death of his father he lived
for a few months with his brother Christian, and then started out
to make his way in the world. He found a position as a tow boy on
the canal, and through his industry and attention to the details of
his work he was promoted until the time came when he was made
master of the canal boat known as the “Rough and Ready,” which was
owned by Darrah & Young, of Leesport, PA. He continued to
follow the boating business until 1848, when he engaged in a
mercantile business at Jackson’s Locks. Here he did an extensive
business in supplying and outfitting canal boats and he continued
this enterprise until 1861. In 1863 he engaged in a coal business
at the Lancaster bridge, at the Haubner stand, which is still in
possession of the family. He remained in that business until his
death in 1885. both he and his wife, Catharine Marx, are buried at
the Charles Evans Cemetery. He was a Lutheran in religious belief,
while she was reared a Methodist. Mr. and Mrs. Frame had seven
children: William J., a retired resident of Reading; Charles N.;
George C., deceased; Harry C., formerly engaged in the coal
business at Reading; Samuel A., deceased; H. W.; and A. L., who is
engaged in a foundry business in this city.

Charles N. Frame was educated in the schools of
Reading and attended the old Reading high school, where many of the
leading citizens of Reading were educated. When he started to work,
his first position was that of clerk and errand boy in a grocery,
owned by William J. Rhoads, with whom he remained until the
business was bought by Mr. Markley, with who Mr. Frame remained
until he in turn sold out. For two years following he was a clerk
in a general store conducted by David Keiser, whom he left to
engage in a grocery business with his father, with whom he remained
one year and then accepted a position with an uncle in Philadelphia
for a short period. Mr. Frame then returned to his native city, and
for two years conducted a flour and feed business, which he
subsequently sold and went into men’s furnishing business, and this
he disposed of in 1875 in order to accept the agency of the Reading
Eagle. Mr. Frame has been very successful in this line, and since
1875 has had the sole management of the city circulation, including
the hiring of the newsboys and office help, and has in his employ
some seventy-five people. It will thus be seen that Mr. Frame is a
very necessary factor in the business success of this popular
journal.

Mr. Frame was married to Louisa Bertolet,
daughter of Mayberry Bertolet, and they have had seven children, as
follows: Robert; Katharine; Charles, deceased; Bertolet F.,; Maria
D.,; Helen M.; and Louisa D. In their religious belief the family
are Presbyterians. Fraternally Mr. Frame belongs to St. John’s
Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M. He formerly belonged to the I. O. O.
F., was a charter member of Perseverance Council, Jr. O. U. A. M.,
a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and a member of Mt.
Penn Council, Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Liberty Fire
Company. Mr. Frame has always taken a good citizen’s interest in
the city’s affairs, and has served one year as a member of the
council from the First ward. Mr. Frame gives liberal support to
schools, churches, charities and benevolent objects, and has never
been wanting in public spirit when measures looking to the welfare
of his fellow citizens have been brought to his attention. He is
probably as well known as any citizen of Reading, who has been a
resident here for as many years.

FRAME, JOHN
M.

p. 1299

Surnames: FRAME, MUSSER, ADAMS, MILLER, HIESTER

Among the successful practitioners at the Berks county Bar is John
M. Frame, who, though young in the practice, has brought to the
study of his profession such educational equipment as to place him
at once in line for rapid advancement. He is the son of William J.
and Elizabeth A. (Musser) Frame, and was born in Reading, Aug. 6,
1875.

In both paternal and maternal lines Mr. Frame
comes of honored family, the maternal line having been especially
prominent in the history of neighboring counties. Adamstown was
founded by Richard Adams, grandfather of John Musser, who, in turn,
was the grandfather of our honored subject. John Musser was in his
day one of the leading men of Lancaster county, being one of the
originators of the Musser Lumber company, one of the largest
concerns of its kind in the Mississippi Valley. On the maternal
side also was Sebastian Miller, who was a captain in Col. Joseph
Hiester’s regiment during the Revolutionary war.

William J. Frame was born Dec. 25, 1844, and was
educated in the common schools of Berks county, and at Lititz
Academy. Before he had finished his course at the latter
institution, came the Civil war, calling young men from school and
from every occupation in life to the defense of the union. Mr.
Frame enlisted June 18, 1863, in Company C, 42d Pa. V. I. He was
mustered out at Camp Haak, in Reading, and after receiving his
discharge returned to Lititz and completed his course in the
Academy. Returning then to Reading, he clerked in his father’s coal
office until 1867, when he purchased the business, which he
operated successfully for two years, or until the freshet of 1869.
He then engaged in the flour and feed business, continuing until
1875, when he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading
Company. His next venture was in the leaf tobacco business at
Adamstown, which he continued until 1886. He was considered an
expert leaf tobacco man. He became a member of the firm of Glaser,
Frame & Co., and remained such until it’s dissolution in 1897.
In 1869 he married Elizabeth A. Musser, daughter of John and
Cassiah (Miller) Musser, and they have one child, John Musser. Mr.
Frame is a stanch Republican, and represented the First ward in the
council in 1868 and 1869. During his term in the council he helped
vote the Market House away from Penn Square. He is broad minded and
progressive, and has ever been at the front of any movement to
benefit the city. He is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F.
& A. M.; Reading Chapter, R. A. M.; DeMolay Commandery, No. 9,
K. T.; Harrisburg Consistory; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.

John Musser Frame passed the period of early
boyhood and youth in Adamstown, being there well grounded in the
rudiments. Thence he came back to the city, where he continued his
studies at the high school, in preparation for college. Entering
Princeton he took the degree of A. B., cum laude, and then
matriculated at Harvard, where in 1900 he took his law degree. Mr.
Frame at once entered the office of Isaac Hiester, of Reading, and
after a few months of preliminary study and training in the details
of office work, was admitted to practice in the courts of the
county, and later in the Superior and Supreme Courts.

In addition to his legal work, Mr. Frame is
identified with a number of the city’s most successful
institutions. He is a director in the Metropolitan Electric
Company, the United Traction Company, and the Colonial Trust
Company. He is secretary and treasurer of the Adamstown &
Mohnsville Electric Railway Company, and holds the same relation to
the Kutztown & Fleetwood Railway Company. All of the foregoing
are large employers of capital and are among the most successful of
the city’s enterprises.

In a social way, Mr. Frame keeps in touch with
the best people of the city by membership in the Berkshire Club,
the Wyomissing Club, and the Washington Library; and he continues
his interest in school life by connection with the Princeton Club
of Philadelphia. He is also a member of Isaac Hiester Lodge, No.
660, F. & A. M. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and
though a very busy man finds time to take a more or less active
part in politics. Naturally his interest in education marked him
for public preferment in that line, and he has for some time been a
member of the board of school control form the Fourteenth ward, in
which body he wields a powerful and salutary influence, being ever
ready to promote the interests of Reading’s excellent school
system. Mr. Frame is also active in religious circles, being one of
the leading men in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a
member of the board of stewards. He takes delight in all the work
of the church, but is especially devoted to the men’s organization,
known as the Brotherhood of St. Paul, of which he formerly was
treasurer of the national body.

The making of a career is a matter of no small
moment. There are two elements which enter into the making which,
if possessed in good degree, lift a heavy handicap–good birth and
breeding, and a good education. With these and with a mind
singularly alert an attuned to the possibilities of the age, Mr.
Frame has a substantial foundation in his life’s work.

FRANKHAUSER, FREMONT
W.

p. 1569

Surnames: FRANKHAUSER, COOPER, HOYT, WEAVER, BEAVENS, MILLER,
FRITZ, KISSINGER, SHIRK

Fremont W. Frankhauser, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of
Reading, is a man naturally fitted for a prominent place among his
fellow men, and one who has attracted the attention of Reading’s
citizens in several fields of activity.

The Frankhauser family was established in
America before the Revolution, when three brothers, Peter,
Christian and Henry, came to this country and settled in
Pennsylvania, at first in Chester and later in Lancaster county.
According to Rupp’s thirty thousand names Michael Frankhauser
arrived from Germany in 1751. In 1790 Federal Census reports him a
resident of Brecknock township (now Berks county), and having five
sons–one above sixteen, four under sixteen years of age–and four
daughters. John Frankhauser, paternal grandfather of Dr. Fremont
W., was a farmer, and save that he died at fifty-four, little can
be learned of his life. His children were: Harry; Benjamin; Peter;
Christian; Richard; George; Isaac; Jacob; John; Fianna, deceased
who married the late Israel Cooper; and Ella, who married a Mr.
Hoyt and lives in Philadelphia. The parents were members of the
Evangelical Church and in politics John Frankhauser was a Whig.

John Frankhauser (2) was by trade a cooper and
stone mason, but he also owned and operated a small farm. He died
young, passing away when only thirty-six years old. He married Miss
Maria Weaver, like himself a native of Lancaster county, and they
had five children; Fremont W. is mentioned below. Anna married
Daniel Beavens, and had eight children. Lot W. is a cigar
manufacturer: he married Miss Anne Miller, and they have three
children; Alger; Florence; and Earl. John, a physician, was
graduated from the Medico-Chirurgical College, with the class of
1889, and is now practicing at Mohnton; he married Miss Ella Fritz,
and their only child is named Agnew. Sherman W. lives at the old
homestead. The family are Evangelical in faith, and the father was
a Whig in politics, and a Republican when the Republican party was
formed.

Fremont W. Frankhauser was born at Muddy Creek,
Lancaster county, Oct. 27, 1856. He began his education in the
county public schools but later attended an academy at Terre Hill.
After leaving school he taught for five years, meantime reading
medicine under Dr. Abraham Kissinger, of Bowmansville, for four
years. When he was ready to enter a medical school, he chose the
Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, and was given his
degree of M. D. there in 1880. He first began practicing at
Mohnsville, but afterward removed to Springfield, Chester county,
and remained there seven years. He next returned to Philadelphia
for graduate work at the Medico-Chirurgical College and when he was
graduated in 1888 he became resident physician in the
Medico-Chirurgical Hospital.

Dr. Frankhauser finally settled in Reading, and
has ever since been identified with that city. He is a specialist
in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and has done special
pathological work. An untiring reader, and keen student, he keeps
well abreast of his chosen profession and is a leading spirit in
several medical societies. He belongs to the Reading Medical
Association, the Berks County Medical Society (of which he was
president in 1900) and the State Medical Society, is a
representative to the American Medical Association, is a member of
the American Medical Association, and a member of its legislative
committee.

Dr. Frankhauser has not forgotten his duties as
a citizen in the demands of his profession and is at present (1906)
serving as a member of the city council. He has the true interests
of the city at heart and has done valuable work in the council. The
Doctor is also well known in Masonic Circles and is past master of
Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M., of Reading, being also a member of
the Mystic Star Commandery, No. 47, K. T. He also belongs to the
Knights of Friendship and the Royal Arcanum.

In 1880 Dr. Frankhauser was married to Miss
Sarah R. Shirk, daughter of Rudolph Shirk, of Shoeneck, Lancaster
county. They have two sons, Aithen and Herbert, and have lost one
daughter Olive May. Dr. Frankhauser and his wife have many warm
friends and stand high in the community, where the Doctor’s
practice is a large one.

FRANKS,
ALFRED

p. 1696

Surnames: FRANKS, FERGUSON, HIGEL, MARQUET, MYERS, WERLEY, LUTZ,
STRAUSS, YARNELL, FELTHOFF, ANDREWS, CROSDALE, RUTZ, OSENWALD

Alfred Franks, an esteemed citizen and court crier of Reading, is a
veteran of the Civil war. His maternal grandfather was William
Ferguson, a school teacher and surveyor of Lancaster county, and
his parents were Joseph and Elizabeth Ann (Ferguson) Franks, the
former, a native of France, dying before our subject’s birth, in
Harrisburg, in 1840. He was a school trustee and a worthy citizen.
There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Franks, Alfred being
the only one still living, the remaining two, having died in
infancy. After the death of Mr. Franks, his widow m. Michael Higel,
and three children were born to them: Sarah, m. a Mr. Marquet of
Des Moines, Ia.; Joseph of California; and Cecelia, m. a Mr. Myers,
and was living in Pittsburg when last heard from.

Alfred Franks was born in Reading Oct 11, 1840,
and he received his education in the public schools of the city.
After leaving school he engaged in farm labor, and then learned
shoemaking, being bound out for four years to Samuel Werley. He
worked as journeyman shoemaker for twenty-five years. In 1890, he
was appointed court crier, at which he has served efficiently and
ably ever since. Although a Democrat in politics, Mr. Franks was
elected a city councilman from the Fifth ward, which is strongly
Republican, in 1886, and he has been a powerful factor in Berks
county politics. He married August 13, 1863, Catharine Lutz,
daughter of Philip Lutz, an excavator in Reading, and six children
came to bless this union: Alfred L., who died at the age of
twenty-six years, five months; Cyrus L., of Reading; Philip F., of
that city; Catharine, twin to Alfred, wife of James Strauss, a
hotel keeper of Reading; Sarah L., wife of Charles W. Yarnell, an
alderman of Reading; and Annie E., who married M. Felthoff, a clerk
of Reading.

In 1862, Mr. Franks enlisted in Company E, 128th
Pa. V. I., under Capt. William Andrews and Col. Crosdale, of Bucks
county, and served nine months, participating in many battles,
including those of Antietam and Fredericksburg. He was a member of
the First Reformed Church. His fraternal connections are with the
Masons, he belonging to Lodge No. 52, F. & A. M.; Excelsior
Chapter, R. A. M.; and Reading Commandery No. 42; Rajah Temple, A.
A. O. N. M. S. He also belongs to Muhlenberg Lodge I. O. O. F., and
was formerly a member and three times Grand Noble of Salome Lodge,
No. 105, before it’s disbandment; and to Minnehaha Lodge, K. P., of
Friedensburg, in Oley township. He has always been greatly
interested in the development and progress of the city, and is one
of its most highly esteemed citizens.

Cyrus L. Franks, son of Alfred, and present
popular proprietor of the “Sixth Ward Hotel,” Reading, was born in
that city June 9, 1864. The public schools of Reading and
Friedensburg afforded him ample facilities for a good substantial
literary training, and at the age of sixteen he left school and
learned the stove molding trade with the Reading Stove Works,
following this occupation for twenty-six years with that company.
On Feb. 13, 1906, Mr. Franks engaged in the hotel business at the
southwest corner of Second and Washington streets, and has since
been engaged there. Socially he belongs to the Sons of Veterans,
the Red Men, the Moulder’s Union, and the Fraternal Order of
Eagles, Aerie No. 66.

On August 14, 1884, Mr. Franks married Mary
Rutz, daughter of Henry and Susan (Osenwald) Rutz, of Reading, and
they have three children: Laura E., Alfred and Erma.

FRASSO, R.
A.

p 1372

Surnames: FRASSO, BOLICH

R. A. Frasso, notary public and proprietor of the First Italian
Exchange, Bank of Reading, was born in the Province of Benevento,
Cusana Mutri, Italy, son of Pasquale Frasso, also a native of that
country.

R. A. Frasso came to America March 22, 1883,
landing at Castle Garden, N.Y. His first employment was on the West
Shore Railroad with a construction gang at Syracuse, N.Y., and this
line of work he followed for about three years, when he engaged in
supplying contract labor for the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Co. He
is one of the best known men in this line in Pennsylvania. He also
furnished supplies to Italian help, and is one of the best
interpreters in this section. In 1901 he came to Reading and
engaged in supplying help for one of the contractors on the Reading
railroad, later opening an Exchange Bank and office, on Penn,
between First and Second streets. He is agent for several steamship
companies, representing some of the best of both this and foreign
countries. Mr. Frasso was appointed notary public March 7, 1904, by
Governor Pennypacker. He is well and favorably known in Reading and
the adjoining country.

Mr. Frasso was married in 1891, to Miss Kate
Bolich, a native of Schuylkill county, and five children have been
born to this union: Frank, George, Sadie, Eddie and Mabel.

FRAUENFELDER, W. ADAM

p.
935

Surnames: FRAUENFELDER, STUMP, HOFFMAN, SCHAPPELL, BASSLER, BAER,
REESER, LENHART, DIETRICH, LUCKENBILL, SEIDEL, TREXLER, DREIBELBIS,
LEIBY, JACOBY

W. Adam Frauenfelder, a representative agriculturist and
substantial citizen of Berks county, whose valuable property is
situated in Windsor township, was born in Greenwich township, Oct.
6, 1854, son of Henry and Fietta (Stump) Frauenfelder.

Heinrich Frauenfelder, the
great-great-grandfather of W. Adam, was born in Switzerland, and
came to America when a mere lad. He became a substantial farmer of
his locality, settling in Maiden-creek township, Berks county, Pa.
His son Adam, the great-grandfather of W. Adam, owned the property
now in the possession of Michael Hoffman. He married a Miss
Bassler, and to this union were born children as follows: Adam, who
settled in Circleville, Ohio; John, who served in Cap. Jeremiah
Schappell’s Company, 1st Regiment, 2d Brigade, during the war of
1812, being in active service from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1, 1814; Jacob;
and Heinrich.

Jacob Frauenfelder, grandfather of W. Adam, was
born in Perry township Oct. 1, 1801, and died Dec. 9, 1870, in his
seventieth year. He married Magdalena Baer, daughter of John and
Catharine (Reeser) Baer, and they had these children: Adam, who
married Lovina Lenhart; Matilda, who married Joseph Leiby; and
Henry.

Henry Frauenfelder, born Feb. 12, 1834 in Perry
township, died April 5, 1889, aged fifty-five years. He was a
lifelong farmer on the property now owned by his son, W. Adam, and
was well and favorably known, serving his township as supervisor,
assessor and auditor for many years. In politics he was a
Jacksonian Democrat, and he and his family are constant attendants
of the Zion’s Union Church in Perry township, of which he was
treasurer, deacon and elder. Mr. Frauenfelder married Fietta Stump,
daughter of Daniel and Lydia (Dietrich) Stump, and two sons were
born to this union, W. Adam and Daniel J. The latter married Lenora
Jacoby and has two children, Lovie and Curtis.

W. Adam Frauenfelder attended the public schools
of his district until sixteen years of age, obtaining a good common
school education. He commenced farming for himself in Maxatawny
township, where he lived one year, then removing to the old Michael
Dietrich homestead, one-half mile northeast of Klinesville, in
Greenwich township. This valuable property he bought, and lived
upon it for eight years, making various improvements. He built the
present barn in 1884 and the large summer house soon thereafter. In
1889 he sold the farm to his brother Daniel J., and embarked in a
general mercantile business at Klinesville, where he engaged with
much success for nine year. In 1898 Mr. Frauenfelder sold his
store, stock and good-will to Hamscher Brothers, and removed to his
120-acre farm in Windsor township, two miles west of Lenhartsville.
In recent years, Mr. Frauenfelder has improved his property
greatly, and it now compares favorably with any in the township.

In political matters, Mr. Frauenfelder is a
Democrat, and has been active in the ranks of his party, serving as
delegate to numerous county conventions and to three State
conventions, and was for twelve terms committeeman of his district.
He served Greenwich township as school director, for nine years was
postmaster of Klinesville, and announced himself as a candidate for
the office of jury commissioner of Berks county in 1909. Mr.
Frauenfelder is a prominent member of New Jerusalem (Dunkel’s)
Church, belonging to the Reformed denomination. He has served this
church as deacon, trustee, and elder, and was on the building
committee when the church tower was erected and was instrumental in
procuring the bell, upon which his name is inscribed in letters of
bronze.

Mr. Frauenfelder has been twice married, his
first wife being Catharine I. Lenhart, with whom he was united July
10, 1875. She died Nov. 6, 1886, aged twenty-eight years, eight
months, and sixteen days, leaving two daughters: Laura S., who
married Robert E. Dietrich; and Estella C., married to Howard
Luckenbill. On Jan 26, 1888, Mr. Frauenfelder was married to Mrs.
Fannie I. (Seidel) Trexler, daughter of William and Susanna
(Dreibelbis) Seidel, and to this union were born children as
follows: Susan F. (a school teacher), Elton A., Fannie I., Esther
M., and George Henry Seidel. Mrs. Frauenfelder had two sons by her
first marriage, namely: Edward. N. Trexler, living with his
parents, and William B. Trexler, M. D., who is located at
Fullerton, Lehigh Co., Pennsylvania.

FREDERICK, WILLIAM J.

p.
1039

Surnames: FREDERICK, SELLERS, RITTER, SEFING, NEWHARD, MEDLER,
JAMESON, GRIM
William J. Frederick, who, as a member of the well-known firm of J.
P. Sellers & Co., is prominent in business circles in Reading,
Pa., and was born Dec. 29, 1859, in Allentown, PA., son of Adam B.
and Mary (Sellers) Frederick, and grandson of Solomon S. Frederick,
of Allentown.

Adam B. Frederick was born in Lehigh county,
Pa., and early in life learned the carpenter’s trade. He became
proprietor of the Allentown Planing-mill, which he was operating at
the time of his death, in 1900, in his sixty-ninth year. Mr.
Frederick married (first) Mary Sellers, by whom one son, William J.
was born. He m. (second) Sarah Ritter, daughter of Jacob Ritter,
and four children were born of this union: Frank, who conducts the
planing-mill established by his father; Joseph, also interested in
the planing-mill business; Charles, of Bethlehem, Pa.; and Sally,
who married John Sefing. In religious belief Adam B. Frederick was
a Lutheran, and he took an active part in church affairs, serving
as elder and deacon.

William J. Frederick was educated in the schools
of Allentown. He then clerked in a grocery store at Ninth and
Hamilton streets, Allentown, and later he learned the tailor’s
trade, under C. L. Newhard and Son, becoming an expert cutter and
designer of children’s clothes, and this occupation he followed
from 1876 to 1903, in which latter year he purchased Mr. W. B.
Medler’s interest in the firm of J. P. Sellers & Co., a
business established by James Jameson in 1844. While still in
Allentown, Mr. Frederick was manager of the children’s department
in Koch Brothers’ clothing store.

On Sept. 17, 1882, Mr. Frederick married Ella E.
Grim, daughter of Peter K. Grim, of Allentown, and seven children
were born to this union: Elizabeth M. E., Mabel T., Lillian M.,
Edgar G., Raymond P., Willie B., and Luther S. Mr. Frederick and
his family are members of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church, in which he is a deacon. He is a member of the Heptasophs,
Hancock Conclave of Allentown, Pa., and regent of Mount Penn
Council, Royal Arcanum. On Dec. 12, 1907, he was raised a Mason in
Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., of Reading. He is a member
of the Reading Board of Trade. Mr. Frederick is rather inclined to
be independent in local politics.