Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Fridley, John 1822 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 9, 2007, 12:14 am

Author: Portrait & Bio Album, 1890

JOHN FRIDLEY. This gentleman is one of those residents of Florence Township 
whose position demonstrates the ability which as farmers and financiers have 
marked their lives. Beginning his worldly career as a poor man on rented land, 
he has accumulated a large share of this world's goods, including a fine tract 
of two hundred and thirty-seven acres of productive land. It is situated on 
section 9, and attracts more than a passing glance from the passer-by on 
account of the large barns and other good out-buildings that adorn it, the 
neatness and order manifested in all its parts, and the homelike and well 
built residence, under whose roof one is sure that geniality and good cheer 
abound. Mr. Fridley was born in Switzerland, in February, 1822, and is a son 
of Jacob and Mary Fridley, who spent their entire lives in that romantic land. 
The family is of German stock, as are most of the residents of the section of 
Switzerland in which they lived. He of whom we write is the sixth child of a 
family of nine sons and daughters. In his native land he was reared and 
remained until he was thirty-three years old. He then embarked for America 
accompanied by his bride, and made his home in Joliet for a few months. In 
1856 he removed to Reed's Grove, Jackson Township, where he prosecuted his 
labors until 1870, at which time he removed to the farm he now occupies. On 
this tract of land he has made the excellent improvements that mark it as the 
home of a man of energy and good judgment. The lady who on November 28, 1855, 
became the wife of our subject, was known in her maidenhood as Miss Mary 
Yonker. She was born in Switzerland in 1829, and still lives to enjoy with 
husband and children the comforts earned by years of industry and prudence. 
The only son of our subject and his wife is John F., who on January 4, 1884, 
married Miss Mattie A. Yonker, of Morris; he remains at the old home assisting 
his father in the care of the estate. The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Fridley is Mary A. This lady on October 14, 1885, became the wife of Benjamin 
Yonker, of Morris, a half brother of her sister-in- law. They are now living 
on a farm in the same township as her parents. The vote and influence of Mr. 
Fridley was given to the Republican party in whose principles he is a firm 
believer. He belongs to the Evanglical Church. Not only by his associate 
members, but by all to whom he is known, he is respected for his uprightness 
and ability, while the members of his family are likewise regarded with favor 
by their acquaintance.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890

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