The US GenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that this material not be used in a commercial manner. From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. Submitted by Candy L. Grubb April 30, 1997. Both above notices must remain when copied or downloaded. candyg@ieway.com _____________________________________________________________________________ NATHAN B. FRY In at least two vocations has the subject of this article gained success. In the industrial world he pays attention to freighting and farming and in addition to this he is an active worker in dispensing the gospel. Mr. Fry owns property in Colville where he is erecting an Universalist church. In addition to this he owns a farm northeast of town and is improving it in a good manner. Nathan B. Fry was born in Cortland county, New York, on April 12, 1834; the son of Olney and Celinda (Bennet) Fry, natives of Rhode Island, and descendants of the early English colonists. They lived fourteen years in New York and in 1836 moved to Illinois, remaining there until 1849; in the year last mentioned they crossed the plains with a family of eleven children. Settlement was made in Marion county and later they moved to Linn county, where the mother died in 1859, the father in 1894, he being ninety-two years old. Our subject was educated in Illinois and Oregon and is the eleventh of seventeen children. When he had reached his majority he took a homestead and devoted his attention to improving that and gaining further and higher education. Mr. Fry has also given attention to teaching and during his entire life he has been a man of an active and powerful mind. He remained in Oregon on his farm until 1891 and then removed to his present home place. In 1883 Mr. Fry believed he was called to the ministry and since that time he has been devoting himself to this calling together with his other business. In April, 1868, Mr. Fry married Miss Elizabeth F., daughter of Creed and Nancy (Lane) Biggers, natives of Missouri. To this marriage have been born ten children, as follows: Richard B., in Oregon; Elva V., deceased, leaving two sons; Minnie, deceased, leaving three children; Elbert L., living in Colville; George, in Linn county, Oregon; Nathan L., deceased; Alma, in Oregon; Viola, wife of Ernest Jones, in Colville; Leslie, in Lebanon, Oregon; and Vern Z. Mr. Fry is an active Democrat and always takes a keen interest in forwarding those measures which are for the welfare of all and in building up the country and in advancing the morals of the community. Mr. Fry took an active part in the wars with the Indians in 1855-56. For this service, the government is now reimbursing him by a pension. The state of Oregon allowed him two dollars per day for all active service, which amount he recently received.