The John Fry Family

Facts provided by Fred J. Fry

The Fry family became established in this area in the 1840s, when Joseph Fry and wife, Mary, settled at Gum Greek, where they built a home and Mr. Fry set up and operated a grist mill. Joseph's father, Michael, also came into the area and acquired considerable land, including some where the present town of Jacksonville now stands.

Sarah Fry, wife of Michael, sold the land for the present I. & G. N. depot. An old document records this transaction as follows: "On July 27, 1872, Sarah Fry sold to the International Railroad 75 acres of land, with the stipulation that the road run its cars to Fry's Summit and permanently locate a depot on the land on or before January 1, 1873."

A son of Joseph Fry was John Fry, who married Sallie Irby of Rusk. They are the parents of Fred J. Fry and Miss Gertie Fry, both of whom still reside in Jacksonville. John Fry died in 1910 and Sallie Irby Fry expired December 24, 1921.

In 1913, Fred J. and his mother, Sallie, opened a grocery store on North Jackson Street, their first sale being five cents worth of candy to Tom Gould. This business, one of the oldest in continuous operation in Jacksonville, now is located at 814 North Bolton Street.

Fred J. was married on November 16, 1930, to Ellen Frances Lake, daughter of A. T. and Mossie Frances Lake. She joined him in the operation of the grocery business and about twenty years ago, they decided to operate a fish market in connection with the store. This business also continues today.

Fred and Ellen are the parents of a son, John Thomas, and a daughter, Mary Kathryn. Their grandchildren are Thomas Lynn Fry, Barbara Ann and Steven Thomas Linkinhoker.

Miss Gertie Fry is known as an historian, being particularly well versed in local history. Her brother, Fred J., describes her as somewhat of a "torn boy" as a child. She climbed constantly, according to Mr. Fry, her favorites being the chicken house and a fig tree which stood in the Fry yard. Instead of climbing down, she usually would jump, much to the consternation of her watchful mother.

Fred Fry recalls that he bought his first automobile in 1916, the early use of the vehicle being to go to church over a dirt road on Sunday to hear preaching by the Rev. J. M. Newburn. This car did not cause quite as much excitement as that owned by Dr. J. M. Brittain, which seems to have been the first in Jacksonville. Fred Fry's grandmother said that when Dr. Brittain "drove the first automobile through town, all the kids ran home."

Fred says that during his 58 years selling groceries in Jacksonville, he never felt so rich as when he owned that first automobile. His early store, including the one which he had when the 50th anniversary of Jacksonville was celebrated, had a big wood-burning heater in the center with benches of apple boxes for the visitors in winter. In the summer, he provided a 20-gallon cooler of ice water.

Fred foresees continued success for Jacksonville so long as its people maintain the spirit of early settlers of the area, who toiled with faith, integrity and courage.