|
a.
|
Note: DEATH STRIKES BENJ. FRY AT WORK TODAY IN ROCKFORD Well known citizen for thirty seven years expires at Mechanics MachineCompany at Rockford where he was foreman- had seemed in his usual healthjust before he collapsed- came to Belvidere om 1887. Benjamin Fry, well known citizen of Belvidere for thirty seven years,dropped dead at 11 o'clock today at the plant of the Mechanics Machinecompany at Rockford, where he was foreman. It is said at the Rockford plant that Mr. Fry had been apparently in hisusual health, good-natured and laughing, as was his wont, and that hesuddenly collapsed. He was rushed into the first aid department of the factory, where anemergency nurse attended to him, but life was extinct, and his family atBelvidere was immediately notified. The nurse, Miss Hazel Totten, formerly of Belvidere, telephoned CountyClerk William Bowley, brother of Mrs. Fry, and he with Rev. R.W. McInnes,left immediately for Rockford after the members of the family had beennotified. An inquest was held at Rockford this afternoon previous to thebringing of the remains here by Witbeck and Ranger. Benjamin Fry was born in Norwalk, Ohio, sixty-three years ago, and cameto Belvidere in 1887, since that time making this city his home with theexception of a short time spent at Beloit, Wis. He was married here toMamie E. Bowley, June 26, 1889, who survives him, with four children,Trenton of Chicago, Mrs. Calvin Ferguson (Bessie), of Beloit, William andFrances, living at home, the latter being a member of the Belvidere highschool graduating class. While the result of the coroner's inquiry is not known here at presstime, there appears to be no question that his death resulted from heartdisease. He had been troubled somewhat late with ill health, but had notbeen seriously sick. Mr. Fry was widely popular, a man of high standing in the community, andserved his ward as alderman for some time. His sudden and tragic death isa source of sorrow to many friends. He was employed for many years by the National Sewing Machine companyhere, and with the Mechanics about seven years. He had been a foreman ineach of the factories. The family home is at 705 North State street. unsourced newspaper clipping, 3 Jun 1924 FRY BEN M/W UNK 3010347 1924-06-03WINNEBAGO ROCKFORD 24-06-09
|