FRIDLEY - In the bounds of the West Branch congregation, Ogle County, Ill., Bro. Benjamin H. Fridley, son of John and Nancy Fridley, was born in Washington Co., Md. Jan. 19, 1832. Departed this life at his home in Mt. Morris, Oct. 31, 1923, aged 91 yrs., 9 mos. and 12 days. In 1871 he was united in marriage to Catherine Emmert, a sister of the late Daniel Emmert. To this union six children were born, two of whom died in infancy. The mother who was in ill health for many years, passed away about thirty years ago. In 1902 he was united in marriage to Martha E. Fridley, who with his youngest daughter, Bessie, have been the most tender and faithful nurses in caring for him during the seven years he was an invalid. In 1872 he united with the Brethren Church and has been a loyal and consistant member of the Old Order Brethren until death. His home was one of the centers for holding services for the small number of followers who reside in Ogle County. He was the oldest member of a family of nine children and was the last to pass away.

He is survived by his wife, Martha E. Fridley, and four children, namely John E., Miss Bessie of Mt. Morris, Mrs. Luther Garber of Modesto, Calif., who could not be at the funeral and Benjamin, Jr. of Hartville, Ohio. Bro. Fridley was a thrifty farmer in his active years. He was always a generous and appreciative friend of the young people. His patience together with a strong constitiution, perhaps, enabled him to live a long life. While his bodily health admitted him he labored very faithfully in the deacon's office often conducting the services with no minister present. This now leaves those few members in the West Branch Church without minister or deacon. May God bless them in their isolated condition. The funeral was conducted at his late home by the writer assisted by Pastor McCune of the Brethren Church of Mt. Morris, from Rev. 14:12, 13 and Job 5:26, to a well filled house of relatives, neighbors and friends. Thus one by one we are crossing over to the other shore. Let all prepare to meet our Lord when he calls us to go and there we shall rest from our labors and our works shall follow us. Edward C. Miller

Copied from "The Tie That Binds the Samuel Garber Family" - 2007, Linda A. Thompson, Modesto, CA

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