Adam Frey, deceased, was at one time a very prominent business man of Grand Rapids, Mich., and had a large interest in one of the early breweries. He was born in Germany May 14, 1839, and was a son of Christian Frederick and Christina Magedelena (Erhardt) Frey, the former of whom died in his native country, and the latter still living, having her home in Kent county, Mich..

Adam Frey had but limited opportunities for an education in youth, but attended school sufficiently long to secure a moderate education, which enable him to take a comprehensive view and intelligent cognizance of events as they passed before him, and thus he became a practical business man. His earlier working days were variously employed, but when his judgment had been well matured he learned the trade of miller in all its details. He worked at this trade in Germany until 1866, when he was induced by representations of friends already resident here to come to the United States, to better his fortune, if not secure a competence, and in the latter he succeeded. He came direct to Grand Rapids and soon found employment at his trade, and, his knowledge of this being very comprehensive and accurate, his service were eagerly sought by others than his first employers. He kept fully abreast with the latest and most improved methods of milling and milling machinery, and was thus employed until 1874, when he was offered a position in the Grand Rapids brewery, later became a stockholder and partner, and continued at the business until his death, July 5, 1883.

The mother of Adam Frey now lives near Conklin, Ottawa county, Mich., about eighteen miles from Grand Rapids, with her daughter Mary, her three elder children, Adam, Christian and Charles, being deceased.

Adam Frey married, November 25, 1866, soon after his arrival here, Miss Magdalena L. Shaupp, whose acquaintance he had formed in the old country. They began their wedded life poor, but Mrs. Frey was a willing helpmate and a most amiable woman, and aided her husband in every way in her power, the result being a competency. To this marriage were born eight children, of whom five still survive, viz: Charles, who has his home in Grand Rapids, but not under the parental roof, being in business for himself, and Lena, Christian, William and Henry, still with their mother, at her pleasant home, No. 520 Ottawa street.

In politics Adam Frey was for some years a republican, but during the latter part of his life affiliated with the democratic party; nevertheless, he was governed in the exercise of his franchise more by the character of the various nominees and their fitness for office, than by the dicta of party. He was always recognized as an upright, industrious and competent business man, was a fond husband, indulgent father and a firm friend, as well as a useful and progressive citizen.

A brief extract from a not very recent publication will give some idea of the brewery with which the late Adam Frey was so long connected as a stockholder. It was established in September, 1871, in a frame building, 20 x 50 feet, by Carl and Christian Frey, just then from Germany, and with the assistance of two men, they turned out 500 barrels of the amber fluid the first year. In 1881 this brewery, now known as the "Coldbrook" and operated then by Carl, Christian and Adam Frey, was of brick, 80 x 40 feet, three stories and basement, with a wing, 60 x 20 feet, two stories high, devoted to the bottling department, and the out-put in the last named year was 10,000 barrels.