History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 188 - 189

REUBEN D. FREDERICK

Reuben D. Frederick is the editor and proprietor of the Sherman Pioneer, published at Sherman, Michigan, and has made this paper an index of the progressive district in which it is located. He was born upon a farm in Medina county, Ohio, December 7, 1856, and is a son of J. B. and Helen I. (Seas) Frederick, who came to Wexford county, Michigan, in the spring of 1896, locating upon a farm in Wexford township. Here the father spent his remaining days, passing away on the 19th of February, 1901, in his seventy-seventh year. This worthy couple had a family of eleven children, of whom Reuben D. Frederick is the eldest son. He spent the first seven years of his life in the county of his nativity and then came with his parents to Michigan, a settlement being made in St. Joseph county. They lived upon a farm in Leonidas township and there the son was reared to manhood, taking his place in the fields as soon as he was old and strong enough to bear a part in the work of tilling the soil. He resided in St. Joseph county until 1883 and was educated chiefly in the district schools of that county. When not engaged with the duties of the school room he worked upon the farm or else followed the carpenter's trade, being engaged at that labor for three years. He also taught school for two terms. On leaving St. Joseph county Mr. Frederick came to Wexford county and took up his abode in Sherman. Not long after this he entered the employ of John H. Wheeler in the office of the Sherman Pioneer and has since been connected with journalistic work, to a greater or less extent. For a year he remained in the office of the Pioneer and then turned his attention to the stationary business which he conducted for six years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and purchased the paper of which he is now the editor and proprietor. It was called the Wexford County Pioneer, but he changed its name to the Sherman Pioneer. It now has a circulation of nearly six hundred and is a bright, newsy sheet, published in the interest of the Republican party and devoted to the welfare and upbuilding of this section of the state. One of its purposes is the dissemination of general and local news and the discussion of questions which are of moment to all American people. Its editorials are clear, concise and interesting and Mr. Frederick has made of the Pioneer a journal of value to the community. Since coming to the county he has also taught for one term in Antioch township. It was on the 30th of August, 1885, in Sherman, that the marriage of Mr. Frederick and Miss Matilda Martin was celebrated. The lady is the daughter of William Martin, who died in Orange, New Jersey. She was born near Newark, New Jersey, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Leo M., Floy A. and Esther H. Mr. Frederick has been active in the affairs of the village and by his fellow townsmen has been called to a number of offices, serving as village clerk, as clerk of Antioch township, as justice of the peace and as school trustee. He was also appointed postmaster of Sherman in November, 1901, by President Roosevelt. and is now acceptably filling the position. A valued and prominent representative of fraternal interests, he holds membership in Sherman Lodge No. 336. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Sherman Camp No. 5514, Modern Woodmen of America, Sherman Lodge No. 212, Knights of Pythias, and Maqueston Tent No. 654, Knights of the Maccabees. Whatever pertains to the welfare of the community and its progress elicits his attention and support and when his judgment approves of a measure he gives to it his hearty co-operation and aid.