Samuel Frey
Samuel Frey was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1821, and came to Ohio with his parents when he was an infant. They first located in Muskingum, then in Knox County. After enlisting at Mt. Vernon, Samuel Frey was sent to the United States barracks at Newport, Ky.; then to New Orleans and from there to Vera Cruz and joined General Scott at Pueblo. He was made a non-commissioned officer and before the close of the [Mexican] war became orderly sergeant of his company. Sergeant Frey was first under fire at Contreas, Aug. 19 and 20, 1847. Then followed the battle of Churubusco and he was in the command that crossed the Rio Churubusco and held the causeway which led to the city. Then came the battle of El Molino del Rey, Sept. 8. On Sept. 13 the American troops carried the fortress of Chapultepic by storm. The division of which Sergeant Frey's company was a part, supported the attacking party, then took the lead to the City of Mexico, by the way of the gates of Belen and San Cosme. Over the Belen gate, General Quitman, after a sharp contest, waved the American flag as a token of victory. General Worth led the column against the gate of San Cosme and in the fierce fight which ensued carried the last barrier to the Mexican capital. On the night of Sept. 13, 1847, Santa Anna evacuated the City of Mexico and on the morning of the 14th. General Scott's army took possession of the halls of the Montezumas. Sergeant Frey remained in the City of Mexico for nine months, after which he was discharged, having enlisted for the war. Samuel Frey has been a resident of Shelby for forty-seven years, twenty nine of which were passed in railroad employment at the Junction, where, for seventeen years, he was bill clerk. Although 82 years old Mr. Frey's appearance today is that of a prosperous business man of sixty. He resides on Second Street, Shelby, has a comfortable home and a lovely wife and two daughters.
From Bellville Messenger: January 22, 1903, Vol. 11, No. 3