Frey, Jacob Benjamin (1875-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Aug 22 p. 6

Birth date: 1875

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Sep 12 p. 8

text of obituary:

REV. J. B. FREY

Rev. Jacob Benjamin Frey, son of Benjamin and Maria (Wedel) Frey, was born April 21, 1875, in Marion County, Kansas, and departed this life August 17, 1957, at the age of 82 years and almost four months. As a young man he was baptized in the Alexanderwohl church near Goessel, Kansas, where he retained his membership until the end. On Sept. 21, 1899, he was united in marriage with Aganetha Balzer.

Having attended Bethel College he taught in a country school and then followed God's call to mission work among the Hopi Indians. After his ordination as a missionary by Rev. Peter Balzer on June 2, 1903, he and his family left for the Hopi Indian Reservation in Arizona, on June 25. He became a beloved friend of these Indians in the 30 years spent among them. He was not only able to speak several languages fluently, including that of the Hopi, but he also translated parts of the Bible and many hymns into the Hopi Indian language.

He was one of the founders of the Southwest Bible and Missionary Conference, held annually at Flagstaff, and was the originator of the Indian Bible Conference held annually at Prescott, Ariz., being active for many years in these organizations.

After retiring as missionary he taught Bible at the Oklahoma Bible Academy at Meno, Okla. and then made his home on Oak Creek at Cornville, Ariz. the last 16 years, carrying on an independent mission work among the Indians of this area.

He is survived by his wife, Aganetha Balzer Frey, and the following sons and daughters: Theodore and Wilbut [sic] Frey of Cornville, Ariz., Elmer Frey of Romaland, Calif., Mrs. Winifred Stryker of Ajo, Ariz., Mrs. Agnes Durnez of Pirtleville, or Douglas, Ariz., and Alvin Frey of Shawnee, Okla. Twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive him.

Preceding him in death were two sons, Alfred and Nathaniel, who died in their youth, and one daughter, Selina, who died at age 44.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Fred Johnson of Orabi, [sic] one of Rev. Frey's converts, at the graveside in the Cottonwood Cemetery at 11 a. m. on August 21. A memorial service was held in the Tabor Church near Newton the evening before.