CLARENCE N. FREY, secretary and treasurer of the J. M. robinson Manufacturing Company, and one of the sound, substantial, and reliable business men of Cincinnati, is a native of this city and was born Sept. 13, 1873, a son of Henry J. Frey.  Henry J. Frey was born at Cincinnati, Dec. 26, 1830, a son of Joseph Frey, who was born in the Canton of Basel, Switzerland, in 1800, and was brought to the United States in 1812, and settled, with his parents, at Cincinnati.  Here he received his education in the public schools and was employed in a foundry business until his death, about 1870.  Henry J. Frey acquired a public school education and as a young man, engaged in the machinery business.  Later he disposed of his interest in that enterprise and embarked in the grocery business, and so successful was he in his activities that he was able to retire about twenty years before his death, which occurred Nov. 27, 1919.  Clarence N. Frey was educated in the public schools and at Woodward High School, and as a youth, learned the trade of machinist.  He did not at once start to follow that vocation, however, instead applying himself to teaching mathematics in a night high school for seven years.  At the end of that time he took a course in the Ohio Merchanics Institute, and in 1905, with Frank Johannigmann and Aaron McNeil, bought out the business of the J. M. Robinson Manufacturing Company.  This business was established about 1869 by J. M. Robinson, who carried on the enterprise under his own name until admitting to partnership a Mr. Paddock, at which time the business became known as a Globe Tool Company.  Later, Mr. Thomas became a partner of Mr. Robinson, and about 1880 the business adopted the style of the J. M. Robinson Company and was incorporated for $50,000, with J. M. Robinson, president and treasurer; William Kappes, vice president; and Charles Cheesman, secretary.  The business was located at Second street and Central avenue.  The business was sold, as before noted, in 1905, to Frank Johannigmann, president; Aaron McNeil, vice-president; and Clarence N. Frey, secretary and treasurer, and the capital was placed at $50,000.  The present plant was built in 1906, at 3282 Spring Grove avenue, and the officers and stock have remained the same to the present.  This concern occupies 22,000 square feet of floor space, and employs eighty-five people in the manufacture of the famous cornice brake, corrugating machinery, all types of punch presses, shears, dies and special machinery for sheet metal work.  The company sells through jobbers, all over the country, and the product is in constant demand because of its superior qualities and excellent workmanship.  Mr. Frey has proven himself a capable business man of good judgment and has aided materially in the success of the enterprise with which he is connected.  He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and as a fraternalist affiliates with Hoffner Lodge No. 253, Free and Accepted Masons.  He was united in marriage, Oct. 31, 1911, to Charlotte Altmeyer, daughter of Christian Altmeyer, of Mason county, Kentucky, and they are the parents of one child, Rosemary Charlotte, residing with her parents.
Source:  Memoirs of the Miami Valley - Publ. Chicago: R. O. Law Co. - 1920 - Page 293

EDWARD J. FREY.  One of the well-known, prosperous and enterprising merchants of Hamilton county is Edward J. Frey, who was born in Groesbeck, Colerain township, Oct. 31, 1888, a son of John and Catherine (Luichinger) Frey.  John Frey was born in Peach Grove, Colerain township, Hamilton county, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1852.  He was educated in the public schools of White Oak, and later engaged in the blacksmith business with his father, Elias Frey.  In 1882 John Frey came to Groesbeck, Colerain township and here engaged in the mercantile business until his demise.  He was a Democrat in politics, and took an active interest in the affairs of the state and nation.  He held the office of township treasurer for eight years and filled the responsible position with fidelity.  In religious affiliations, Mr. Gray was a member of the Roman Catholic church and was considered one of its most charitable members.  Mr. and Mrs. Frey were the parents of the following children:  Martin, who lives at home; Nora, who is the wife of John Nye, of Groesbeck; Clara, who is the wife of Edwardd Honnert, of Groesbeck; Louis, deceased; Oscar, who resides in Stearns, Ky.; Edward J.; Edith, who is the wife of Victor Beischel of Colerain township; John C., Jr., who lives at home, and Alban, also living at home.  Edward J. Frey, whose name is the subject of this short review, was educated in the parochial schools of White Oak, and the public schools of Groesbeck, later entered the Woodward High School of Cincinnati, Ohio.  After completing his course of study, Mr. Frey returned to Groesbeck and entered in business with his father, and engaged in the general mercantile business at which he continues successfully at the present time.  Mr. Frey, like his father and grandfather before him, is a stanch upholder of the Democratic party, and takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of the state.  However, Mr. Frey never cared to accept office preferring to devote his time to his business interests.  He and his family are devoted members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Frey is a valued member of the Knights of Columbus and the Independent Order of Foresters.  Mr. Frey married, May 6, 1912, Miss Irma Thole, a daughter of Fred and Rose (Buschle) Thole of Corryville City.  To this union has been born a son, Kermit, who resides at home.  Mr. Frey's ntegrity and worth are above question and while he occupies a creditable place in the business circles of Hamilton county, he and his wife also occupy a very enviable place in the social life of their community.
Source:  Memoirs of the Miami Valley - Publ. Chicago: R. O. Law Co. - 1920 - Page 174