Freye, Benjamin, 1887-1945

Phoenix, Arizona chaplain; formerly Civilian Conservation Corps chaplain.

From the description of Benjamin Freye papers, 1887-1969. (Scottsdale Public Library). WorldCat record id: 48801239

Rev. Benjamin Henry Freye, Civilian Conservation Corps chaplain, was born to Henry B. and Matilda (Kern) Freye in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 9, 1887. He was one of seven children, including Samuel Philip (1882-), Walter Martin (1885-), David William (1888-1962), Oscar Alex (1890-), George Harris (1896-), and Julia (Freye) Wilker (1900-1969). The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1897. Benjamin Freye returned to Wisconsin in order to attend Carroll College in Waukesha, where he studied theology and was eventually ordained a Presbyterian minister. In 1908, he married Lillie Mary Busse (1887-1979) and the couple had one daughter, Harriet Lillian (1918-1996).

The Freye family later moved to Denver, Colorado where Benjamin Freye was influential in creating a local cathedral. In 1935, the family returned to Phoenix, where Benjamin Freye served as pastor of the Aurora Community Church. He also served as the State Supervising Chaplain of the Civilian Conservation Corps at the rank of Captain and as the servicemen's secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association. Benjamin Freye died of heart disease in Phoenix on March 2, 1945.

From the guide to the Benjamin Freye Papers, 1910-1969, (Arizona State University Libraries Arizona Collection)