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EMERY FROST

In studying the life history of the late Emery Frost, long a well known resident and popular citizen of Maynard, Fayette county, Iowa, we find many qualities in his makeup that always gain definite success in any career if properly directed, as his was evidently done, which resulted in a life of good to others as well as in a very comfortable competence to himself and family. And fealty to facts in the analyzation of the character of a citizen of the type of Mr. Frost is all that is required to make a biographical sketch interesting to those who have at heart the good name of the community, because it is the honorable reputation of the man of standing and affairs, more than any other consideration that gives stability and character to the body politic and makes the true worth of a locality revered at home and honored abroad. That Mr. Frost was a very potent factor in the material development of the vicinity honored so long by his citizenship, cannot be denied by those at all acquainted with the situation here, for he was ever ready to do his full share in the work of progress and his support could always be depended upon in any movement looking to the good of his town and county. In social and fraternal circles he was highly esteemed, contributing to the advancement of various interest for the intellectual improvement and moral good of his friends and associates.

Emery Frost was born of sterling New England stock that figured more or less conspicuously in various walks of life in the old Pine Tree state for many generations, he himself having first seen the light of day in Lisbon Falls, Maine, on April 7, 1850. He was the son of George Denis and Deborah (Davis) Frost, the father born at Danville, Maine, January 21, 1801, and the mother at Lewiston, that state, August 24, 1808. The latter was a cousin of the mother of Senator Frye, also a cousin of the mother of ex-Governor Garcelon, both of Maine. Mr. Frost’s ancestors were Quakers and of English descent. His parents were excellent people and reared their son in a wholesome home atmosphere, their family consisting of twelve children, Emery being the youngest; all are now deceased with the exception of one son who is still living on the old farm on the Androscoggin river, in Maine. Emery was but five years of age when his father died. At the age of nineteen he started for the West to begin life for himself, his destination being Chicago, where he remained three years with his brother, W.E. Frost. From there he came to West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, and later, in the fall of 1873, he came to Maynard, this county. Here he opened a lumber-yard in partnership with Charles Woodard, his cousin. To this business hardware was added and they enjoyed a very satisfactory trade in both lines, later organizing the Maynard Bank, which was a most successful venture and continued to grow in importance and prestige under the wise and judicious management of Mr. Frost, who, by his straightforward dealings and exemplary character had the confidence and good will of his friends and patrons. He developed marked business ability in his early life as well as in more recent years, and acquired a handsome competency, a beautiful home and in due course of time was one of the most substantial and leading citizens of Maynard and vicinity.

On April 22, 1876, was solemnized the marriage of Emery Frost and Fannie M. Maynard, daughter of Henry Travis Maynard, long an influential and progressive citizen of this county. The mother of Mrs. Frost was known in her maidenhood as Amelia H. Greene, whose grandfather served in the Revolutionary was as a home guard. They were among the representative citizens of Maynard and highly respected by all. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Frost was graced by the birth of two children, Mrs. Orah M. Baker, of Silver City, New Mexico, and Robert Emery Frost, who resides at Fort Shaw, Montana.

Mr. Frost was, in 1877, made a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and was the worshipful master of Sunnyside Lodge at Maynard for a number of years. He was also a member of Langridge Commandery, Knights Templar, of West Union, Iowa. Politically he was a Democrat and he took an active part in local political affairs and held many offices of trust in his home town to his own credit and to the entire satisfaction of the public.

This excellent citizen, kind husband and father and generous neighbor and loyal friend was called to his reward on Thursday, May 20, 1909, when a little over fifty-nine years of age.

Mr. Frost was a man of strictest business integrity, public spirited and always honorable, consequently his loss will long be felt by his community, but the good he did will long continue to influence and bless the lives of those with whom he came into contact.

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Doris A. Smith