“Remember Annie” it is easy to imagine those words whispered on the wind through the Frey Cemetery. Here, we gather before the Frey Cemetery Plaque. It stands as a testament to a family’s enduring legacy in Waller County.
Let’s delve into the story of John and Mary Frey. John Frey was born Johannes Frei in Switzerland in 1857. He journeyed to America in 1877. He settled in Austin County Texas. There, he married Mary Baethe a German immigrant in 1879. Together, they had fifteen children.
In 1889, the Freys moved to Waller County. They settled near this very site. Tragedy struck in 1902. The Freys’ infant daughter Annie passed away. She was buried on the family farm. Annie’s grave became the first in what is now the Frey Cemetery.
John and Mary Frey were eventually buried here. The Frey Cemetery Plaque commemorates their lives. It also honors the generations that followed. Their descendants continue to care for this historic graveyard.
The Frey family history is rich. It intertwines with the development of Waller County. John Frey purchased 320 acres of land in 1888 with Fritz Wawarofsky. He paid five dollars per acre. Shortly after Christmas in 1889, John and Mary made their home in Waller County on the 320 acres that had been purchased.
The original Frey family homestead was modest. It consisted of two rooms. A smokehouse and barn were added soon after. Frank Wawarofsky was the builder. The house was built of pine that was cut near Hockley Texas. It was hauled by wagon to the Homestead site.
The Frey family farmed corn and cotton. They also raised various animals. Their orchards bore pears apples and pecans. Mary Frey was known as a humble person. She was a good cook. She primarily spoke German. John Frey was known to be honest. He was a good businessman. He advised his workers to save a nickel from every dollar earned. Every morning before breakfast he would sit and read the Almanac.
Over time, the Frey-Benignus Homestead saw many changes. It expanded to accommodate the growing family. The family endured joys and sorrows. The Frey family experienced tragedies. In 1904 Julia stepped on a yarn needle. In 1912 Ida died in an accident at the Homestead.
The Frey-Benignus Homestead received recognition. In 1986 it was listed as one of the nine Historic Homes in the Texas Sesquicentennial Homes Tour. In 1989 the family was accepted into the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage program.
This plaque before us marks more than just a cemetery. It represents a family’s resilience. It embodies their deep roots in Texas soil. As you leave this place consider the enduring spirit of the Frey family. Their story continues to resonate through the generations who now maintain the Frey Cemetery.