William Philip Frakes
&
Beatrice Margaret Julietta (Merten)Frakes
Salem, Marion County, Illinois
Lieutenant William Philip "Bill" FRAKES, born 10 Mar 1890, Pimento, Vigo County, Indiana, son of Francis Marion and Hannah Margaret C. (ARTHUR) FRAKES (See Chapter 16). He died 14 Feb 1965, Veteran's Hospital, Marion, Williamson County, Illinois. Bill and Bea are both buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Bill married Beatrice Margaret Julietta "Bea" MERTEN Thursday, 3l Jan 1924, Vandalia, Fayette County, Illinois. They were married by Rev. John D. RUGH, D. D. of the Presbyterian Church. They roomed at Mrs. DIEKMAN’s Rooming House while in Vandalia. She was also their witness in their marriage. They returned home to Salem, then left Thursday, 14 Feb for their honeymoon in Chicago Illinois. They stayed at the Hotel Reo. Ate at the Englewood Cafe then went to the Fine Arts Museum at Grant Park. They went shoppllng in the "Loop" the following day. Bill bought Bea a new hat that she loved. On Saturday, 16 Feb, they went to Washington Park. On Sunday, 17 Feb, they went to the Stratford Theatre to see the movie "The Humming Bird" with Gloria SWANSON. On the 18th, they went to Harvey, Illinois to visit Bea's father and brother. Tuesday, 19 Feb, went to a fair, then shopping, then to the Majestic Theatre. They arrived home in Salem on the train on Wednesday evening, 20 Feb.
Bea was born 13 Nov 1899, Shattuc, Clinton County, Illinois, daughter of Julius and Anna (MAIER) MERTEN. Bea died Wednesday, 23 Oct 1985, Doctor's Nursing Home, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
On 26 Jun 1894, William Frakes, age 4, was placed into Rose Orphange Home in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana, by his mother. The first entry about him has, "Child of Francis Marion and Margaret FRAKES. Born at Farmersburg, Vigo County, March 4, 1890. Parents Americans and temperate. The father who was a farm hand, was subject to fits and died in the insane asylum at Indianapolis about three years ago. The mother was the daughter of a Mr. ARTHUR, a blind man who owns a 40 acre farm near Farmersburg and is unable to support the daughter or grand child. She seems to be in poor health and is going to the poor asylum. She claims to have supported herself with farm housework, but her hands do not look as though she had ever done much work. She has a relative in this city by the name of Parish."
On 28 May 1896, according to the Rose Orphange Home records, "taken by his uncle John Franklin FRAKES, a young farmer living 2 mi. N.W. of Farmersburg, who is well recommended."
In Jul 1898, according to the Rose Orphange Home records, "heard from by letter. Doing well."
On 9 Jun 1900, the census shows William P. FRAKES living with his Uncle and Aunt, John F. and Corda M. FRAKES (See Chapter 15) in Curry Township, Sullivan County, Indiana. William was listed as being born Mar 1889.
Bill's Aunt Corda (HANGER) FRAKES loved him very much, not having any living children of her own. She had Bill call her mother. She always called him Willie. Bill didn't like his Uncle Frank, who he said took him out of the orphanage only to work him hard on the farm.
In 1906, Bill decided he didn't like farming for his uncle, he felt like he was being used as a servant by his uncle, so he went to Terre Haute and got a job with the C&EI (Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad), but because of his age, he still had to live with his uncle.
On 19 Oct 1908, according to the Rose Orphange Home records, "William called today to get us to sign a paper giving our consent to his entering the army. He is a nice appearing young man and has been residing with his uncle at Farmersburg."
On 17 Nov 1908, according to the Rose Orphange Home records, "William wrote from Vancouver. He is with Co. D."
In 1908 Bill enlisted in the United States Army, in Terre Haute, Indiana, for six years. He was a Corporal with the 21st Infantry. He was a recruiting officer in Illinois and Indiana.
On 22 Apr 1910, the census shows William P. FRAKES age 20 living in the United States Military Vancouver Barracks, Clark County, Washington.
On 3 May 1910, the census shows William FRAKES age 20 living at the Rose Orphange in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana. There were several 18, 19 and 20 year olds listed there. Evidently they could use the orphanage as their home address while they served in the military.
On 25 Oct 1910, according to the Rose Orphange Home records, "wrote John FRAKES at Farmersburg, Ind. regarding Wm. Never replied."
On 20 Jan 1914, Corporal Wiliam P. FRAKES was appointed a recruiter by the Indiana National Guard located at 709 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana. He was appointed by 1st Lieut H. M. COOPER.
In 1914, he returned to work for the C&EI railroad.
In 1915 he was made Brakeman for the C&EI Railroad. One day while Bill was traveling through Salem, he fell in love with the town and its people and decided to make his home in Salem, Marion County, Illinois. He lived for awhile in the Bachman House, where he rented a room. He later lived with Dr. George and Mrs. May (McMACKIN) RAINEY. He became very close to them and called Mrs. Rainey "Mother". He lived there until his marriage to Bea. The bed that he had at the Rainey's, is the bed that I have today. My father has an old mantel clock that Dr. Rainey gave grandpa also.
On 17 Feb 1916, according to the Rose Orphange Home records, "Wm. is in West Salem, Illinois, in the USA Recruiting Station doing well, says his cousin L.L. FRAKES of Farmersburg." (Note: The cousin had it wrong, it was Salem, not West Salem.)
On 5 Jun 1917, Bill's World War 1 Draft Registration Card has, William Philip FRAKES age 27, born 10 Mar 1890, Farmersburg, Indiana. He was living at 203 North Broadway, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. He was a Brakeman for the C&EI Railroad. He was single. His previous military services was for 5 years and 7 months, during which he was a Corporal in the United States Army. He was tall and slender with brown eyes and hair.
On 27 Jun 1917, Bill was promoted to 1st Sergeant of Co. L, 9th Regiment of the Illinois National Guard. Signed by Col. Frank L. Taylor.
On 7 Mar 1918, Bill enlisted into the United States Army, because of World War I. He was made Sergeant, 65th Company L, 9th Regiment. He went to Camp Dix, New Jersey 1 Nov 1918. The war came to an end, he therefore was never sent overseas.
On 28 Nov 1918, Bill was Honorably Discharged as 1st Sergeant of 2nd Platoon, Company I, 130th Infantry. His statistics were: Blue eyes, brown hair, fair complexion and was 5 feet10 inches tall. He received a World War I Victory Medal. His serial number was 573554.
On 21 Dec 1921, Bill was appointed to the rank of 1st Lieutenant of Infantry, assigned to Company L, 4th Infantry, Illinois National Guard.
On 15 Jan 1920, the census shows William FRAKES age 27 living at 203 North Broadway, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. He was living at the home of the widowed Mrs. G. S. RAINEY age 62. Bill was a Brakeman on the Railroad. Mrs. RAINEY owned her home free of mortgage. Morris HERMAN age 30 also lived there. (Note: Mrs. RAINEY was May (McMACKIN) RAINEY, the widow of the late Dr. George S. RAINEY, who ran the Salem Hospital. Bill lived there until his marriage to Bea.)
On 20 Jan 1924, Bill’s bachelor’s party (called a stag dinner) was given to him by his good friend Sig KAUFMAN. Sig owned Kaufman’s Clothier on the south side of the square in Salem. His name can still be seen on the store front of the building.
When Bill and Bea married she was working at the Lyric Theatre. She sold tickets and she also played the piano for the silent films.
Bill was a member of the Rainey Country Club, located near the present day Salem Country Club.
On 2 Apr 1924, Bea was initiated into the Auxiliary of the organization of the B&RT (Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen), of which Bill was a member.
On 15 Apr 1924, Bill and Bea moved into the historic Badollet House at 310 North Washington, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the home of John W. “Button” and Eva (WELLS) WHITE. They rented the same rooms that John Thomas Scope lived in when he was attending high school in Salem. Scope of the famous “Scopes Monkey Trial.”
On 24 Apr 1924, Bea was installed a member of the Needlework Club. The meeting was at Dr. and Mrs. RAINEY’s house.
On 15 Sep 1924, Bill and Bea moved into the Kagy House at 421 North Broadway. It was a beautiful large home owned by L. M. KAGY and his wife. They rented rooms in the 2nd floor. The house has been torn down. It was located where the parking lot is now (2004) for the McMackin House Restaurant. Their son, Bill, was born in this house.
On 25 Dec 1924, Bea received a gift of a beautiful tea cart from Bill for Christmas. (Note: In 2008, in the possession of William Randolph FRAKES.)
On 7 Mar 1925, Bill and Bea took the train from Salem to St. Louis. They rented a room at Mrs. PARKINSON's at 5007 Cates Avenue.
On 8 Mar 1925, Bill was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
On 9 Mar 1925, Bill had surgery on a repture, which was received at work on the railroad.
On 29 Mar 1925, Bill was released from the hospital. Dr. Warren RAINEY, son of Dr. George and May (McMACKIN) RAINEY, drove Bill to the rental that Bea was staying at. Dr. Warren RAINEY was the one who gave the silver serving dish with the the "F" on it to Bill and Bea as a wedding gift. (Note: In 2008, in the possession of Stephen P. H. FRAKES.)
On 30 Mar 1925, Bill and Bea took the train home to Salem.
In 1925, Bill and Bea moved into the Kagy home at 421 North Broadway. Renting rooms from them. The home has since been torn down, but it was a big beautiful two-story home at the time.
In 1927, W. P. FRAKES was taking a correspondence course with the International Correspondence Schools, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
In Sep 1927, Bill and Bea moved to the home of Mr. SHULTZ on Bennett Street. Mr. SHULTZ didn't do what he said he would do, so they left. He sued them for $10. They went to court over it and lost and had to pay $26.
On 12 Oct 1927, Bea's brother moved in with them (Floyd Howard "Bud" MERTEN). He began working for the C&EI Railroad.
On 12 Nov 1927, Bill's best friend died, Sig KAUFMAN.
By Feb 1929, Bill, Bea and Billy had moved to the Merten Cottage at 334 South Castle, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. They were renting the home from Bea's parents who had moved to Harvey, Cook County, Illinois. Their son, Phil, was born in this house.
In 1929, Bill owned a 1926 Ford Sedan. I don't know when he bought it or if he purchased it new or used.
On 13 Feb 1930, Bill was made "Brakeman-Conductor" of the C&EI Railroad. During the Great Depression of the 30's, Bill was laid off from the railroad. He then became a policeman and also a fireman for the town of Salem. He was overseer of City Hall, where he and his family lived at the time. They lived on the second floor of city hall. It was then located on the southwest corner of Broadway and McMackin. After the depression, he went back to work for the C&EI Railroad and there worked until his retirement as an engineer.
Bea was raised in Shattuc until she was 10 years old, when her father sold his, "J. MERTEN, DRY GOOD & GROCERIES." They then moved to Salem, where he opened up a Confectionery on Main Street.
Bea was a Pianist. She played for many organizations and also for the First Baptist Church. She was a reporter for the local newspaper and she also played the piano for the local theatres. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Rebecca Lodge and the American Legion Auxiliary.
On 5 Apr 1930, the census shows William P. (35) and Beatrice M. J. (30) FRAKES living at 334 South Castle in Salem, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their sons William R. age 4 5/12 and Phillip H. age 1. They were renting their home at $20.00 a month. Bill was listed as a Conductor for Steam Railroad. He was also listed as a veteran of World War 1.
From 1931 to 1934, Bill was a Salem police officer.
On 22 Mar 1932, the Salem Republican has, "LITERARY SOCIETY AGAIN HONORS WASHINGTON. Tuesday during the regular Tuesday morning assembly period, the TaPhils presented another in the series of Washington programs celebrating the Biecentennial. The program presented "Washington, the Man," under the chairmanship of Fred MERRITT. Keller's American Hymm was sung by the assembly, led by Mr. MUELLER. The colors were presented by Mr.Harold BIGELOW, Mr. William FRAKES, Mr. Adolph CHRISTMAN, and Mr. Owen ADAMS."
In Dec 1932, Bill and Bea were living at 320 West Church Street, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
On 3 Jun 1935, Bill and Bea moved, with their children, to 2nd floor if city hall in Salem.
1935-37, Bill was Post Commander of the Luther B. Easley Post No. 128 of the American Legion. He was a member of the American Legion from 1919 until his death in 1965.
On 22 Apr 1940, the census shows William P. (50) and Beatrice (40) FRAKES living at 601 North Ohio, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. He was said to have been born in Indiana and she in Illinois. William was a Conductor on a railroad. William had 1 year of high school. Beatrice had 2 years of high school. With them were their children: William Jr. FRAKES age 14, born IL; Philip FRAKES age 11, born IL; and Julianne FRAKES age 5, born IL.
On 1 Oct 1941, Bill and Bea bought and moved into the historical Lemen House at 321 South Franklin Avenue, Salem, Illinois. It is the same home that Bea's father had owned when he first moved to Salem. Rev. Benjamin F. & Mary Putnam (RAND) LEMEN built the home in 1842. They were good friends of President Abraham LINCOLN, who visited them when in Salem. The Lemen's daughter, Lydia Gertrude LEMEN married Count John SOBIESKI, Prince Royal, in the home. He was heir to the throne of Poland. During the Civil War, there was a training camp across the road from the house.
In 1942, Bill's World War 2 Draft Registration Card has, William Philip FRAKES age 52, born 10 Mar 1890, Pimenton, Indiana. He was living at 321 South Franklin, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. His phone number was Salem 790. Nearest relative was Mrs. Beatrice FRAKES of Salem. He was employed by C&EI Railroad Company.
In 1947 Bill ran for Mayor of the City of Salem, unfortunately he did not win the election.
Religiously, Bea had been christened into the German-Evangelical Church 27 Oct 1901, by Rev. G. Bohnstengel. Bea’s ancestry was German and Jewish. There was no German-Evangelical Church in the town of Shattuc, where Bea was a child, so her mother would send her to the Methodist Church. When they moved to Salem, Bea and her sister, Eunice, attended the Presbyterian Church. The Frakes family went from Church of England, to Quaker, to Baptist. Bill's parents were both Baptist. He was a spiritual man, but never belonged to an organized religion. Bea changed over to the Methodist Church and there remained until her son, William, converted to the Baptist religion, becoming an ordained Baptist minister, she then also became a Baptist.
On 13 Feb 1965, the Salem Times-Commoner has, "PERSONALS...Salem...William Frakes is a patient in the Veterans Hospital at Marion. Mrs. FRAKES has been staying near the hospital and was home Saturday. She will be returning along with her son Phillip of Springfield to Marion."
One rainy day, while Bea was writing a letter at her desk, she suddenly had a desire to take a walk. She had gotten no farther than one block from her home when lightning struck her home, going through the telephone line right to the desk where she had been sitting. Had she not left, she would have been killed. Thankfully, the Salem Fire Department reached the house and was able to put the fire out before it had destroyed the whole house. The first floor, however, had been mostly burned. The banister going up the stairs was burned beyond repair. It was so hot that the bedroom at the top of the stairs had a bed that the varnish began to melt. The bed was given to Bill by Mrs. RAINEY. I still have the head board. Repairs were made to the first floor and Bea was able to move back into her home.
After a stroke, Bea had to be moved into a nursing home in Salem, where she remained until her death.
Bill's hobbies were gardening and writing poetry. He wrote for local newspapers, as well as the London, England newspapers. Bill loved education and would often read the dictionary to improve his vocabulary. He was a member of the Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen and Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen; Illinois Firemen's Association; The American Legion-Luther B. Eastly Post 128; Loyal Order of Moose; Odd Fellows.
Bea was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Birthday Club, Royal Neighbors, Auxiliary of the organization of the B&RT, National Federation of Republican Women and Rebekah's (Odd Fellows). Bea was a very good pianist. She played for all of the organizations of which she belonged. She played for a few of the churches as well.
Bill and Bea were both very involved in politics. They were members of the Republican Party, but voted for the man in general elections.
Grandpa Bill and and Grandma Bea both had full eventful lives and were greatly loved by their children and grandchildren and friends and relatives. I shall always carry them very dear in my heart.
Bea died 27 days after her great-grandson, Brock Richard ADAMS and 5 days after her great-grandson, David Philip Anthony BELFIORE were born. Her obituary and their birth announcements were in the same newspaper, The Kinmundy Express, Thursday, 31 Oct 1985, Kinmundy, Marion County, Illinois.
Children of William Philip and Beatrice Margaret Julietta (MERTEN) FRAKES:
1. William Randolph "Bill" FRAKES, b. 2 Nov 1925, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Bill married Betty Jean HAMMER.
2. Philip Howard "Phil" FRAKES, b. 25 Feb 1929, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Phil married Monna Marilyn CONANT.
3. Julianne May "Judy" FRAKES, b. 21 Nov 1934, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Judy married Howard Galloway THURMAN, Jr.
Grandchildren of William Philip & Beatrice Margaret Julietta (Merten) Frakes:
1. Marsha Lynn Frakes, born 27 Mar 1949, Salem, Illinois, daughter of Bill & Betty.
Marsha married Timothy Paul Bagley, born 9 Jul 1946, South Norfolk, Virginia..
2. Mark Alan Frakes, born 10 Feb 1954, Cario, Illinois, son of Bill & Betty.
3. Tanya Rae Frakes, born 7 July 1955, Highland, Illinois, daughter of Phil & Monna.
Tanya married first Roddy Alan Courtright of Louisville, Illinois.
Tanya married second David Joseph Belfiore of Denver, Colorado.
4. Cynthia Tenae Thurman, born 16 September 1955, Salem, Illinois.
Cyndy married Riley Cecil Cannon, born 29 Jul 1952, Bakersfield, California.
5. Stephen Philip Howard Frakes, born 2 October 1957, Highland, Illinois, son of Phil & Monna.
6. Howard Galloway "Trey" Thurman, III, born 2 April 1959, Abilene, Texas.
Trey married 3rd Tyla (Davis) Reynolds of Bakersfield, California.
7. Van William Thurman, born 17 September 1960, Abilene, Texas.
Van married Terri Lynne Martell of Bakersfield, Calfiornia.
8. Terri June Frakes, born 22 April 1962, Highland, Illinois, daughter of Phil & Monna.
Terri married Richard Dale Adams of Patoka.
Great-Grandchildren of William P. & Beatrice M. J. (Merten) Frakes:
1. Nathan Roddy "Nate" Courtright, born 11 Dec 1973, Centralia, Illinois.
Nate married Angie Jaye (Albert) Riley, born 18 Mar 1972. Marion County, Illinois.
2. Jason Paul Bagley, born 1 Apr 1975, Wichita, Kansas.
Jason married 2nd Elizabeth Morrow Randman.
3. Jennifer Leigh Bagley, born 23 Oct 1979, Portsmouth, Virginia.
Jen married 2nd George Thomas "Mickey" Clutts. He was born 24 Feb 1970.
4. Riley Edward Cannon, III, born 16 Feb 1981, Bakersfield, California.
Riley married Marissa Elizabeth Mauer 27 Apr 2007, Bakersfield, California.
5. Trent Maurice Adams, born 5 Dec 1982, Centralia, Illinois.
6. William Tyler Cannon, born 11 Mar 1983, Bakersfield, California.
Tyler married Kelly Dawn Albitre 2003, born 19 Apr 1983, Bakersfield, California.
7. Brock Richard Adams, born 26 Sep 1985, Centralia, Illinois.
8. David Philip Anthony Belfiore, born 18 Oct 1985, Orlando, Florida.
9. Brooke Nicole Thurman, born 19 Mar 1986, Bakersfield, California, daughter of Van & Terri.
10. Nicole Elise Thurman, born 9 Jan 1989, Bakersfield, California, daughter of Van & Terri.
11. Daniel William Eli Belfiore, born 3 Feb 1992, Belleville, Illinois.
12. Jourdan Darlene Thurman born 15 Aug 1996, Bakersfield, California, daughter of Trey.
Great-Great-Grandchildren of William P. & Beatrice M. J. (Merten) Frakes:
*. Jillian Rebecca Riley, born 21 Sep 1992, Beaufort, South Carolina, Stepdaughter of Nathan Courtright.
1. Kylee Dawn Cannon, born 11 Jun 2000, Bakersfield, Kern County, California, daughter of Tyler.
2. Madison Jaye Courtright, born 29 Mar 2002, Breese, Clinton County, Illinois.
3. William Kelby Clutts, born 9 Oct 2006, Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois.
4. Jacob "Jake" Cannon, born 2006, Bakersfield, Kern County, California, son of Tyler & Kelly.
5. Brooklyn Cannon, born Sep 2007, Bakersfield, Kern County, California. Daugher of Riley & Marissa.
6. Reece Daniel Cannon, born 21 December 2007, Bakersfield, Kern County, California. Son of Tyler & Kelly.
7. Myleigh Rose Clutts, born 11 Apr 2008, Maryville, Madison County, Illinois.
8. Alexandra Ann "Lexi" Bagley, born 24 Jun 2009, St. Louis County, Missouri. Twin of Addie.
9. Addison Lynn "Addie" Bagley, born 24 Jun 2009, St. Louis County, Missouri. Twin of Lexi.
10. Wyatt Rodney William Belfiore, born 17 Dec 2009, Breese, Clinton County, Illinois, son of David and Samantha.
11. Mason Paul Clutts, born Monday, 11 January 2010, Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Madison County, Illinois.
12. Cameron Bennett Cannon, born 24 Jun 2010, Bakersfield, Kern County, California.
13. Jack Campbell, born May 2011, Bakersfield, Kern County, California.
14. Bobbi Julianne Cannon, born 11 Dec 2011, Bakersfield, Kern County, California, daughter of Tyler.
15. Audrian Elyse Martinez, born 30 Mar 2013, Bakersfield, Kern County, California.
16. Ryleigh Rae Belfiore, born 6 Dec 2013, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. Daughter of Daniel.
17. Gianna Grace Campbell, born May 2014, Bakersfield, Kern County, California.
18. Beau Trenton Bratcher, born 4 Jul 2014, Bakersfield, Kern County, California.
19. Hadleigh Belfiore, born 11 Jul 2014, Breese, Clinton County, Illinois. Daughter of David and Andrea.
20. Grayson Leo Adams, born 17 Aug 2015, Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois. Son of Brock and Lauren.
21. Waylon David Maverick Belfiore, born 26 Nov 2015, Breese, Clinton County, Illinois. Son of David and Andrea.
22. Brielle Nicole Bratcher, born Sep 2016, Bakersfield, Kern County, California.
23. Emmett Warren Adams, born 30 Oct 2018, Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois. Son of Brock and Lauren.
24. Stetson Brock Adams, born 26 Sep 2022, Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois. Son of Brock and Lauren.
Updated:
26 June 2024
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