Los
Angeles County
Biographies
REV. LUCIAN HASKELL FRARY
Although many years have elapsed
since the angel of death closed the interesting life chapter of the Rev. Lucian
Haskell Frary, long an active and effective minister of the Gospel, his
influence still pervades the lives of many whose privilege it was to known
him. A forceful and convincing preacher,
a faithful and sympathetic pastor, a friend to all men, and wholly devoted to
his sacred calling, he had the unqualified confidence and esteem of those among
whom he labored in various communities and was respected by all, regardless of
creed or station in life.
Born in Haverhill, Grafton County,
New Hampshire, March 19, 1839, Rev. Frary was a son of Charles and Abigail
(Haskell) Frary, and attended the district schools. When a lad of fourteen he was apprenticed to
the printing trade, at which he served until eighteen or nineteen years of
age. Afterward he studied for a time
under a private tutor and then entered Dartmouth College, from which he was
graduated in 1866. His knowledge of theology
was acquired at Andover Seminary and his first pastorate was at Middleton,
Massachusetts. Afterward he spent twelve
years at Weymouth and Braintree, Massachusetts, occupying the pulpit of the
Union Congregational Church.
In 1886 because of the health of an
only daughter, Rev. Frary brought his family to California, becoming pastor of
the church at Sierra Madre for fifteen months, and later of the Pilgrim Church
in Pomona, Los Angeles County, where his ministrations were continued for a
period of fifteen years. Subsequently he
had charge of the home missionary church in Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County,
and in 1902 became a resident of Long Beach, remaining here until his death,
which occurred May 13, 1903, when he was sixty-four years of age. He was deeply interested in the welfare and
upbuilding of Pomona College and served on its board of trustees. Frary Hall was named in his honor. A man of broad views and strong convictions,
he was outspoken in his opposition to evil and consistently stood for all that
was best in life.
In 1869 was solemnized the marriage
of Rev. Lucian H. Frary and Miss Susan E. True.
In 1874 he wedded Miss Louise Parker, who was born in Dunbarton, New Hampshire, a daughter of Daniel Hardy and
Louisa (Mills) Parker, who were also natives of that town. Margaret Frary, the only child of this
marriage was born in 1876 and died December 22, 1887. Mrs. Frary has reached the ninety-second
milestone on life’s journey and is remarkably well preserved. She dwells in the comfortable, old-fashioned
residence at 503 West Third Street, which property was purchased by her husband
in 1902, and is greatly attached to the old home. Graduated from Meriden Academy of New
Hampshire in 1859, she is a cultured woman who has always been a discriminating
reader and a close student of subjects worthwhile. She is a member of Gaviota
Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is a Colonial
Granddaughter. She also belongs to the
Long Beach Ebell Club and the Friday Morning Club of Los Angeles. Despite her advanced age, Mrs. Frary is still
active in club work and women’s affairs and takes a keen interest in all
matters of public moment. She has lived
at Long Beach for thirty years and her many lovable qualities and kindly,
gracious manner have endeared her to a host of devoted friends.
Transcribed by
V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: California of the South
Vol. III, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 293-294, Clarke Publ.,
Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 V. Gerald Iaquinta.
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NUGGET'S LOS ANGELES BIOGRAPIES