History of the Upper Ohio Valley Brant & Fuller, 1890; Vol. I, pages 288-289.
Alexander Frew, a well-known citizen of Wheeling, and senior member of the firm of Frew & Bertschy, extensive furniture and carpet dealers, and undertakers, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, December l2, 1841. His father was Alexander Frew, a native of Ireland, who came to this country at an early date and located at Pittsburgh, from here moving to Steubenville, Ohio, where he remained until 1852, when he removed to Wheeling, W. Va., where his death occurred. Alexander Frew, Jr., was reared in Wheeling, after his eleventh year, and was educated in the public schools of that city. When a lad, he carried papers for a morning journal for a time, and then started to learn the printer's trade, but did not complete his apprenticeship. He then entered the employ of J. C. Harbour, in his carpet store, and remained with him until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion. In 1861, he answered the first call for troops, and enlisted in the first regiment of West Virginia infantry, Company C, for three months. He was in the first engagement at Phillipi, of the first engagement at Carricksford, and others of less importance. At the expiration of three months, he returned to Wheeling and remained for a year with his former employer. In 1862, Mr. Frew's patriotism was again evinced by his re-enlisting for three years in the Fifteenth West Virginia regiment, Company H, and serving until the close of the war. Entering as a private, he came out of the army with the rank of captain, having been promoted to this position for bravery. He was captain of Company H. After leaving the service he became connected with the firm of Friend & Son, furniture dealers, and remained with them for twenty years, the last ten years of which time he had a half-interest in the carpet department ot the establishment. Withdrawiing from the concern, July 1, 1885, he then formed a partnership with Lewis Bertschy and embarked in the furniture, carpet and undertaking business. This is one of the largest houses of the kind in the state, and has an enviable reputation for fair dealing and enterprise. Mr. Frew is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 5, F. & A. M., Cyrene commandery K. of T., Osirus order, Mystic Shrine; Alpha lodge, K. of H., Ft. Henry council, No. 97, National Union, and Sheridan post, G. A. R. In the year 1861, he espoused Miss Anna E. Henderson, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, the daughter of John Henderson. Eight children have been born to this happy union, six of whom are living.
