When it is stated that the subject of this sketch has served as
postmaster of Olney for three terms, or since 1897, the significance is so
patent that nothing further need be said as indicating the confidence and
esteem in which he is held by the people of Richland county. As an able
official and representative and popular citizen, we are pleased to record in
this work a sketch of the life of Mr. Fritchey, who is one of the best known
men in the county, and who for many years was among the most prominent
members of the bar and bench in this locality, and who, during his long
residence here has done so much for the material, civic, educational and
moral advancement of the county, ever having its interests at heart and
losing no opportunity to help others in the work of progress while advancing
his own interests.
Theodore Augustus Fritchey was born in Montgomery
county, Ohio, near Dayton, April 24, 1855, the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth
(McQueeny) Fritchey, natives of Pennsylvania where they were reared and
where they married, later moving to Montgomery county, Ohio, locating in
Baltimore, where the father engaged in merchandising. In 1870 he came to
Olney where he continued in the mercantile business until his death in 1876,
at the age of seventy years. His worthy life companion passed to her rest in
1900, at the age of seventy-five years. They were people of many
praiseworthy traits and honorable at all times. They were the parents of
eight children, all deceased except the subject of this sketch and one
daughter, Mrs. J. I. Moutray, of Kokomo, Indiana, the subject having been
the fifth in order of birth. He was reared in Ohio and Illinois, receiving a
public school education. He was an ambitious lad and when twenty years old
began the study of law with Wilson and Hutchinson, for years the leading law
firm of Southern Illinois. He made rapid progress and was admitted to the
bar in 1879. He then formed a partnership with Judge J. C. Allen, which
continued until 1907. They did an immense business, the combination being
one of peculiar power and their clients came from all parts of the county
and surrounding counties, it being generally recognized as one of the best
firms in the locality. The subject became prosperous through his successful
practice and since the date mentioned hay been practically retired, having
given up all legal practice, preferring to devote all his time to the
post-office and his business interests in Richland and adjoining counties.
He has large interests in oil.
In his political relations our subject
is a Republican, always loyal to his party's principles and always active.
When he was twenty-one years old he was elected City Clerk by a majority of
one, and he so faithfully did his work that he was re-elected to serve four
years in all. In 1881 he was elected City Attorney for one term of two
years. Then for two terms of four years as County Judge. He made a splendid
record both as City Attorney and as Judge, disposing of many important cases
in a manner that stamped him as an able and learned jurist and well versed
in the law. In 1897 he was appointed postmaster of Olney by President
McKinley and is now (1909) serving his third term with entire satisfaction.
Judge Fritchey's happy domestic life began in 1889, when he was united
in marriage with Mary Eliza Bucher, a native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, the
daughter of John E. and Mary E. (Eby) Bucher, also natives of Pennsylvania.
They moved to Ohio, where her father became the head of graded and high
schools and where he died. Mrs. Bucher lives with her daughter, wife of our
subject.
Mr. and Mrs. Fritchey are the parents of two children, both
giving promise of successful futures, and who are receiving every care and
attention from their fond parents. They bear the names Paul B. and Theodore
A., Jr.
In his fraternal relations Judge Fritchey belongs to the
ancient and honored Masonic Order, Knights Templar, also the Shrine. He is a
charter member of Olney lodge No. 926, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. Mr. and Mrs. Fritchey are faithful and consistent members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. They have a beautiful home in which is a fine
library of choice volumes, where the judge spends many hours in reading and
reflection, and they are known as people of kindness, integrity and culture.
Judge Fritchey stands admittedly in the front ranks of Richland county's
distinguished citizens, possessing a thorough knowledge of law and keeping
in close touch with the trend of modern thought. He has ever maintained his
high standing, never descending beneath the dignity of his profession nor
compromising his usefulness by countenancing any but legitimate practice.
Extracted 26 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 147-148.
| Jasper | Crawford | |
| Clay |
 |
Lawrence |
| Wayne | Edwards | Wabash |
