Fry family (chocolate)

This Fry family was prominent in England, especially Bristol, in the Society of Friends, and in the confectionery business in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. They intermarried with many of the other prominent Quaker families and were involved in business and social and philanthropic causes. Although at their peak during the 19th century, the Fry family are still a very active family within England, specifically in Somerset.

The earliest known possible Fry ancestor of this particular family is supposed to be Richard Fry who married secondly Joan Beaufort, great granddaughter of John of Gaunt.

This Fry family can fairly reliably trace their roots to the Wiltshire village of Corston.

The earliest ancestor that can be reliably traced is John Frye who was born about 1474 in Wiltshire. He married Johanna (possibly Bray) about 1499 in Corston. Some genealogies say his parents were Richard Frye (1445-1504) and Joan Beaufort (1433-1518), great granddaughter of John of Gaunt, but there is considerable doubt about the linkage.

John and Johanna had a son John Frye, who was born in 1500 in Corston.

John was the father of William Frye who was born about 1527 in Corston. He married Elizabeth about 1553 in Corston. Elizabeth was born about 1532 in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. William died after 1572 in Corston. Elizabeth died after 1597 in Rodburn, Wiltshire. Rodburn is very close to Corston.

William and Elizabeth had a son, Robert Fry who was said to be ‘of Corston, Malmesbury, Wiltshire’ and was born about 1557. He married Margaret who was born about 1562 in Malmesbury. Robert was a yeoman in the parish of Malmsbury, where he is recorded as having been taxed in 1597. He was buried on 23 September 1619 in Malmesbury. Margaret died after 1638.

Robert and Margaret had two sons and two daughters:

Alexander Fry, who was also said to be ‘a yeoman of Corston, Wiltshire’, was born about 1585 (or 1601) in Malmesbury. He married Mary about 1610 in Malmesbury. Mary was born about 1589 in Malmesbury. She died on 9 May 1638 in Malmesbury and Alexander was buried on 6 September 1638 also in Malmesbury.

...
Wikipedia