Freeman, W. S. 1847-1930

FREEMAN, KNOWLTON, ADAMS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/31/2009 at 15:31:16

LeMars Sentinel
February 18, 1930

WAR VETERAN ANSWERS TAPS
W.S. FREEMANWAS PROMINENT FIGURE IN LE MARS MANY YEARS
FILLS VARIOUS POSTS
SERVED HIS COUNTRY WHEN A YOUTH IN TEENS

W.S. Freeman, pioneer of Plymouth County and a resident of LeMars for the
past forty-seven years, died at his home, 300 Third Avenue SE, Sunday
morning at 8 o'clock. Mrs. Freeman was nearly 83 years of age. Of a strong,
rugged constitution, his health began to fail about three years ago and two
years ago he spent a winter in California and came home greatly benefited in
health and returned to his business pursuits. For the past few months his
health failed rapidly and the ends was not unexpected.

Mr. Freeman was widely known in Northwestern Iowa and his life was full of
activity until only a few months ago.

The name by which he was called "Webb" Freeman, is associated with early
history in Plymouth County and LeMars and he enjoyed an acquaintance which
was statewide through his political affiliations and his connection with me
of affairs in the nation. He was prominent in circles of the G.A.R. and was
State Commander at one time of the organization, and commander of Mower
Post, LeMars, for many years. Serving his country in his youth, he was
successively pioneer, teamster, homesteader, county official, business man,
justice of the peace, and affiliated with many organizations, being a
prominent Mason and a member of the Elks and Knights of Pythias.

BORN IN VERMONT

Wilbert S. Freeman was born at Essex, Chittenden county, Vermont, June 6,
1847. He was a member of an old colonial family and his ancestors fought in
the Revolutionary War.

With his parents, W.S. Freeman moved to Illinois in 1855, where as a lad he
was brought up under surroundings which taught self reliance and fortitude.
Although but a boy when the Civil War broke out he was imbued with
enthusiasm for a military life and enlisted as a musician in Company B.,
Eighth Illinois cavalry, and served until the close of the war when he
returned to his home in Illinois.

HOMESTEADER IN FREDONIA

With other adventurous youths, W.S. Freeman came to LeMars in 1869, before
the railroad was built, and took up a homestead in section 8, Fredonia
township. While living on the claim he engaged in teaming and worked on
construction gangs building railroads in Nebraska across the Missouri river
at Ponca and other points.

He farmed for several years and when elected to the office of county
recorder in the fall of 1882, came to LeMars and took up his residence. He
served two terms in the office and then went back to his farm for a year or
two and then returned to make his home here permanently.

Mr. Freeman operated a drug store for several years, the firm being Freeman
& Hines. He was associated at one time with the LeMars Building and Loan
Association of which he was general manger. In later years he was engaged in
the real estate and loan business and held the office of justice of the
peace for many years. He was secretary of the LeMars Cemetery Association.

Mr. Freeman was appointed postmaster under President Roosevelt in 1906, and
served nine years, making a popular and efficient official.

He was prominent in the ranks of the Republican party and for many years a
dominant figure in local politics and took a leading part in civic and
social affairs.

WAS TWICE MARRIED

W.S. Freeman was married September 2, 1875, to Josephine Knowlton, daughter
of William and Nancy Knowlton, pioneers of Fredonia township. She died,
leaving one son, H.H. Freeman, of Florence, Arizona.

He was united in marriage October 18, 1884, to Miss Mary Adams, of LeMars,
who with two daughters, Mrs. Harry Haley, Wellesley Hills, Mass., and Miss
Alta Freeman, of Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, survive him.

HOLD MILITARY FUNERAL

Funeral services will be held from the First Methodist church this afternoon
at 2 o'clock, Rev. F. Earl Burgess officiating.

Members of the G.A.R., W.R.C., Spanish American War veterans and auxilaries,
and World War I servicemen will be represented at the last rites in honor of
the war veteran and military honors accorded the deceased. Members of the
Masonic fraternity will have charge of services at the graveside.

Plymouth Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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