Montgomery FREELAND

FREELAND, HUGGINS, INGRAM, DOWLING, HILL

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 6/8/2010 at 09:48:37

M. E. FREELAND

M. E. FREELAND was born in Illinois, January 6, 1861, and was one of a pair of twins. He was called Ned and his brother Nat. In 1864, he moved with his parents to Corydon, Iowa. His education was acquired in the city schools but he never attended high school or college. He came to Mount Ayr in 1887 and clerked in the HUGGINS dry goods store for a few years, then in the INGRAM store for a few months.

In 1891, he went into business for himself, and has been in business for more than forty years. he ran a store when he sold hoops, bustles, shignons, and boots, and when there were no ready-made clothing for women nor children and no ready-made underwear for anyone. Cotton hose were sold for summer wear, and winter hose were knitted at home from Meeks woolen yarn of which his store carried a large line.

He has been married twice, his first wife being dead many years. His second wife was Marge DOWLING. They have one son, John Edward, who was graduated from the Mount Ayr high school with the class of 1931.

Mr. FREELAND belongs to the Masonic Lodge, has served on the council and school board, and as city treasurer, and is a member of the Methodist Church. He has always been honest, courteious and upright in all his business dealings, and is respected by all who know him. He owns the largest and best dry goods store in Mount Ayr, and a fine home in the west end.

There were two pair of twins in his father's family, all boys. John married Mary K. HILL. NOTE: He died in 1935.

SOURCE:
LESAN, Mrs. B. M. Early History of Ringgold County: 1844 - 1937 p. 72. Blair Pub. House. Lamoni IA. 1937.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2010