Freel, James (1810-1906)

FREEL

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 12/4/2016 at 13:11:06

James Freel

The Advocate-Tribune newspaper, Indianola, Iowa, Thursday, Sep 25, 1902, p.2

FORD
Some two hundred and fifty relatives and near friends gathered at the home of James Freel and wife, Louisa, one mile south of Ford, Saturday, September 13, 1902, to celebrate grandpa’s 92nd birthday. The day was find, there had just been a cutting frost, the air was bracing, both sun and shade were congenial. A basket dinner had been brought along, and each side the old resident was spread upon the ground long rows of table linen where each and all served themselves with good things to eat and it was just cool enough to give one a keen appetite. It seemed for a while all had gathered to part no more. Edd Freel, with his juvenile band of Pleasantville, were on hand and after refreshments the assembly was greeted with some excellent music, which was quite agreeable to both young and old. The band boys showed the married men how to play ball. Asher Freel acting as umpire, while James Rodgers with his hilarious voice kept firing up the country men; of course the boys came out ahead. After the game more music was rendered and the crowd began to disperse. Hand shaking and the passing of good-byes indicated the parting time had come again, not a few eyelids were wet with tears as the heart swelled with emotion, as part we must, quite probable not to meet again this side of eternity, scattering as they will to fields far distant, and the old home be left by many for the last time. James Freel was born in the state of Ohio in the year 1810, January 11, was therefore an octogenarian, twelve years ago. He emigrated to Indiana when a young man being the first settler in Madison county, Indiana. He was married to Mrs. Polly Quinn, while yet a young man; six children were born to them. Mrs. Freel died, leaving him a widower with his children and four step-children. He came to this state in the year of 1848 and settled where he now lives in 1849; he was married to Miss Louisa Moor, fifty two years ago. To this union five sons and four daughters were born, one of whom died in infancy; all the rest of the children are living except one of his first children who died after she was grown and married. There are many grandchildren and some fifty great-grandchildren. Mr. Freel can relate some thrilling incidents occurring in his early life amongst the Indian tribes whose language he is quite familiar. He is quite spry today but his sight has been dim for some time.