THE SIDNEY ARGUS-HERALD
February 6, 1927
Old-Time Grocer Dead
Yesterday afternoon friends and relatives in goodly numbers
followed to the tomb one who had long been identified with the
business interests of Sidney and community. L. R. DeFreece, son
of Moses and Sophia DeFreece, was born in Atchison county,
Missouri, June 5, 1863, but came with his parents to Fremont
county in the spring of 1866 and had lived in and near Sidney
ever since. He passed away Monday, February 3, after a lingering
illness, in his 64th year. Mr. DeFreece was married August 14,
1884, to Clara B. Love. For a number of years they lived on a
farm but for the last quarter of a century their home has been in
Sidney. During all of that period "Linze" has been
identified with the grocery trade, first as a clerk for Lindsay
& Tate, later as part owner of the Sidney Grocery company in
partnership with "Deacon" Travis and R. S. Tate, both
now deceased. For the past few years he had been associated with
the J. W. Lankton grocery and market, until forced to retire
because of the condition of his health. Few men in Sidney had a
wider acquaintance than "Linze" and few had more loyal
friends. A man sparing of his words, positive in his convictions
but tolerant of the views of others, he was one who rarely gave
offense. The longer one knew him, the better were his good
qualities appreciated. He was one who would "bear
acquaintance." He is survived by his wife, one sister and
four brothers, namely Mrs. Annie E. Wade of Paden, Oklahoma; W.
M. of Riverton; J. J. of Parnell, Missouri; G. T. of Sidney,
Peter, Monte Vista, Colorado. He united in 1888 with the
Christian church at Pleasant Grove. He also had been a member of
Sidney lodge Knight of Pythias for years and was a regular
attendant so long as his health would permit. Funeral services
were conducted from the home yesterday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock
and interment was made in Sidney cemetery.