Co D, 137 ILL Inf
Francis Freer, enlisted in Civil War in Ellisville in 1864. Niece, Frances Freer Murtland, lived in Ellisville at this time.
Lot 618, Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, Knox Cty, IL
1899 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois Knox County, IL
Francis A. Freer, A. M., son of Abram and Mary (McKimens) Freer, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1843. His parents moved to Pittsburg in 1849, and thence to Ellisville, Illinois, in 1857, where they lived until their decease. Their school advantages were very limited, but they made good use of the opportunities given. The father possessed an iron will and was not easily turned aside. In many of the common branches, he became a good scholar, especially in history and mathematics. Both were devout Christians.
His paternal ancestors were “French Huguenots”; his maternal, “Scotch-Irish Covenanters”. Both came to this country before the Revolution. What part they took in that great struggle for human freedom is not known.
Mr. Freer’s efforts to obtain an education were similar to the efforts of many others. In winter, he attended the public schools, while in summer; he devoted his time to learning the carpenter’s trade. This was his life until he was eighteen years old. In the Spring of 1867, he entered Hedding College at Abingdon, Illinois, and graduated in 1871 with the honor of valedictorian of his class. A large portion of his school expenses was defrayed by himself. The ripening harvest and the timbered forests offered plenty of work for his hands. The cradling of grain or the hewing of timber was a work with which he was familiar.
Mr. Freer is fond of natural scenery. His childhood was spent in school, and when school duties were over, in searching the fields and woods for flowers. No precipice was too high or dangerous to prevent his scaling it for a rare specimen. He was fond of all kinds of sports. He says of himself that his “tastes were always expensive; means always limited”.
After leaving college, he was principal of the Wataga schools for a time, and then for three years taught in the Henderson schools. During that time he read law with Hon. C.H. Nelson, but was never admitted to the Bar. One of the most important changes of his life was the giving up of the profession of teaching, which had been successfully followed until 1879. The confinement of the school-room was undermining his health. He then engaged for a time in the agricultural implement business, and later in the school book business, as the general agent of Sheldon and Company for the State of Illinois.
In 1875, he moved from Wataga to Henderson, and in 1879 to Galesburg, where has been his home ever since. In 1861 he went to Peoria to enlist in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, but failed to pass on account of his health. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventieth Illinois Infantry, three months troops, serving about five months on guard duty. Again on account of his health, he was rejected from the three years service, but in the Spring of 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was in a hard fight with Forest near Memphis, August 22, 1864. His regiment lost in killed and wounded 170 men.
The offices that Mr. Freer has held are not numerous, but worthy of mention. Both at Wataga and Henderson, he was elected Village Trustee on the temperance ticket, the issue being license or no license—elected Justice of the Peace in Henderson Township on the republican ticket in 1877, resigning the office in 1879—is a member of the James T. Shields Post. No. 45, Department of Illinois, G.A.R.—was elected commander of the same in 1890—was appointed Postmaster of Galesburg by President Harrison; again appointed by President McKinley, which office he now holds. He was elected Sergeant at Arms of the 34th General Assembly of Illinois in 1885. He is also a member of the Council of Administration, Department of Illinois G.A.R., having been elected in May 1899.
Mr. Freer has taken an active part in every public enterprise for the up-building of Galesburg during the past twenty years.
He has been connected with the following Societies: The Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, Temple of Honor, A.O.U.W., Masons and Odd Fellows, and the G.A.R. and U.V.U.
In religious faith, Mr. Freer affiliates with the Presbyterians, although he is not a member of any church.
In political faith, he is an uncompromising republican. In every campaign, by his eloquent speech, hard work and contributions, he has done much for the success of republican principles.
He was united in marriage December 26, 1871 to Jennie E. Christy, who was educated at Hedding College. To them were born five children, Elizabeth Irene, Howard Abram, Charles Francis, Mary Alda, and Morton Christy. Elizabeth is a graduate of Knox College, Alda is a student in Knox Conservatory of Music, Morton is a student at Lombard University, and Howard and Charles are engaged in business. Morton served in Company C, Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, receiving special mention in his honorable discharge.
The “Galesburg Evening Mail” was started May 13, 1891. It was the outcome of a factional fight in the republican party of Knox County, which had spread throughout the tenth Congressional district. The first Board of Directors included F. A. Freer
Francis Freer, enlisted in Civil War in Ellisville in 1864. Niece, Frances Freer Murtland, lived in Ellisville at this time.
Lot 618, Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, Knox Cty, IL
1899 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois Knox County, IL
Francis A. Freer, A. M., son of Abram and Mary (McKimens) Freer, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1843. His parents moved to Pittsburg in 1849, and thence to Ellisville, Illinois, in 1857, where they lived until their decease. Their school advantages were very limited, but they made good use of the opportunities given. The father possessed an iron will and was not easily turned aside. In many of the common branches, he became a good scholar, especially in history and mathematics. Both were devout Christians.
His paternal ancestors were “French Huguenots”; his maternal, “Scotch-Irish Covenanters”. Both came to this country before the Revolution. What part they took in that great struggle for human freedom is not known.
Mr. Freer’s efforts to obtain an education were similar to the efforts of many others. In winter, he attended the public schools, while in summer; he devoted his time to learning the carpenter’s trade. This was his life until he was eighteen years old. In the Spring of 1867, he entered Hedding College at Abingdon, Illinois, and graduated in 1871 with the honor of valedictorian of his class. A large portion of his school expenses was defrayed by himself. The ripening harvest and the timbered forests offered plenty of work for his hands. The cradling of grain or the hewing of timber was a work with which he was familiar.
Mr. Freer is fond of natural scenery. His childhood was spent in school, and when school duties were over, in searching the fields and woods for flowers. No precipice was too high or dangerous to prevent his scaling it for a rare specimen. He was fond of all kinds of sports. He says of himself that his “tastes were always expensive; means always limited”.
After leaving college, he was principal of the Wataga schools for a time, and then for three years taught in the Henderson schools. During that time he read law with Hon. C.H. Nelson, but was never admitted to the Bar. One of the most important changes of his life was the giving up of the profession of teaching, which had been successfully followed until 1879. The confinement of the school-room was undermining his health. He then engaged for a time in the agricultural implement business, and later in the school book business, as the general agent of Sheldon and Company for the State of Illinois.
In 1875, he moved from Wataga to Henderson, and in 1879 to Galesburg, where has been his home ever since. In 1861 he went to Peoria to enlist in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, but failed to pass on account of his health. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventieth Illinois Infantry, three months troops, serving about five months on guard duty. Again on account of his health, he was rejected from the three years service, but in the Spring of 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was in a hard fight with Forest near Memphis, August 22, 1864. His regiment lost in killed and wounded 170 men.
The offices that Mr. Freer has held are not numerous, but worthy of mention. Both at Wataga and Henderson, he was elected Village Trustee on the temperance ticket, the issue being license or no license—elected Justice of the Peace in Henderson Township on the republican ticket in 1877, resigning the office in 1879—is a member of the James T. Shields Post. No. 45, Department of Illinois, G.A.R.—was elected commander of the same in 1890—was appointed Postmaster of Galesburg by President Harrison; again appointed by President McKinley, which office he now holds. He was elected Sergeant at Arms of the 34th General Assembly of Illinois in 1885. He is also a member of the Council of Administration, Department of Illinois G.A.R., having been elected in May 1899.
Mr. Freer has taken an active part in every public enterprise for the up-building of Galesburg during the past twenty years.
He has been connected with the following Societies: The Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, Temple of Honor, A.O.U.W., Masons and Odd Fellows, and the G.A.R. and U.V.U.
In religious faith, Mr. Freer affiliates with the Presbyterians, although he is not a member of any church.
In political faith, he is an uncompromising republican. In every campaign, by his eloquent speech, hard work and contributions, he has done much for the success of republican principles.
He was united in marriage December 26, 1871 to Jennie E. Christy, who was educated at Hedding College. To them were born five children, Elizabeth Irene, Howard Abram, Charles Francis, Mary Alda, and Morton Christy. Elizabeth is a graduate of Knox College, Alda is a student in Knox Conservatory of Music, Morton is a student at Lombard University, and Howard and Charles are engaged in business. Morton served in Company C, Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, receiving special mention in his honorable discharge.
The “Galesburg Evening Mail” was started May 13, 1891. It was the outcome of a factional fight in the republican party of Knox County, which had spread throughout the tenth Congressional district. The first Board of Directors included F. A. Freer
Co D, 137 ILL Inf
Francis Freer, enlisted in Civil War in Ellisville in 1864. Niece, Frances Freer Murtland, lived in Ellisville at this time.
Lot 618, Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, Knox Cty, IL
1899 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois Knox County, IL
Francis A. Freer, A. M., son of Abram and Mary (McKimens) Freer, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1843. His parents moved to Pittsburg in 1849, and thence to Ellisville, Illinois, in 1857, where they lived until their decease. Their school advantages were very limited, but they made good use of the opportunities given. The father possessed an iron will and was not easily turned aside. In many of the common branches, he became a good scholar, especially in history and mathematics. Both were devout Christians.
His paternal ancestors were “French Huguenots”; his maternal, “Scotch-Irish Covenanters”. Both came to this country before the Revolution. What part they took in that great struggle for human freedom is not known.
Mr. Freer’s efforts to obtain an education were similar to the efforts of many others. In winter, he attended the public schools, while in summer; he devoted his time to learning the carpenter’s trade. This was his life until he was eighteen years old. In the Spring of 1867, he entered Hedding College at Abingdon, Illinois, and graduated in 1871 with the honor of valedictorian of his class. A large portion of his school expenses was defrayed by himself. The ripening harvest and the timbered forests offered plenty of work for his hands. The cradling of grain or the hewing of timber was a work with which he was familiar.
Mr. Freer is fond of natural scenery. His childhood was spent in school, and when school duties were over, in searching the fields and woods for flowers. No precipice was too high or dangerous to prevent his scaling it for a rare specimen. He was fond of all kinds of sports. He says of himself that his “tastes were always expensive; means always limited”.
After leaving college, he was principal of the Wataga schools for a time, and then for three years taught in the Henderson schools. During that time he read law with Hon. C.H. Nelson, but was never admitted to the Bar. One of the most important changes of his life was the giving up of the profession of teaching, which had been successfully followed until 1879. The confinement of the school-room was undermining his health. He then engaged for a time in the agricultural implement business, and later in the school book business, as the general agent of Sheldon and Company for the State of Illinois.
In 1875, he moved from Wataga to Henderson, and in 1879 to Galesburg, where has been his home ever since. In 1861 he went to Peoria to enlist in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, but failed to pass on account of his health. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventieth Illinois Infantry, three months troops, serving about five months on guard duty. Again on account of his health, he was rejected from the three years service, but in the Spring of 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was in a hard fight with Forest near Memphis, August 22, 1864. His regiment lost in killed and wounded 170 men.
The offices that Mr. Freer has held are not numerous, but worthy of mention. Both at Wataga and Henderson, he was elected Village Trustee on the temperance ticket, the issue being license or no license—elected Justice of the Peace in Henderson Township on the republican ticket in 1877, resigning the office in 1879—is a member of the James T. Shields Post. No. 45, Department of Illinois, G.A.R.—was elected commander of the same in 1890—was appointed Postmaster of Galesburg by President Harrison; again appointed by President McKinley, which office he now holds. He was elected Sergeant at Arms of the 34th General Assembly of Illinois in 1885. He is also a member of the Council of Administration, Department of Illinois G.A.R., having been elected in May 1899.
Mr. Freer has taken an active part in every public enterprise for the up-building of Galesburg during the past twenty years.
He has been connected with the following Societies: The Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, Temple of Honor, A.O.U.W., Masons and Odd Fellows, and the G.A.R. and U.V.U.
In religious faith, Mr. Freer affiliates with the Presbyterians, although he is not a member of any church.
In political faith, he is an uncompromising republican. In every campaign, by his eloquent speech, hard work and contributions, he has done much for the success of republican principles.
He was united in marriage December 26, 1871 to Jennie E. Christy, who was educated at Hedding College. To them were born five children, Elizabeth Irene, Howard Abram, Charles Francis, Mary Alda, and Morton Christy. Elizabeth is a graduate of Knox College, Alda is a student in Knox Conservatory of Music, Morton is a student at Lombard University, and Howard and Charles are engaged in business. Morton served in Company C, Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, receiving special mention in his honorable discharge.
The “Galesburg Evening Mail” was started May 13, 1891. It was the outcome of a factional fight in the republican party of Knox County, which had spread throughout the tenth Congressional district. The first Board of Directors included F. A. Freer
Francis Freer, enlisted in Civil War in Ellisville in 1864. Niece, Frances Freer Murtland, lived in Ellisville at this time.
Lot 618, Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, Knox Cty, IL
1899 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois Knox County, IL
Francis A. Freer, A. M., son of Abram and Mary (McKimens) Freer, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1843. His parents moved to Pittsburg in 1849, and thence to Ellisville, Illinois, in 1857, where they lived until their decease. Their school advantages were very limited, but they made good use of the opportunities given. The father possessed an iron will and was not easily turned aside. In many of the common branches, he became a good scholar, especially in history and mathematics. Both were devout Christians.
His paternal ancestors were “French Huguenots”; his maternal, “Scotch-Irish Covenanters”. Both came to this country before the Revolution. What part they took in that great struggle for human freedom is not known.
Mr. Freer’s efforts to obtain an education were similar to the efforts of many others. In winter, he attended the public schools, while in summer; he devoted his time to learning the carpenter’s trade. This was his life until he was eighteen years old. In the Spring of 1867, he entered Hedding College at Abingdon, Illinois, and graduated in 1871 with the honor of valedictorian of his class. A large portion of his school expenses was defrayed by himself. The ripening harvest and the timbered forests offered plenty of work for his hands. The cradling of grain or the hewing of timber was a work with which he was familiar.
Mr. Freer is fond of natural scenery. His childhood was spent in school, and when school duties were over, in searching the fields and woods for flowers. No precipice was too high or dangerous to prevent his scaling it for a rare specimen. He was fond of all kinds of sports. He says of himself that his “tastes were always expensive; means always limited”.
After leaving college, he was principal of the Wataga schools for a time, and then for three years taught in the Henderson schools. During that time he read law with Hon. C.H. Nelson, but was never admitted to the Bar. One of the most important changes of his life was the giving up of the profession of teaching, which had been successfully followed until 1879. The confinement of the school-room was undermining his health. He then engaged for a time in the agricultural implement business, and later in the school book business, as the general agent of Sheldon and Company for the State of Illinois.
In 1875, he moved from Wataga to Henderson, and in 1879 to Galesburg, where has been his home ever since. In 1861 he went to Peoria to enlist in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, but failed to pass on account of his health. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventieth Illinois Infantry, three months troops, serving about five months on guard duty. Again on account of his health, he was rejected from the three years service, but in the Spring of 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and was in a hard fight with Forest near Memphis, August 22, 1864. His regiment lost in killed and wounded 170 men.
The offices that Mr. Freer has held are not numerous, but worthy of mention. Both at Wataga and Henderson, he was elected Village Trustee on the temperance ticket, the issue being license or no license—elected Justice of the Peace in Henderson Township on the republican ticket in 1877, resigning the office in 1879—is a member of the James T. Shields Post. No. 45, Department of Illinois, G.A.R.—was elected commander of the same in 1890—was appointed Postmaster of Galesburg by President Harrison; again appointed by President McKinley, which office he now holds. He was elected Sergeant at Arms of the 34th General Assembly of Illinois in 1885. He is also a member of the Council of Administration, Department of Illinois G.A.R., having been elected in May 1899.
Mr. Freer has taken an active part in every public enterprise for the up-building of Galesburg during the past twenty years.
He has been connected with the following Societies: The Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, Temple of Honor, A.O.U.W., Masons and Odd Fellows, and the G.A.R. and U.V.U.
In religious faith, Mr. Freer affiliates with the Presbyterians, although he is not a member of any church.
In political faith, he is an uncompromising republican. In every campaign, by his eloquent speech, hard work and contributions, he has done much for the success of republican principles.
He was united in marriage December 26, 1871 to Jennie E. Christy, who was educated at Hedding College. To them were born five children, Elizabeth Irene, Howard Abram, Charles Francis, Mary Alda, and Morton Christy. Elizabeth is a graduate of Knox College, Alda is a student in Knox Conservatory of Music, Morton is a student at Lombard University, and Howard and Charles are engaged in business. Morton served in Company C, Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, receiving special mention in his honorable discharge.
The “Galesburg Evening Mail” was started May 13, 1891. It was the outcome of a factional fight in the republican party of Knox County, which had spread throughout the tenth Congressional district. The first Board of Directors included F. A. Freer
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