J. E. Freeman

5 Generations of the J. E. Freeman Family

   During the period of his residence in Oklahoma, reaching back to the time of the opening in 1889, Mr. Freeman has been identified, in various capacities, with the development and progress of the territory. First as a homesteader, later as a fruit grower and farmer, and finally as a receiver's clerk in the United States land office at Oklahoma City, he has shown himself to be the prossessor of sterling traits of character. His claim is located in Logan County, but he came to Oklahoma City November 1, 1900, at the time of his appointment to his present office by the United State land commissioners. The position he has filled with tact and ability, winning merited commendation in the same.
   When a small boy Mr. Freeman accompanied his parents in their removal from London, Canada, where he was born May 20, 1855, to Davenport, Iowa, where he was educated in the public schools. On starting out to make his way in the world he turned his attention to farming and school-teaching. After a few years he went to Hebron, Thayor county, Neb., and engaged in the hardware business there until 1889. Desiring to take up land in Oklahoma, he made the run April 22, but did not reach his destination until the 23rd. However he was not doomed to disappointment in respect to homesteading a claim, for he secured a good piece of land, and now is one of the few original settlers of Oklahoma. On the 15th of May he settled on section 29, township 16, range 2, Logan County, in the midst of underbrush so thick that one of his children was for a few hours lost in it, thereby greatly alarming the family. On the place he planted forty acres in fruit, one-half of which is now bearing, and all of which was propagated by himself. From the place he came to Oklahoma City and entered upon his official duties in the land office. However, he still has his home on the farm and his sons work the same.
   In politics Mr. Freeman is a Republican. He entertains liberal views in regard to the politics of the administration. Fraternally he is connected with Guthrie Lodge No. 2, K. of P.
   The marriage of Mr. Freeman took place in Rock Island, Ill., and united him with Miss Callie H. Coon, a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of three sons: Ralph Eddie, born in Rock Island county, Ill.; William C. and Raye, who were born in Hebron, Neb.