Carroll Co., AR - Biographies - Jesse W. Freeman

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Jesse W. Freeman, of the firm of Freeman & Bobo, general merchants of 
Berryville, Ark., is a native of White County, Tenn., born March 15, 
1846. He is a son of William H. and Nancy (Walling) Freeman, both of 
whom were born and reared in Tennessee. They were married in their 
native State, and resided there until 1851, when they came to 
Arkansas. Locating in Carroll County, they resided here until 1862. 
when they removed to Bolivar, Mo., their present home. Jesse W. 
Freeman was fifteen years of age when the Civil War broke out, and in 
1862 he enlisted in the First Arkansas Cavalry and served until 1863, 
when he was discharged for disability, which was the result of a wound 
received in Carroll County in March of that year. Mr. Freeman is 
chiefly self-educated. In early life he had very little opportunity to 
attend school, but since arriving at mature years he has acquired a 
good practical education by business experience and much desultory 
reading. After the war he went to the home of his parents in Missouri 
and remained until 1869, when he came to Berryville, and, in a small 
way, engaged in the mercantile business. Soon after he took a partner 
in business, and under the firm name of Freeman & Fanning did a 
general mercantile business for about twelve years. Mr. Freeman then 
did business alone until 1886, when the present firm was established. 
The firm carry a good stock of goods, have a neat store and a large 
trade. In 1883 Mr. Freeman purchased the Berryville Flouring Mill, 
since which time he has done a successful milling business. He also 
owns a half interest in a saw and planing-mill, which manufactures a 
great deal of lumber. Upon the organization of the Citizens' Bank at 
Eureka Springs he was one of the stockholders and directors, and, at 
[p.1055] the expiration of eight months, was elected president, in 
which capacity he has since served. In connection with his other 
business Mr. Freeman has dealt largely in stock, during which time he 
has shipped many horses South and cattle and bogs to St. Louis and 
Chicago. His marriage with Serena L. Meek, a native of the county, and 
a daughter of Jacob A. Meek, deceased, was solemnized at Berryville in 
1864, and to their union have been born five children: Frank B., 
Dallas, Clarence, Jessie and Carl. Mr. Freeman is a member of the 
Knights Templar Lodge at Eureka Springs, and the I. O. O. F. and Blue 
Lodge at Berryville.