Howard-Monroe County IN Archives Biographies.....Freeman, George W, 1873 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 5, 2006, 4:17 am Author: Jackson Morrow (circa 1909) GEORGE W. FREEMAN. Under a popular government like that of the United States where the democratic idea of equality is as fully developed as the present imperfect condition of mankind will permit, we expect as its legitimate result the triumph of individual worth and energy-over all the competition that wealth and class may array against them. Here the avenues of wealth and distinction are fully opened to all, which fact enhances rather than detracts from the merits of those whose energy and integrity have triumphed over all obstacles intervening between an humble position and the attainment of these laudable ends. Obscurity and labor at no time dishonorable never assume more attractive features than when the former appears as the nurse of those virtues which the latter, by years of honest and persevering effort, transplants to a higher and richer soil; hence. the biographer of those men of sterling worth whose active enterprise has won for them distinction, pre-eminence and commanding influence in the society in which they move must be replete with facts which should encourage and instruct the young. Such is the subject of this sketch, who holds marked prestige among the successful self-made men of his county and who by the exercise of those talents and qualities which have been cultivated from his youth, has reached an honorable position in the public service and earned the respect and high esteem of his fellow citizens. George W. Freeman, county recorder, is a native of Monroe county, Indiana, and the son of Joseph C. and Jennie (Cox) Freeman, the father, a farmer and old soldier, now living in retirement at his home in the town of Russiaville; the mother also living at this writing, 1908. The subject, who was born September 21, 1873, spent his childhood and youth near the place of his birth and was early taught the habits of industry and self-reliance which led to his subsequent career of usefulness in one of the most exacting of callings and paved the way to the position of honor and trust which he now so worthily holds. When quite young he evinced a decided taste for study and books, and on entering school experienced little difficulty in keeping easy pace with his classes and later far exceed those of his age in intellectual attainments, besides finding time to inform himself upon a wide and varied number of subjects. After finishing the usual course in the grade schools of Russiaville he prosecuted the higher branches of study at the Central Normal College at Danville, where, in addition to a general literary discipline he prepared himself for teaching, which profession he entered at the youthful age of eighteen and to which fie devoted his attention with marked success during the sixteen years following. Mr. Freeman's first educational work was done in the country, but subsequently he became principal and teacher of various village and town schools, having had charge of the schools of Fairfield for two years, and for a period of eleven consecutive terms was principal at Russiaville, the second place of importance in the county. During his period of service his efforts were decidedly effective in raising the schools to a high standard of excellence and making them among the very best in the county. The high character of his professional instruction causing a wide demand for his services in Howard and neighboring counties and giving him a reputation second to no other educator in this part of the state. Aside from his professional work, Mr. Freeman for a number of years has been deeply interested in public questions and as a staunch and uncompromising Republican was not long in coming to the front as a leader of the party in the community where he resided. In recognition of his political services he was nominated in 1906 for the office of county recorder, receiving at the primaries the largest vote in the history of the county, defeating his competitor by a majority of two thousand three hundred and fifteen, the subsequent election only serving to confirm the people's choice, as he was elected by an overwhelming majority, running far in advance of the other candidates on the ticket. His triumphant election to one of the most important offices within the gift of the public was certainly a compliment to his worth and popularity among the people of the county regardless of political affiliations, and thus far his official career has fully met the expectations of his many friends and admirers, and justified the party in the wisdom of its choice. Mr. Freeman although elected in November, 1906, did not take possession of his office until January, 1908, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to his duties, his previous experience as a teacher and student peculiarly adapting him for the clerical work, the position of recorder entails. He discharges his official functions with neatness and dispatch, treats all who have business in the office with characteristic courtesy and it is generally conceded that this county has never been honored by a more gentlemanly and obliging public servant. Mr. Freeman has been a resident of Howard county since 1889, and during the intervening period has manifested a lively regard for its welfare, as his activity in advancing the cause of education and his deep interest in all enterprises having for their object the general good of the people abundantly indicate. He is a man of liberal ideas, takes broad views of men and affairs and, standing for progress in the modem sense of the term, bends all of his energies to the attainment of the same. Personally, few stand as high in public esteem, while his popularity is bounded only by the limits of his acquaintance, possessing as he does the amiable qualities of mind and heart that win friends and retain their loyality. [sic] Mr. Freeman on December 9, 1894, was united in marriage with Dora Hart, a cultured and intelligent lady of Russiaville, their union being blessed with five children, namely; George W., Paul D., H. Esther, Ava M. and Burrell B., all living and with their fond parents constituting a very happy and contented domestic circle. This subject holds membership with the Baptist church at Russiaville, and has been among the. organization's most active and influential workers, he being superintendent of the Sunday school for ten years, and one of the leading Sunday school men of the county, having served as delegate to the state Sunday school convention, besides taking a prominent part in promoting this branch of religious endeavor in many places. He is also president of the Judson Association Sunday School Convention, which comprises several counties of this section of the state. His wife is a member of the Christian church at Russiaville. In the year of 1894 Mr. Freeman experienced a painful and serious misfortune in the loss of one of his lower limbs, caused by blood poisoning from an accident to the knee joint. Although considerably discommoded by having to finish the remainder of life's journey on one foot, he has never repined nor became discouraged, but taking an optimistic view of things, has become habituated to his changed condition and finds much for which to be thankful, not the least being the universal regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens of Howard county. Additional Comments: From: HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY INDIANA BY JACKSON MORROW, B. A. ILLUSTRATED VOL. II B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (circa 1909) File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/howard/bios/freeman298nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/infiles/ File size: 8.1 Kb