BIO:  John L. Free, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Hopewell Township, Pg 112

DR. JOHN L. FREE is a son of Peter and Naomi (Lowe) Free, of Baltimore County, 
Md., and was born in that county March 5, 1821, and came with his parents, in 
1823, to Shrewsbury Township, where they settled and resided until the father’s 
death in 1860.  He received his early education in the schools of Shrewsbury, 
took up the study of medicine in 1844, and graduated from the University of 
Maryland in 1848.  He first practiced medicine in Dillsburgh and New Freedom 
until 1849, when he went to Philadelphia and attended a course of lectures.  In 
1850 he moved to Stewardstown, built his present residence, and established an 
extensive practice, which he enjoys to the present day.  In 1852 he was married 
to Martha J. Jordan of Hopewell Township, who died in 1871.  His second marriage 
was, in 1873, to Jennie A. Wiley, of Hartford County, Md.  They have four living 
children:  Jennie A., Evans M., Naomi E. and Lizzie E.  He and his wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Dr. Free was one of the founders of 
the English and Classical Institute, located at Stewartstown, of which he has 
been a trustee since its organization, now over thirty years.  He also took an 
active part in securing a charter from the legislature, constituting the borough 
of Stewardstown.  Since his residence here it has been a prosperous, growing 
place.  Three churches have been built, and with the railroad nearly completed to 
New Freedom, its further prosperity seems assured.