Charles Freeman

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Charles Freeman

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Charles FREEMAN is an essentially representative business man of Mendham, where he is engaged in the general merchandise business and where he is a partner with his brother Frank in the ownership and management of an automobile garage and blacksmith shop. His interest in public affairs is deep and sincere and he gives an earnest support to all measures and enterprises projected for the betterment of the local government. He was born in the city of Newark, New Jersey, November 23, 1868, son of Charles and Mary (VAN GIESON) FREEMAN, the former of whom is deceased and the latter of whom now maintains her home at Montclair, New Jersey. The father was a jeweler by trade and he died in the year 1888. He and his wife had eight children: Frank; Charles; Nellie, married Elmer VAN NESS; Jennie or Jean, wife of Bert MORRELL; Sadie, wife of Bloomfield BEAVERS; Mary E., wife of Leo ROBINSON; Benjamin; Alice, wife of Harry LYONS.

After a common school education Charles FREEMAN entered a blacksmith shop at Mendham and there became thoroughly familiar with that trade, which he followed for the ensuing ten years. He then engaged in the carriage business at Mendham and since 1908 has been interested in the conduct of an automobile garage and blacksmith shop at Mendham, as a partner with his brother Frank, under the firm name of FREEMAN Brothers. In 1894 he opened a grocery store in this borough but subsequently disposed of it and engaged in the dry goods business. He has a finely equipped establishment and in the same carries a complete line of notions, shoes and dry goods. The store is managed by Mrs. FREEMAN, who is a woman of considerable tact and business judgment.

The marriage of Mr. FREEMAN to Jennie GARABRANT, of Morristown, was solemnized April 10, 1893. She is a daughter of John Newell and Helen (DAY) GARABRANT, both natives of Morris county and both now deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation and he and his wife were devout Presbyterians. To them were born the following children: Eugene M.; Everett L.; Eliza, wife of Oscar PRIDEN; Jennie, wife of Mr. FREEMAN, as already noted; Flora; Cornelia, wife of Fred GUERIN; Margaret; John W., who is now serving as postmaster of Mendham and who is mentioned on other pages of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. FREEMAN have two sons, Paul A. and Ralph F., the latter in the public schools of Mendham; Paul A., a student at Cornell University.

Mr. Freeman favors the Republican party in his political belief although his vote is usually cast on the merits of the candidate. He is a member of the board of education and for six years has been president of that organization. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and in religious matters is a zealous Presbyterian, he and his wife being active factors in local church work. They are well thought of in their home community and everywhere command confidence and esteem.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)