George W. Freeman
George W. Freeman, merchant, Ravenna, was born December 10, 1839, in Newark Valley, Tioga Co., N. Y. His father, Bicknell Freeman, was a native of Hartford, Conn., and a descendant of one of the Pilgrims of the early settlement of New England. The line of descent is as follows: January 2, 1637, Edmund Freeman was one of the ten who settled Sandwich, Conn., and was for six years assistant to Gov. Bradford. His son Edmund (second) married a daughter of Gov. William Prince. His son Edmund, (third) had a son Edmund (fourth), who settled at Mansfield, Conn. His son, Edmund (fifth), had a son, Stephen, who was the father of Bicknell Freeman, the father of George W. This family is well known for the distinguished ability and integrity of many of its members. Bicknell Freeman married Miss Nancy Taylor. They moved to Broome County, N.Y., and soon afterward to Tioga County, but shortly before their death removed to Broome County. Our subject, at the age of twenty-three, came to this county, and remained first at Shalersville. where he was engaged several years as clerk. He married, March 17, 1872, Miss Cornelia A., daughter of Apollos Reed, of Mantua, this county, and to this union have been born three children: Anna T. (deceased), Edmund Reed and Eva Henry. They came to Ravenna in March of the following year, and here Mr. Freeman engaged as a clerk for Smith Bros, two years, for J. S. Smith one year, for N. Converse & Co. two years, and for Converse & Snyder two years. In 1880 he bought out the interest of Mr. Converse and engaged in partnership with P. W. Snyder. They carry a full line of dry goods, carpets, notions, etc. Mr. Freeman rode on horseback fifty miles to cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas, and has been a consistent Democrat ever since. While living at Shalersville he served the township as Treasurer seven terms. He is a F. & A. M. Mrs. Freeman is a member of the Congregational Church.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885