Freeman L. FRIEND

FRIEND, SMALL, CHISHOLM

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 11/22/2010 at 01:05:57

ANSWERED THE LAST ROLL CALL.

Freeman L. FRIEND, the blind veteran, died at his home in this city, Monday morning, Nov. 19, 1906, aged 82 years, months and 11 days. He was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, Sept. 8, 1824.

He as married to Rebecca J[ane]. SMALLEY (sic, should be SMALL), Oct. 29, 1847. Ten children were born to this union, eight of whom are still living: John, Denis, Catherine, Joseph, Harriet, Aerene, Hanson, Florence J., Emma, Rachael E., Naoma J.

He leaves one sister, Mrs. Mary CHISHOLM, of Gorman, Md., his eight children, 71 grandchildren, 34 great grand-children and his bereaved wife and many who have known him in life and whom he has helped, to mourn his departure from us.

In 1850 he with his family came west and settled in [Diagonal, Ringgold County] Iowa. In 1861 they removed to Missouri.

He enlisted in April 1861 in Co. G, Missouri State Militia [discharged February 1, 1863]. In the fall of '62 he was taken prisoner and on November 4, near Papinsville, Cass county, Mo., he with two other prisoners was shot and left for dead. He alone survived.

With marvellous presence of mind for one so severely injured, he made his way to water in a running stream near by and then being still further revived, to a farm house, where although from the hands of the enemy, he received the tenderest care.

His enlistment proved for life, for although his soul and body were not severed in that experience that cost his fellow prisoners their lives, the windows were darkened and he never again saw the light of day nor the flag that he gave so much to protect.

Bro. FRIEND had no religious experience until the summer of 1906, although he had sought it for some time. But while awake and ponding the ways of God, he heard as it seemed to him a voice speaking the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew VII:7, and immediately his soul was at peace. Upon his conversion he was received into the M.E. church, of which his wife had been for so long a time a loyal and faithful member.

Funeral services were held at the residence Thursday afternoon, Nov. 22, conducted by Rev. E.P. REED, assisted by Rev. Alfred N. CAVE and the remains laid to rest in Miriam cemetery [Harrison County, Missouri].

newspaper name and date of publication omitted from clipping

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2010

Ringgold Obituaries maintained by Tony Mercer.
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