JAMES H FREELAND

One of the native-born sons of Kansas, James H. Freeland, of Benton township, Atchison county, has always taken special interest and pride in the state which was passing through such a fiery ordeal during his early years, and which, as the years have rolled by, has steadily advanced in wealth and prosperity until it now ranks with the leading trans-Mississippi states.

His birth took place on Christmas day, 1856, in Leavenworth county, Kansas. His father, James Milton Freeland, was a native of Indiana. whence he removed to Kansas at an early day, casting in his lot with the state which was destined to become a battle ground for contending factions during the terrible years leading up to the war of the Rebellion. His wife was Miss Sallie Henderson prior to their marriage, her parents being Joseph and Hannah (McCoy) Henderson. Eight children were born to James M. Freeland and wife, namely: William R., who lives in Benton township: James H.. of this sketch; John F., also of this township; Ida Marlatte, of Topeka; Joseph L., the circuit clerk of Platte county, Missouri; Jesse L., of Atchison county; Anna, deceased, the wife of William A. Landrum; and Mrs. Hannah Thomas, of Topeka. The father, who was a Democrat in his political convictions, died when only fifty-two years of age. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church and possessed the love and friendship of all who knew them. Mrs. Freeland is now making her home with her daughter. Mrs. Thomas, of Topeka.

When he was ten years of age James H. Freeland came to this county with his parents and in the public schools he obtained a liberal education. He early learned agriculture and gradually has forged to the front until, at this writing, he is the owner of a homestead comprising a quarter-section of well-cultivated land, which is rendered especially valuable by reason of a small creek which flows through it and because of the fine orchard on the place. Substantial farm buildings stand upon a good site, the barn being 32x48 feet in dimensions. The residence of the family is comfortable and furnished in a manner plainly bespeaking the excellent tastes of the inmates. In all of his undertakings Mr. Freeland has been upright and just and success has come to him as the result of long continued, painstaking industry.

In 1880 the marriage of our subject and Mary Ettie Bonnel, a native of Missouri, was celebrated. She is a daughter of Charles Bonnel, a prominent old settler of this county, his homestead of eighty acres having been situated in the western part of this township. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Freeland five children, three sons and two daughters, were born, namely: James Frederick, William Henry, Mary Ettie, Sidney Everett and Edna Pearl.

In political matters Mr. Freeland takes the interest which every American citizen should and reserves to himself the right of voting as he deems best without regard to party ties. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. All worthy religious enterprises and benevolent organizations receive his sympathy and financial support as far as he has the ability, and the respect and high esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances are accorded him in an enviable degree.