My Genealogy Hound

A. C. FREED, a popular and well known citizen of Royersford, is a native of Montgomery county. He was born March 17, 1848, and spent his boyhood years in farm pursuits, his education being limited. He was the son of Michael and Sarah (Cassel) Freed, the family being of German descent.

Michael Freed (father) was a cabinet maker and machinist. He was an inventor and made the first fodder cutter, and gave away the right for others to manufacture. He was a member of the Dunkard church, and a man of the highest integrity. His wife was a daughter of Yellis Cassel, a farmer who lived in Lower Salford township. Their children were: Samuel H., hardware dealer at Harleysville; Abraham H., the well known book collector and antiquarian; Sarah (mother); Mary (Mrs. S. Harley; Kate (Mrs. J. Cassell). Michael Freed’s children: Joel, a carpenter and machinist; Mary (Mrs. M. Gutschall); Aaron C.; Yellis, a machinist; Henry, a painter and paper hanger; Samuel, a produce dealer and business man.

Aaron C. Freed remained with his father until he was twelve years of age. He learned cigar making and remained at that occupation for three years, and then learned the shoemaker’s trade which he followed for six years at Royersford.

He then engaged in the restaurant business and so continued until 1893, when he opened the Hotel Freed, and continued as the proprietor of this, the principal hotel of Royersford, up to June 1, 1904, when he sold it to his son Morris. Hotel Freed is centrally located, being a four-story brick building, and was built by Mr. Freed in 1885. It has been remodeled at different times, and is now modern and up-to-date in every respect, being fitted with electric lights, steam heat and water throughout the building. After disposing of the hotel, Aaron C. Freed engaged in the steam and hot water heating business, he having invented several useful devices and perfected a steam and hot water arrangement for heating houses, etc. He is a good financier and business man, broad-minded and intelligent, widely known and highly respected. He is a Republican in politics, and served several terms on the town council of Royersford.

Mr. Freed married, in 1871, Miss Mary Binder, who was born in 1849. She is the daughter of Amos and Mary (Yergor) Binder, he a prominent farmer. He was a Lutheran in religious faith, and died in April, 1902. His wife preceded him in death. She was also a Lutheran. Their children: Amanda (Mrs. William Yerger); Emma (Mrs. D. Bowman); Louisa (Mrs. A. Crade). The children of Mr. and Mrs. Freed: Sarah (Mrs. George Kehl); her husband, who was cashier of the National Bank, died, and she married (second husband) U. S. G. Finkbinder; Morris, and John. Mrs. Freed is a Lutheran. Her husband was reared in the Dunkard church, but is not attending to any creed very strictly.