My Genealogy Hound

JACOB L. FREED. Isaac Freed, father of Jacob L. Freed, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Franconia township, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in that township in such schools as were available at that period. After leaving school he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and continued in the occupation of farming the remainder of his life. He was also a drover, and was known far and wide in that capacity, having a reputation for handling good stock. In politics he was a very active Republican, and lost no opportunity of furthering the interests of its principles and candidates. He married early in life, and among the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Freed was Jacob L. Freed.

Jacob L. Freed was born on the homestead in Upper Salford township, August 23, 1858. He was educated in the public schools of the township and before completing his education became a resident of Franconia township, to which his parents removed. He attended the Franconia schools some time, and on leaving school studies became an apprentice to the carpenter trade. He was employed at the carpenter trade for eight years, and then removed from Franconia township to the borough of Lansdale, and took a position in the Ruth Agricultural Shops, remaining with that firm until 1887, when he decided to go into business for himself. Accordingly he purchased a property centrally located in Lansdale, and commenced the manufacture of implements used by farmers, making pumps, and attending to plumbing and repairs of all kinds. He has made a success of his business, giving excellent satisfaction to his patrons, and his business increasing from year to year. He employs a large force of workmen, and is constantly adding improvements to his outfit. He married Miss Maria Hackman, daughter of Henry Hackman, a farmer of Hatfield township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob L. Freed: Lillian, married W. H. Rosenberger; Warren H., and Lester. In politics, Mr. Freed is a thoroughgoing Republican, working earnestly for the success of the party ticket, and doing his best at all times to promote its interests. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Improved Order of Red Men; the Ancient Order of Knights of the Mystic Chain, and the Masonic Order, in all which he is an active member. He is a popular citizen and stands well in the community, few men more so. He is a successful business man, and ever ready to promote the interests of those around him.

The Freeds are an old family in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and are of German descent, their ancestor having come to this country more than a century and a half ago. For many generations they have been an industrious and thrifty people, and are among the most substantial farmers of the upper townships of the two counties.

Members of the Freed (Freid) family were among the early settlers of Salford township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. In the list of taxables of 1734 is found the name of Hans Freid, owning one hundred acres of land. In the assessment of Lower Salford in 1776, John Freid is mentioned as holding one hundred acres, and Peter Freid as holding 290 acres of land, one servant, three horses and seven cattle. Peter Freid had two daughters and a son John. To his son he deeded a water right, May 4, 1775, on a part of the Gabriel Schuler property, for a dam to irrigate the meadow, which is kept in good repair to the present time. There was at least one other son. Peter Freid had purchased the farm from Hans Reiff, in March, 1736. He had resided on the place thirty-nine years, and in the erection of the Salford Mennonite meeting house he was a liberal contributor. His death occurred in 1791, aged about seventy-six years. The Freeds are still landholders in the township, residing near the Franconia line.