Lake County Obituaries

W. H. Freeman

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Winters Express, Friday Dec 23 1932

RITES HELD FOR LAST GAR VETERAN 
W. H. Freeman, Winters last Grand Army of the Republic Veteran passed away at 
the home of his son, A. B. Freeman Saturday. 
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church Monday afternoon at 2 
o’clock his pastor Charles P. Barkman delivering the address. A number of 
members of the Winters Post American legion were in attendance in a body. Song 
service was rendered by C.P. and C.S. Culton and Mrs. N.A. McArthur. 
Rev. Barkman gave a short resume of Mr. Freeman’s life and his principles as 
exemplified by his Christian conduct. Mr. Freeman joined the Presbyterian Church 
in Missouri and united with the Winters church in 1882. It was his custom to sit 
in a certain pew and when at any Sunday service his seat was vacant, Rev. 
Barkman said it was not asked “ Is he sick?” but rather “Let’s go and see how 
sick he is.” As a tribute to Mr. Freeman’s fidelity, a wreath was placed on his 
vacant pew. He was a consistent Christian and lived his beliefs. He prepared his 
fires so it was not necessary to light fires for cooking on Sunday. He lived the 
Golden Rule when in these days when that is not easy. His live was one of 
simplicity and his influence never for bad but always for good. He was always in 
jovial spirits and exemplified the joys of Christian life. 
He was born in Missouri in 1847, one of a family of 7 brothers and 2 sisters 
coming to California in 1873, locating first in Lake County. He came to Winters 
in 1880 when the town was but five years young. With the exception of seven 
years spent in the southern part of the state, Winters was has been his home 
ever since. Six children were born to them, his wife passing away in 1889. Three 
children survive. They are A. B. Freeman of Winters, A. C. Freeman of Woodland 
and Mrs. Agnes Boles of Pomona. There are 14 grand children and 12 great 
grandchildren. 
He joined the Union Army as a volunteer and saw hard service in the Missouri 
campaign. At the graveside, services were held by the Winters Post Charles 
McDonald commander. The firing squad and bugler sounded taps was from the unit 
and the National Guard from Woodland. 
Pall bearers were W.D. Overhouse, F.E. Wilson, H.E. Mermod, Dan Felix, N.A. 
McArthur and W.I. Baker. W.C. McNary was in charge. 
Relatives in attendance from out of town were James B. Appleby, a half-brother 
of Merced, Mrs. C.B. Boles and her two daughters from Pomona, William Freeman 
and wife from Rocklin, and Avery C Freeman and family from Woodland.