Schoharie County NYGenWeb Site
Schoharie County NYGenWeb Site
scanned for web-site by Peter Ann Stenberg
The father of the subject of this sketch was John, or as he was commonly called, Johannes Freemire, one of the first settlers of Cobleskill. He was the only one of the family that survived the conflict of 1778, particularily described in the Chapter relating to the town of Cobleskill, excepting a brother who fled to Canada with the unscrupulous Zea.
At the close of the war, John removed to Breakabeen, and was married to a sister of Christian Bouck. John, Jr. was there born January 20, 1785, and was reared under the prevailing rules of those days, in industry and frugality, with but little if any educational advantages, beyond those afforded by daily intercourse and dealings with neighbors in the interchange of produce, etc.
Mr. Freemire was united in marriage with CAtherine Bartholomew in the year 1809 and lived upon the homestead farm, which he cleared of timber and which is now inherited and occupied by his son, William H., and there resided until his death, which occurred August 22, 1876. He was an earnest Democrat of the old school and a firm friend of his neighbor and townsman, William C. Bouck. The Governor's confidence in his honesty and strict adherence to systematic rules of performing duty, led to the appointment of Mr. Freemire as Guard at the Sub-Treasury in New York City. He held that position of trust three years and returned to his home.
Not aspiring to official positions, he was but once elected to office and then as Justice of the Peace, although repeatedly urged to accept that and honors. His characteristic spirit of retirement led him to refuse a compliance with the earnest and oft repeated appeals of his townsmen.
His married life was blessed in rearing a large family of children who have proven themselves useful and energetic citizens, such as reflect credit upon the wise counsels and examples of honest parents. They are Mrs. John B. Waldron, of Breakabeen; John Freemyer, of Cassopolis, Mich.; Mrs. Wm. Woolford, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; William H. of Breakabeen; and Abram of Middleburgh. Mrs. Ephriam Patterson also was a daughter but died several years ago, as did her patriotic husband who received injuries that proved fatal while in the late rebellion.
The family name was originally spelled Frimire, but of late has been changed to Freemyer with the common consent of all branches of the family.
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