RIGMEFreeman
EDWARD LIVINGSTON FREEMAN 1835-1907
Grand Master 1879-1880
MEMORIAL
From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 6, March 1907, Page 223:
Edward L. Freeman, one of the most prominent citizens of Rhode Island and one of its best known members of the Masonic fraternity, died after a week's illness at his home in Central Falls, Rhode Island, February 24.
Brother Edward Livingston Freeman was born at Waterville, Me., September 10, 1835. He was the son of Rev. Edward and Harriet E. (Colburn) Freeman. His father was a graduate of Brown University and became a teacher of high repute. His mother also possessed a liberal education and the son received a good preparatory training for college at home. Instead of going to college, however, he entered the printing office of A. W. Pearce of Pawtucket as an apprentice, subsequently worked in the printing office of Knowles, Anthony & Co., of Providence, and in 1864 started a small printing office of his own in Central Falls. That office was the nucleus of the business done by the present firm of E. E. Freeman & Sons. In 1869 Mr. Freeman began the publication of a weekly newspaper, which he continued to edit and publish for several years. He took a partner in 1873, and the firm was known as E. L. Freeman & Co., until 1886, when the partner retired, and William C. Freeman, a son, became a partner in the business.
In March, 1896, Mr. Freeman's second son, Joseph W., was admitted to the firm and became the general manager of the printing department. Since 1877 all the official printing of the state of Rhode Island, including the Public Laws and all reports and documents, has been done by the firm at Central Falls, In 1888 the house opened a book and stationery store in Pawtucket, and the volume of business in that and the Providence store, which had been acquired previously, increased from year to year.
Mr. Freeman had for many years been one of the most important factors in the public life of the state. For a period of 32 years he served in the General Assembly, and during that time his wide experience gave him opportunities that come to few men. His interest in the public life of the community was extended into many channels. Having a naturally charitable disposition, those who know best declare that his private charities were widespread, and that many people have felt his benefactions of which the world has no knowledge.
His legislative life began in 1868, when he was elected from the old town of Smithfield, and again in the following year. In 1870-71 he was senator from that town, and in 1871-72 he was senator from the town of Lincoln. He was representative from Lincoln 1874-7 and 1879-89, being Speaker of the House from May, 1874 to 1876. He was elected senator from the town of Lincoln in 1892, to which position he was re-elected each year until 1903. During that time he became a power in the upper branch of the legislature, and was the recognized leader of the Republican Party in that branch. He was chairman of the judiciary committee for many years, and being a fluent speaker with clear and positive ideas, his influence was great. To him moie than any other one man was due the separation of Central Falls from the town of Lincoln and the chartering of the former as a city.
In 1888 he was made the railroad commissioner, which position he held until his death. Before the militia of the state was organized he was colonel of the Union Guard, one of the oldest military organizations in the state.
Joining the Central Falls Congregational church in 1855 he has always been a prominent worku and since 1883, lacking a year of a quarter of a century, he has been the superintendent of the Sabbath school, this branch of the church being one in which he always evinced a deep interest.
In Masonic affairs he became distinguished above most members of his craft, filling nearly every important office in the Order in the state.
He joined Union Lodge, No. 10, of Pawtucket June 15, 1864, and after filling subordinate positions was in 1868 elected Worshipful Master, serving in that capacity for two years. May 19, 1873, he was appointed Second District Deputy Grand Master, serving for two years, and in 1875 he was appointed Deputy Grand Master. He was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1879 and served two years. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Pawtucket Chapter in 1865, and was Grand High Priest during 1885 and '86 in the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island. He joined Holy Sepulchre Commandery, No. 8, K. T., of Pawtucket in 1865, and served as #minent Commander for three years, beginning in 1870.
In the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Mr. Freeman served in various offices and was elected Grand Commander in 1889. He was a 33d degree Mason.
On Nov. 10, 1858, Mr. Freeman married Emma E. Brown of Central Falls, by which union there have been seven children, three of whom two sous and one daughter survive, the oldest living son being Mayor Joseph W. Freeman, the present Chief Executive of Central Falls.
