Azariah Freeman, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Azariah Freeman
Obituary - Azariah Freeman.
Azariah Freeman was born in Mansfield township, Tolland county, Conn., May 23, 1809, and died at his home in Valparaiso, February 25, 1885, aged 75 years, 9 months and 2 days. He was married to Amanda Crane, of Mansfield, Conn., October 11, 1831. To them were born four children -- two sons and two daughters. The sons both died in early childhood: the mother and daughters live to mourn their great loss.
He came to Indiana in 1838, settling in Elkhart county, where he remained until the early part of 1843, when he removed to Morgan Prairie, this county. Here he remained on his farm until 1850, when, with the company of others, he made an overland trip to California. The following spring he returned and spent a year on his farm. At this time, having received the appointment of Swamp Land Commissioner, he sold his farm and came to Valparaiso, since which time he remained one of its most honored and respected citizens. So upright and faithful was he in the discharge of his duties as Swamp Land Commissioner, that he was kept in that position for eighteen years. He has been intimately and prominently connected with all the interests of the community during his more than thirty years of residence among us. This has been especially true of the religious and educational interests of the community. He took a prominent and active part in establishing the Valparaiso Male and Female College. To him also belongs, in a great measure, the credit of the establishment of the Northern Indiana Normal School in our midst. He has always taken a lively interest in the public schools, and was a trustee for twelve years.
He was connected and united with the M. E. church shortly after coming to this State, and up to the day of his death maintained an upright, honored Christian character. While he was demonstrative in his christian life, yet he did not lack fervency, and was always true and reliable. His seat was never vacant in the house of God, unless he was providentially kept away. His hand was always ready to contribute liberally to the support of every good work. He loved the church and all her institutions, and contributed cheerfully and largely of his means to her support. One week ago last Sabbath morning, in our quarterly love feast, he arose in his place and said: "I have been telling the story of the cross for about fifty years. I am not tired of telling it, and I expect soon to tell it on the shores of the better land." Little did any of us then think that he would so soon be called to realize the fulfillment of his words. An hour and a half later he kneeled with his companion and brethren and sisters at the altar of the church, and received at our hands the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord and Master. He occupied his seat in the church for the last time on the Thursday night following. He then turned away to die -- aye, to live! When the death-clumber had settled upon him, and at the request of his companion, Brother Banta, who was at his bedside, aroused him, his first utterance was, "Everyone should give their hearts to Jesus." Then, when asked by his wife if all was well and he could trust Jesus, in his familiar characteristic way he said, "Oh, yes." He seemed to think he was on a journey, and as he sank back again into his death-slumber he was heard to say, "I am now ready to change cars." And change cars he did a few moments later. He changed from an earthly to a heavenly coach. The long, weary pilgimage of the earthly life was ended -- the grand, glorious heavenly life was begun. His long-cherished hopes have more than been realized, for the goal has been reached, the victory won, the crown obtained. Could he speak to us to day from his celestial home, he would bid us be faithful to the trust committed to our hands to be faithful unto death.
Newspaper: Porter County Vidette
Date of Publication: March 5, 1885
Volume Number: 29
Issue Number: 10
Page: 3
Column(s): 4
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook