early homesteader

[Kansas Jake]

Here is another picture of him.

 

[TrapperDude]

View attachment 155887

Here is another picture of him.

That better image clears up a lot of questions about his rifle. Thanks for posting it!

 

[Kansas Jake]

Freeman was an interesting man. When I found the above picture I also found a reference to him being the successful plaintiff in a separation of church and state case. And we think those issues are new. It involved using the Bible to teach in school.

 

[senseisugarbear]

This picture raises more questions than answers.A bit confusing. Maybe he was the First of the Freeman family to homestead in Ne. The 2nd picture shows to be taken in Beatrice, Ne. that's in Thayer Co. Ne. Nebraska became a State in 1867......It is Interesting though......Be Safe >>>>Wally

 

[Kansas Jake]

Both pictures were likely taken when he was elderly. He died in 1908 and was 82. The rifle may be the same one but some of the other items may have been props.

 

[tenngun]

Had to be a posed picture, with that pig sticker slung in that area it he were to take a tumble he’d be able to sing in the girl’s choir come Sunday

He wouldn’t have to worry. The way he has that axe any fall would give him a chance to sup with his ancestors

 

[senseisugarbear]

Both pictures were likely taken when he was elderly. He died in 1908 and was 82. The rifle may be the same one but some of the other items may have been props.

It does'nt really matter, That picture is a priceless family hierloom to someone. Any way We resolve it can only be Speculation...TO THE FAMILY.....Celebrate his life !!!! Be Safe>>>>> Wally

 

[Kansas Jake]

Also an important picture given his place in Nebraska history and the homestead act in general.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

View attachment 155887

Here is another picture of him.

Interesting assortment of arms he is carrying!!

 

[Rifleman1776]

That better image clears up a lot of questions about his rifle. Thanks for posting it!

Good pic, priceless. Thanks for posting.

 

[DuncNZ]

A lot of these early photographs were posed in studios , the second one certainly was . The firearm etc could have been supplied by the photographer , the , knife , pistol and belt are different , the belt has , what looks like , cartridge loops in it , the axe and powder horn have gone . The photographers of the time were not concerned with historical accuracy but liked to dress up the subject to make things look more interesting . The musket is about the same height to his shoulder in both pictures . They are still important and interesting glimpses of the past .