FREEMAN Elizabeth Jane

Other Events and Attributes:

• First Communion: 30 May 1945, St. Marks Church
• Confirmation: 08 Jul 1948, St. Marks Church

Notes:

Became a nun, professed March 9, 1957
Final vows August 6 1962 sister of St. Joseph of Carondalet
SSN: 469-38-0915

Worked as an elementary school teacher in the St. Paul Public Schools until retirement June 16, 1997 after 30 years of service.

Christen: July 4, 1937 in Franklin, Renville Co., Minnesota in Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Presented by Brian Freeman at Betty's one year memorial:

The Life of Betty Leedom


Betty was born June 22, 1937, the last surviving and middle child of 7 siblings:
Charles Robert 73
Gertrude Mary 0 Stillborn in 1934
Patricia Ann 41
Elizabeth Jane 76
Mary Kathleen 1
John McDonough 64
Margaret Joanne 66

Betty and family grew up in Franklin, MN near the Lower Sioux Indian Reservation in Morton, MN. This was the 3rd generation of Freemans living in Franklin.

Her grandfather, Charles Etson Freeman, owned a firm called Poss & Freeman starting in 1909 as a partnership. By 1915 they split the business and named it “Freeman Furniture, Lumber, and Undertaking”, which tells you what he did. Charles E. was a very prominent person in Franklin and married to Kathryn Elizabeth Brown “Katy” for 51 years. Charles E. kept the store until 1950, a year before he died, at the age of 81. To date, he has over 109 descendants.

Of his 8 children, Charles Lyle Freeman became Betty’s Father and married Bernice Hart, or “Bee.” As many know, Bee is our link to Native American ancestry. She was enrolled at White Earth, the same as Betty. Bee died at the age of 84 and Charles L. at 51.

At about 19 years old, Betty took her vows at ST. Joseph of Corondalet, becoming a nun. As many do when they enter the church, they will choose a name they will be called while they serve god.

Betty cared so deeply for her younger sister who died at the age of one, she took her name and was known as Sister Mary Kathleen Freeman. While in the convent, Sister Mary Kathleen worked towards and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Saint Catherine on July 21st, 1966.

Betty stayed in the convent and followed her vows 10 years, until she asked to be released of her vows in 1967, about a month after I was born. I found out only in the last 10 years that she was my God Mother.

At almost the same time, Betty was offered a job with the St. Paul School System teaching 1st grade students at Riverview Elementary School. Nine years later, she married Robert Leedom in Las Vegas, on July 28th, 1976.

Betty continued to work for the St. Paul school system as an elementary teacher until June 16th, 1997 after 30 years of service.

Betty also remained loyal to Bob as his wife for 20 years until he passed on Jun 28, 1996 at the age of 72. They loved each other and supported each other in marriage and life.

Betty remained highly active in the church since she was a nun. She had close ties to her aunt, Sister Gurtrude. Gurtrude spent most of her 88 years serving the church as a nun.

Betty’s interests outside of the church included her love for children. Many of us here have worn clothing as toddlers that Betty made just for each of us. She has taken us into her home many times as children and adults just because she cared for us. She cared deeply for most of her family, though she never had any kids of her own. This is one of her biggest legacies.

She also had a love for crafts. Those of you who saw her home (especially the basement) have seen that. She loved to make clothing, dolls, cards, beading, and many other things for other people.

She enjoyed working on the family tree and was my first source of information when I started getting into genealogy. Since then we now have information on over 50,000 relatives.

Betty was also interested in her Native American heritage. Though it was many generations ago now, we come from a native woman given the white name of Marguerite Racine. Her Indian name was O-Ge-mau-gee-Shi-go-Qua or Queen of The Skies. She was married to a French Canadian Bazile Beaulieu, a highly documented family.

Betty attended occasional pow wows with me and some drum practices for a while. About 15 years ago she asked the same person that did the pipe ceremony for Pam and me at our wedding, to perform a naming ceremony for her. She had always wanted an Indian name. Unfortunately, that never happened.

Though we come from an Ojibwe heritage, I myself have learned and follow the Lakota/Dakota ways.

In the Dakota way, traditionally a person has 4 names through out their life. They are given a name at birth, and then another when becoming an adult. Later in life it is common to have another name that is used. Finally, in death a name is given to the person for the spirits to use in the after life.

When she was born, Betty’s given name was Elizabeth Jane. When she joined the convent she took the name of Sister Mary Kathleen. After leaving the convent her commonly used name was Betty.

Since Betty was never able to receive the Indian name she wanted, I have decided to give her an Indian name to take with her to the spirit world.

I hereby give her the name of

Koskala Awankiciyanka

In Lakota, this means: She who looks after the young.


Finally, I want to sing a memorial song in her honor. The tradition is to allow 1 year to mourn the loss of a loved one. At the end of a year a memorial is held to honor that person and then release their spirit. There should be no more mourning after our memorial today, for Betty.

The song I am about to sing says in Lakota:

Where have you gone?
Your relatives are crying, looking for you.


Tuwe sita ku
Tokaia iyahay, Tokia iyahay
Mitakuye Koyo
Cayio onikeylepelo
Cayi a u wey
Cayi a u wey
Oka tika loyo


Thank you.

Died:
"Betty" ~ (nee: Freeman) Age 76, of St. Paul
Betty died unexpectedly on September 26, 2013 at Regions Hospital of complications from heart surgery.

Betty and Bob were married in Las Vegas on July 28, 1976. They love to travel to Las Vegas and to visit friends and family around the country. Betty touched many lives in her 40 years as an elementary school teacher in St. Paul and through her work in her church and with the Franciscan Brothers of Peace and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Betty enjoyed crafts of all kinds and introduced many nieces, nephews and friends to the world of crafts and sewing. Betty was also a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. She was also a member of Postulant Class of '54.

She was preceded in death by beloved husband Robert, parents Charles and Bernice, siblings Charles, Getrude Mary, Patricia, Mary Kathleen, John and Joanne.

Survived by sisters-in-law Carol Freeman and Irene Pruzan. Nieces and nephews: Sue Lamotte (John Polzin), Michelle Giguere (Tim), Sheila Heuer (Kevin), Jane LaMotte, Dan LaMotte (Stephanie), Bob Freeman, Tim Freeman (Kathy), Patrick Freeman (Barb), Doug Freeman (Laurie), Brian Freeman (Pam), Pam Foster (Rich), Tom Freeman (Beth), Karen Rodriguez, Gretchen Flynn (Brian), Heidi Franke (Matt).

Great Nieces and Nephews: Tim, Molly, Danny Quinn, Andy, Kenny, Kimberly and Ali Freeman, Michael, Molly, Patrick Flynn, Emma, Rebecca, Charlie Franke, Jackson, Kristin Foster, Tucker, Owen, Gavin, Finn Freeman, Jackson, Gabby LaMotte and many other great and great-great nieces and nephews. Also, survived by special Grandson, Tommy Polzin. Betty was a special friend of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am Monday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1801 LaCrosse Ave., St. Paul, visitation at church 9:30 to 10:30 Monday September 30th. Burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred. Arr. Chapel Funeral Providers, 651-224-8080.

Elizabeth married LEEDOM Robert Allison on 28 Jul 1976 in Las Vegas, Clark Co., NV. Robert (son of LEEDOM Calbert Harry and KRAFT Elsie Marie) was born on 19 Aug 1923 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN; died on 28 Jun 1996 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Married in Las Vegas, NV 7-28-76 and 11-76 in St. Paul Blessed Sacrament Church

Notes:

6th born

Was an Undertaker and Merchant of furniture, lumber, & coal

Social Security Number: 469-05-8570

Charles received an honorable discharge from the United State Army on November 5, 1944 at Separation Center, WD Personnel Center #1772, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
37585837, Technician Fifth Grade, Hq Co, IRTC, Fort McClellan, Ala.

Died:
Burial in National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
Grave 4104, Section G

Charles married HART Bernice Louella on 07 Feb 1931 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. Bernice (daughter of HART Robert Stephen (John Sphenen) and CHANDONNET Mary Jane) was born on 08 Jun 1908 in Beaulieu, Becker Co., MN; died on 02 Jan 1983 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Occupation: Nurses Aid at Bethesda Hospital
SSN: 470-26-8523
Bee was enrolled in the Pembina band of Cass Lake Chippewa.

Last Address:
200 Arch E.
Apt 811
St. Paul, MN 55101

Died:
Died in Ramsey Hospital, St. Paul, MN
Cause of death:
Sepsis due to Bacterial pneumonia and candidiasis
Other significant condition:
Coronary Artery Disease (status post CAB) Squamous cell CA lung
Burial in national Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
Grave 4104 Section G

Notes:

Married:
Catholic Church of St Mark

Notes:

In 1909 the firm of Poss and Freeman rented out their vacuum cleaner
by the day - the easy way to clean the house without taking up the
carpets.

The firm of Poss and Freeman, one of the oldest firms in Franklin,
dissolved partnership in January 1915. Poss took over the hardware
and farm implement business and Freeman took the furniture and lumber
part of the business. The men were in partnership for 19 years. The new
store name was "Freeman Furniture, Lumber and Undertaking."

In 1918, the flu epidemic continued throughout the year, and many
deaths were attributed to the dread disease. To curb the spread of
the flu, public gatherings were stopped and funerals were not allowed
to be held in the churches. This was an order received by C.E.
Freeman, the local undertaker. Mayor L.H. Kirwin ordered schools
closed and all activities cancelled for the month of November.

In 1950, H.J. Poss bought the Freeman Lumber Yards from C.E. Freeman.
The purchase included several sheds, lumber and material. In August,
The Freeman Furniture Store was sold to Leanard McAdams of St. Peter.
Mr. McAdams was also a licensed undertaker.

Died:
Burial Feb 8, 1951 in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

I, Charles E. Freeman, (also sometimes known as C. E. Freeman) of Franklin, Renville County, Minnesota, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all wills and codicils heretofore made by me.

(1) I direct my representatives hereinafter named, to pay out of the corpus of my estate the expenses of my last illness and funeral expenses, if not otherwise provided for, and the expenses of administration and all inheritance, setae and legacy taxes which may be levied against my estate or the beneficiaries named herein.

(2) I give, devise and bequeath all of my estate of whatever kind or description, real, personal or mixed, to my wife, Kathryn E. Freeman (also known as Kate E. Freeman) if living at the time of my death.

(3) In the event, however, that my wife should precedease me, then I give, devise and bequeath all of the estate to my children Ethel M. Freeman, Gladys M. Freeman, and Bernice Nelson, in equal shares, share and share alike, to the exclusion of my other children, and my other children have been omitted intentionally and have not bee omitted by inadvertence or mistake.

(4) In determining my estate, I hereby direct that any indebtedness owing from my children or any of them to me at the time of my death, whether evidence by notes or other instruments, is forgiven and such indebtedness shall not become a part of my estate.

(5) I hereby nominate and appoint my daughters, Ethel M. Freeman, Gladys M. Freeman, and Bernice Nelson, or either of them as they may see fit, to be the executrixes of this my Last Will and Testament, granting to them full authority to sell, mortgage, encumber, or in any manner to dispose of any or all of my estate without permission from the Probate Court, and request that they be permitted to serve by giving the minimum bond which may be required by law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal at St. Paul, Minnesota, this 27th day of September, 1946.

The foregoing instrument was signed, published and declared by Charles E. Freeman (also sometimes known as C. E. Freeman), as and for his Last Will and Testament, at ST. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, on the 27th day of September, 1946, in our presence, and in the presence of each of us, and we, the undersigned, at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto set our hands as attesting and subscribing witnesses at the same time and place.

Signed:

Eileen Fitzgerald residing at 2143 Grand Ave., St. Paul
Johna Burns residing at 554 Holly Ln, St. Paul

Charles married BROWN Kathryn Elizabeth on 30 Apr 1894 in Franklin, Renville Co., MN. Kathryn (daughter of (Jr) James Brown and GOGGIN Mary Anne) was born on 29 Jan 1871 in Morton, Renville Co., MN; died on 19 Oct 1947 in Franklin, Renville Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

One more daughter
Occupation: Homemaker, teacher before marriage

Died:
Burial October 5 1951 in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.

Notes:

Married:
Wed in Henryville church in Renville county. Married over 50 years

Notes:

Occupation: Farmer East of Waubun, MN

Eventually Robert Hart and Mary Jane Chandonette lived in the home established by his father James in the Menohman area and started their family there. There is a small church and a cemetery in Beaulieu. Many of the Hart relatives
are buried there.

Robert Stephen (Bob) married Jane Chandonett and farmed east of Waubun for a number of years. They then moved to St. Paul where they lived the rest of their lives. Robert Stephen was born in December of 1888 and died in 1953 in St. Paul, MN. Jane was cook at St. Thomas College until shortly before her death. Their children included Donovan, Herbert, Bernice, Lucille, Helen, Ann Marie, Mary Jane, and Robert.

Died:
Buried on October 24, 1953 in Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN

Robert married CHANDONNET Mary Jane on 18 Jun 1907 in Beaulieu, Becker Co., MN. Mary (daughter of CHANDONNET Onesime and BRANCHAUD Julia) was born on 06 Feb 1886 in Beaulieu, Becker Co., MN; died on 02 Dec 1937 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From White Earth
Mary Jane was a well respected woman in the community. She was well known for getting things done in the area. The Hart house at one time was made into a school. Mary Jane was also a teacher.

Occupation: Cook at St. Thomas College, St. Paul, MN

Died:
Buried on December 3rd, 1937 in Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN

Notes:

Moved to New York after 1860. In 1880 the family lived in Westport
town in Essex County.
Was an ore miner.

More About GEORGE HENRY FREEMAN:
Fact 1: June 03, 1841, Bapt. Hemmingford E.Anglican, Huntingdon Co.,
Que.

George married MCDONOUGH Mary before 1866. Mary (daughter of MCDONOUGH John and (McDonough) Bridget) was born in 1836 in Ireland; died on 05 Sep 1925 in Hector, Renville Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Move to New York from Ireland between 1843 and 1849.

Died:
5 SEP

Notes:

James, Mary Anne, and their children James, Mary Ann, and Edmund
moved to St. Peter, Minnesota in 1868. From there they journeyed by
ox team to Norfolk Township near Birch Cooley in 1869. There James
took up farming, and there the following children were born; David,
Katherine, Ellen, Edward, Patrick and Sarah.

James Brown II died in 1881 when he was run over by a train in Birch
Cooley. The obituaries say that he got drunk and passed out on the
tracks and the train ran over his legs, amputating both of them.

Died:
Burial in St. Patrick's New Birch Cooley, Renville, MN.
James died in a railroad accident.

James married GOGGIN Mary Anne on 04 Nov 1861 in Tingwick, Arthabasha County, Quebec, Canada. Mary (daughter of GOGGIN Edmund and HODNETT Mary Ann) was born on 17 Aug 1843 in Shipton, Quebec, Canada; died on 18 Oct 1920 in Franklin, Renville Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Moved to Birch Cooley, Renville, MN in 1868

Died:
Burial October 20, 1920 in St. Patrick's New Birch cooley, Renville,
MN.

Notes:

Residence: Westport Twp., Pope Co., MN; 1903, Mahnomen Co.

James served as volunteer teamster and surveyer under General Custer. James and Jane served on the town and school board in Beaulieu and were instrumental in starting the Hart School.

Gertrude and Grandpa Hart were best buddies when they were young. Great Grandpa James Hart drove a wagon with General Custer at the age of 16. He was apparently orphaned at a very early age. Took care of his siblings because he had some of them living with him after he married our grandmother, Jane Wamsley. In the early 1900's when the native indians were first able to sell their land, the Hart's (James) moved to the Menhoman area and bought a farm.

James farmed in Glenwood, MN from 1879 to 1901.
James and Jane served on the town and school board in Beaulieu and were instrumental in starting the Hart School.

JAMES R. HART 1855-1935
James R. Hart was born in Madison, Wisconsin on September 25, 1855. His father was Patrick Hart who was born in Ireland on June 15,1829. Patrick.was married in
Ireland on July 10, 1845 and died June 10, 1873. He is buried in the Lake Amelia Cemetery in Pope County, Minnesota. James came to Glenwood, Minnesota with his
parents when quite young. He married Jane Wamsley in Glenwood in 1879 and farmed near there until 1901. Their children were all born near there at Villard, a town
which came into existence later. Mr. Hart served as volunteer teamster and as a surveyor under General George A. Custer in 1876.
The Hart's came to Lagarde Township, Mahnomen County, in 1904 and James farmed there until his wife died on May 23, 1923. After that, he and his younger children
went to live with son, Bert on what was known as the Taylor farm. James helped his son with the farm work until Bert moved to Bemidji in 1927. From then he divided his time with family members until his death on July 13, 1935 at the Frank Hart home. This had been the original family home.

The James R. Hart Family
Lagarde Township, Mahnomen County, MN.
It was in 1905, three years before the building of the railroad, that James and Jane Hart, with their ten children, decided to leave their home at Villard, Minnesota and come to this area. They came by covered wagon, herding their cattle; the boys taking turns walking behind them.
The family settled first at Duane, near Fosston, where Jane was postmistress. Three years later they moved to a small farm mostly woodland, in Lagarde township. They first had a log cabin for a home but as soon as possible they built a small frame house, which I am sure was crowded with five boys and five girls. According to stories told by them, it was a happy, lively home with many get-togethers and activities, a great deal of good natured humor, love and good food. One of the stories my Dad liked to tell about was when his older sisters had beaus call on them, he and his brothers would sit on the stairs and giggle and make strange noises.
James and his sons earned their living as woodsmen until they had enough farmland cleared. They had some interesting stories to tell about lumbering; hauling the logs out of the woods with horses and wagons or sleighs. They cut lumber for the Bliss sawmill, among others. My grandfather liked to tell USA about the wildcats and wolves that worried the lumbermen.
While living in Lagarde Township, the Hart family attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Beaulieu. I can remember as a child riding to church in the back of a truck as we did not have a working car. Other times we went in a buggy or sleigh. The family was active in community and township affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Hart were on the town board and the school board. They had many friends whom they visited and entertained. They liked to attend dances in the school house and barn raisings, etc. James and Jane had five boys and girls:

Died:
Cause of death: Anemia, arterial sclerosis, nephritis.

James married WAMSLEY Jane Barbara on 27 Nov 1879 in Glenwood, MN. Jane (daughter of WAMSLEY Edward J. and COSGROVE Mary Byrne) was born on 25 Feb 1857 in Ontario, Canada Huron Co.; died on 20 May 1923 in Lagarde Twp, MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jane moved from Ireland to Glenwood, MN in 1871.
Jane taught school at Glenwood and Villard until her marriage.
James and Jane served on the town and school board in Beaulieu and
were instrumental in starting the Hart School.

Jane Wamsley came from Canada in the early 1900's. She also taught
school.17

JANE WAMSLEY HART
Jane Wamsley Hart was born February 25, 1857 in Ontario, Canada. She
was baptized on April 17, 1858 at St. Peter's Catholic Church at St.
Joseph, Ontario. Jane's parents, Edward and Mary Byrne Cosgrove, had migrated from Ireland
to Stanley township in Ontario, Canada; Edward in 1845 and Mary about
1853.
In 1871 Jane's family moved to Glenwood, Minnesota where she
attended school long enough to get a teacher's certificate. She
taught school in the Glenwood and Villard
area until her marriage on November 27, 1877 to James R. Hart at
Long Prairie, Minnesota. They lived at Villard for twenty years.
In 1901 the family moved to Duane, Minnesota (a town now extinct)
where she helped organize the post office and worked there for a
while. In 1904 the Hart's moved to
Lagarde township, Mahnomen County. Land had just been opened up for
purchase from the Indians on the White Earth Reservation. Jane was
the first teacher at the
Sunshine School (Hart School) and was on the school board as was
James for many years.
Jane worked hard raising her family of five boys and 5 girls in this
rural setting without electricity, running water and other
conveniences. She taught her children herself
and they all grew to be intelligent, hard working people people. Her
daughters learned to sew and bake and were excellent homemakers. Two
of her daughters opened a
millinery establishment where they made and sold hats. Though I was
only years old when she died, I can remember her big delicious sugar
cookies. I had hats and scarfs
Grandma Jane had made for many years and they were lovely. From what
people who knew her have said and the newspaper clipping at the time
of her death she spent a lot
of time helping friends and neighbors when needed in times of
trouble and sickness. She was an extremely pleasant lady and showed a
lot of humor and wit. She had to be
good-natured to keep up with all the company that visited at their
small home.
Jane died on May 20, 1923 at her home in Lagarde Township, Mahnomen
County, Minnesota. She was buried at St. Joseph's Church at Beaulieu,
Minnesota.
[By Patricia (Peggy) Hart Bisek --daughter of Albert Hart Oct. 1989]

Notes:

Married:
5 boys and 5 girls all born near Villard

Notes:

Occupation: Lumber yard owner operator

In 1909 Onesime's family moved from Rosedale Township to Waubun. The
Chandonnet's had a lumber mill in Oakland township for about 20
years, and built the Chondonnet Lumber Yard in Waubun.

"Onesimus Chandonnet was born in the district of Three Rivers,
Canada, on the 18th of May, 1855. When 16 years of age, he came to
Michigan, working on the Saginaw
river. Then, removing to Massachusetts, he was employed on the
Hoosac Tunnel until 1878, when he came to this county, and has since
resided on a farm. Mr.
Chandonnet was married to Miss Julia Branchard on the 4th of July,
1879. They have one son." [History of the Upper Mississippi Valley,
p. 594]

His baptism at Deschaillons, Quebec shows a date of 27 May 1853

Onesime married BRANCHAUD Julia on 02 Jul 1879. Julia (daughter of BRANCHAUD John and BISSON Archange) was born on 22 Jan 1860 in Little Falls, MN; died on 02 Jun 1948 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]