John D. Freeman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John D. Freeman
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| Attorney General of Mississippi | |
| In office 1841–1850 |
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| Preceded by | T.F. Collins |
| Succeeded by | David C. Glenn |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1853 |
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| Preceded by | William McWillie |
| Succeeded by | Otho R. Singleton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1817 Cooperstown, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 17, 1886 Canon City, Colorado, U.S. |
| Resting place | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Unionist |
John D. Freeman (1817–January 17, 1886) was an important American lawyer and politician from Mississippi. He served as the Attorney General for Mississippi and later as a U.S. Representative in Congress.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John D. Freeman was born in 1817 in Cooperstown, New York. He went to the local schools there. Later, he moved to Mississippi and settled in a town called Grand Gulf.
Becoming a Lawyer
In Mississippi, John D. Freeman studied law. After his studies, he was allowed to practice law as an attorney. He worked as a district attorney, which means he represented the government in court cases. He then moved to Natchez, Mississippi.
Attorney General of Mississippi
From 1841 to 1851, John D. Freeman held a very important job: he was the Attorney General of Mississippi. This role meant he was the chief legal officer for the state. During this time, he also wrote a book in 1844. This book contained important legal decisions from the Chancery Court of Mississippi.
Serving in Congress
In 1851, John D. Freeman was elected to the Thirty-second Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative for Mississippi from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 1853. He was elected as a member of the Unionist Party. This party believed in keeping the United States together, especially during a time when there were many disagreements between different parts of the country.
Important Legal Work
While serving as Attorney General, John D. Freeman was involved in a significant court case called Mitchell v. Wells. This case was about whether a man could legally leave property to his daughter, Nancy Wells, who had been freed from slavery. The Mississippi Supreme Court ultimately rejected the will. This case highlighted the legal challenges faced by people who had been enslaved, even after they gained their freedom.
Later Political Life
After his time in Congress, Freeman continued to be involved in politics. He served as a member of the Democratic State central committee and was even its chairman.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1882, John D. Freeman moved to Colorado and settled in Canon City. There, he continued to work as a lawyer. He passed away in Canon City, Colorado, on January 17, 1886. Even though he died in Colorado, he was buried in Jackson, Mississippi.
