Jonas Melvin Freer, one of Griggs County's pioneers, was born in Lima Township, Washtanaw County, state of Michigan, October 19, 1855. He was the second child of Elisha and Amanda Freer.
In November 1878, he was married to Ella P. Cook. To this union six children were born: Mrs. Norma Dier, Wolf Point, Montana; Ina Anderson, Eugene, Oregon; George Freer, Bear Flat, British Columbia, Canada; Parke and Rollin Freer, and Ella Stai, Hannaford.
He left Michigan for the west March 17, 1880, first settling in Casselton. Two years later the family arrived in Griggs County, which has been his home since, with the exception of four years spent in Eugene, Oregon.
In June 1911, Ella, his wife, passed away. In 1917, he was married to Anna Nordstrom. To this union one daughter, Vivian, was born.
In 1923, Mr. Freer, broken in health, decided to move to Hannaford, where he passed away at his home May 22, 1930, at the age of 74 years, 7 months and 3 days.
Besides his family, two brothers, James Freer of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; and Rodney Freer of Fargo, survive. Also a sister, Mrs. Mary Gallery of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, 22 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and a host of friends to mourn his death.
This was taken from a copy of May 27, 1930, Hannaford Enterprise. I am the youngest daughter, Vivian, and the only one living. My mother, Anna Nordstrom remarried a cousin named Freer and lived in Michigan 40 years. She died in 1974.
My father's family: Norman Dier, died at 97 years; Ina Anderson, died at 50 years; Park Freer, died at 90 years; George Freer, died at 90 years; Adelia Stai, died at 92 years; Rollin Freer, died at 65 years.
The farm was two miles north of Karnak. The big house burned when I was about 10 years old. The small house is moved north toward Cooperstown. The stucco house was across the street from the Hannaford School.
Most of the grandchildren live in the west. Claude Freer of Hannaford is a grandson.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 121