Richard Freeman was born in Markdale, Ontario, Canada on November 19, 1883. The family moved to Davison, Michigan, where he attended school and probably as a boy worked at the Pingree Shoe Company plant. In 1900, at the age of 17, he and his brother went to Milwaukee and became associated with the shoe industry. He worked first as a salesman for a retail shoe company and then in the shoe factories where he rose to executive positions.

R.E. Freeman came to Beloit in 1921 with his brother Horace to establish the Freeman Shoe Manufacturing Company. He served as President of the company from then until 1945 when he became Chairman of the Board. Mr. Freeman had many civic and industry interests. He was Vice President and Director of Warner Electric Brake and Clutch Company, a Director of the Beloit State Bank for 18 years and President of the Beloit Country Club where he did much to develop the 18-hole golf course and club house.

He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the National Shoe Manufact-urers Association. An enthusiastic golfer, hunter and fisherman, he was also interested in farming and operated the large farm east of Beloit that is now the site of the manor Restaurant and part of Turtle Ridge residential area. He had a prize herd of Jersey cattle. He was active in many civic and farm organizations. Mr. Freeman died at St. Petersburg, Florida on February 6, 1949.