Freeman,

The John Freeman Memorial Bridge was built across the Bluestone River at Freeman, West Virginia in 1991. This modern structure honors John Freeman for whom the community of Freeman was named. This bridge replaced the orignal Route 52 ( Freeman Bridge ) that was built some 90 years ago. The old bridge was removed in the 1990s with the completion of this present modern bridge. Note that the Pinnacle Rock is visible in the photograph background. A view of John Freeman's grave marker located at the Freeman Cemetery in Freeman is shown below. John Freeman was one of the pioneers of the Flat-Top Coal Fields and head of the original firm of Freeman and Jones. He was born in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England on October 29, 1822 and came to the United States around 1850. He was a true pioneer in the southern West Virginia coal fields. As his gravemarker below shows he died at the age of 69 on October 14, 1892, leaving behind a legendary name. His grave site resides in the historic Freeman Oak Hill Cemetery that is located next to the Riverside Baptist Church (formerly known as the Bluestone Baptist Church) in Freeman, WV.