Michael Freeze was born October 28, 1808 in Frederick County, Maryland, the first child of George and Susanna Bowers Freeze. On May 12, 1836, he married Susanna Wetzel, daughter of Jacob and Barbara Eyler Wetzel. They were the parents of 10 children, nine of whom lived to adulthood. They were: Mary Ann, George Washington, Jacob, Josiah, Julia Susan, Phoebe Alice, Margaret Elizabeth, Hannah Isabel and Emma Kate Freeze. Michael passed away January 7, 1894, on his farm next to Apple's Church in Thurmont, Frederick County, and was buried on the 9th in Weller's Church Cemetery, Thurmont.
Biography of Michael Freeze written by Margaret Fogle in the early 1980's. Margaret supplied some of the information on his descendants:
"Great grandfather, Michael Freeze, and wife, Susanna Wetzel Freeze, lived in Mechanicstown (later Thurmont), Frederick County, Maryland. Their house built of logs, had a porch around two sides. It was located on the corner of what is now Apple's Church Road and Eyler's Road, directly across from Apple's Church. It is now the Simmers farm. The only original building standing is the spring house which is beside the entrance to the church. According to my mother, Linnie May Keefer Fogle, Michael was a kind generous person. When the daughters married he presented each with a dough tray. It is not known whether they were made by Michael, or if he had a carpenter do the work. My grandmother, Margaret Elizabeth Freeze Keefer, kept patches in it -- it was never used for dough. My mother used it the same way, but now it is a piece of furniture in our living room. Also, my mother told me that Michael gave a tract of land and built a house on it for each child when they married. (Blanche Eyler disagrees. She never knew her grandparents, but says her mother received nothing. However, their house was the same style until Aunt Emma's husband enlarged it). Bell and Henry Hetterly's was north of the cross road, on Roddy Road; Margaret and Lewis Keefer's was on Eyler's Road, and above theirs was the Josiah Freeze house, built of red brick. Jacob Freeze was south on Apples Church Road, near the Zentz farm. Emma and Allen Eyler built on Carroll Street Ext. Later in life Alice Eyler built on Walnut Street. Mary Damuth and husband went to Ohio. George Freeze preferred his in the mountain, near Eyler's Valley, and so did Julia and Josiah Wilhide. Those who did not want to build near the home-place were given the same amount in money for their homes elsewhere. While Michael was very good to his children, others considered him stingy. My grandfather Fogle farmed the John Stoner farm and lived in the red brick house, below the Freeze home. Often Susanna would visit Grandma Fogle, taking her eggs as a neighborly deed, but would carry them to her under her large apron, so Michael did not know. The kindness and generosity in the family was carried down through the generations with never a thought about selling - but GIVING. On Sunday afternoon or evening, the families would go home to visit their parents. In the summer, they would gather in the yard and sing favorite hymns and songs for Michael and Susanna. With the clear soprano and rich alto voices, the harmony had to be very beautiful! Michael was very religious and a disciplinarian with the children and grandchildren. He expected reverence during the table prayers, and if, during the meal, there was loud talking or giggling, they were asked to leave the table. Susanna was a wonderful cook, according to my mother, who would describe the homemade bread bake din the bake oven; the grumbec, the delicious "DUTCH CHEESE" which made my mouth water before I ever tasted it. Michael was a farmer, shoemaker, weaver of baskets, but above all a CHRISTIAN!" ----Margaret M. Fogle
Obituary for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 11, 1894:
"This aged and respected citizen died suddenly at his residence near Apple's Church on Sunday last at the advanced age of 85 years, 2 months, 10 days. He was the eldest and last surviving of three brothers, Michael, Joseph and Jacob. He spent almost his entire life at the home in which he died. He was a prominent and active member of the Lutheran Church, only in this section, and his home was the home of the minister when he made his periodical visit, the circuit then covering the entire county north of Frederick. The deceased was the father of ten children, nine of whom and his wife survive him; there are fifty grand and 9 great-grandchildren. His body was interred in the United Brethren Cemetery this place on Tuesday morning. Rev. J. H. Barb officiating."
Memorial for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 18, 1894:
"In Memoriam. On January 7th, near Mechanicstown, Michael Freeze, aged 85 years, 2 months and 10 days. Dear Father: we know that you were tattering and old, but we could not bring ourselves to think that you would leave us. Oh! How we will miss you from your chair, now vacant by the fireside and the loving hand that always greeted us with a kindly welcome to our childhood's home. May we all meet again on that happy, peaceful shore, father and children, where tears will be dried and sad partings are unknown. ---By his daughter, Julia."
From the Frederick Daily News of Saturday, August 10, 1901:
"The snug little farm lying adjacent to Apple's Church, which has been in the possession of the Freeze family for more than a hundred years, is being resurveyed preparatory to being sold at public sale."
Estate distribution (2nd and final account of Josiah and Jacob Freeze) of Michael Freeze, April 2, 1902:
Proceeds from sale of real and personal properties: $2,329.76
Less payments made: $398.71
Less pecuniary legacies to sons: $150.00 ($50 for each son, George W., Josiah and Jacob Freeze)
Balance left for distribution: $1,781.05 + $1,888.75 already advanced to daughters = $3,669.80 (to be divided in four portions to the five younger daughters not previously advanced before the writing of Michael Freeze's will in 1875, $733.96 x 5)
Distribution as follows:
1. To Emma K. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 ($234.50 advanced since will, plus $499.46 in cash)
2. To Hannah I. Hetterly, daughter, $733.96 ($554.25 advanced since will, plus $179.71 in cash)
3. To Julia S. Wilhide, daughter, $733.96 ($500.00 advanced since will, plus $233.96 in cash)
4. To Margaret E. Keefer, daughter, $733.96 ($600.00 advanced since will, plus $133.96 in cash)
5. To Phebe A. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 in cash
Biography of Michael Freeze written by Margaret Fogle in the early 1980's. Margaret supplied some of the information on his descendants:
"Great grandfather, Michael Freeze, and wife, Susanna Wetzel Freeze, lived in Mechanicstown (later Thurmont), Frederick County, Maryland. Their house built of logs, had a porch around two sides. It was located on the corner of what is now Apple's Church Road and Eyler's Road, directly across from Apple's Church. It is now the Simmers farm. The only original building standing is the spring house which is beside the entrance to the church. According to my mother, Linnie May Keefer Fogle, Michael was a kind generous person. When the daughters married he presented each with a dough tray. It is not known whether they were made by Michael, or if he had a carpenter do the work. My grandmother, Margaret Elizabeth Freeze Keefer, kept patches in it -- it was never used for dough. My mother used it the same way, but now it is a piece of furniture in our living room. Also, my mother told me that Michael gave a tract of land and built a house on it for each child when they married. (Blanche Eyler disagrees. She never knew her grandparents, but says her mother received nothing. However, their house was the same style until Aunt Emma's husband enlarged it). Bell and Henry Hetterly's was north of the cross road, on Roddy Road; Margaret and Lewis Keefer's was on Eyler's Road, and above theirs was the Josiah Freeze house, built of red brick. Jacob Freeze was south on Apples Church Road, near the Zentz farm. Emma and Allen Eyler built on Carroll Street Ext. Later in life Alice Eyler built on Walnut Street. Mary Damuth and husband went to Ohio. George Freeze preferred his in the mountain, near Eyler's Valley, and so did Julia and Josiah Wilhide. Those who did not want to build near the home-place were given the same amount in money for their homes elsewhere. While Michael was very good to his children, others considered him stingy. My grandfather Fogle farmed the John Stoner farm and lived in the red brick house, below the Freeze home. Often Susanna would visit Grandma Fogle, taking her eggs as a neighborly deed, but would carry them to her under her large apron, so Michael did not know. The kindness and generosity in the family was carried down through the generations with never a thought about selling - but GIVING. On Sunday afternoon or evening, the families would go home to visit their parents. In the summer, they would gather in the yard and sing favorite hymns and songs for Michael and Susanna. With the clear soprano and rich alto voices, the harmony had to be very beautiful! Michael was very religious and a disciplinarian with the children and grandchildren. He expected reverence during the table prayers, and if, during the meal, there was loud talking or giggling, they were asked to leave the table. Susanna was a wonderful cook, according to my mother, who would describe the homemade bread bake din the bake oven; the grumbec, the delicious "DUTCH CHEESE" which made my mouth water before I ever tasted it. Michael was a farmer, shoemaker, weaver of baskets, but above all a CHRISTIAN!" ----Margaret M. Fogle
Obituary for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 11, 1894:
"This aged and respected citizen died suddenly at his residence near Apple's Church on Sunday last at the advanced age of 85 years, 2 months, 10 days. He was the eldest and last surviving of three brothers, Michael, Joseph and Jacob. He spent almost his entire life at the home in which he died. He was a prominent and active member of the Lutheran Church, only in this section, and his home was the home of the minister when he made his periodical visit, the circuit then covering the entire county north of Frederick. The deceased was the father of ten children, nine of whom and his wife survive him; there are fifty grand and 9 great-grandchildren. His body was interred in the United Brethren Cemetery this place on Tuesday morning. Rev. J. H. Barb officiating."
Memorial for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 18, 1894:
"In Memoriam. On January 7th, near Mechanicstown, Michael Freeze, aged 85 years, 2 months and 10 days. Dear Father: we know that you were tattering and old, but we could not bring ourselves to think that you would leave us. Oh! How we will miss you from your chair, now vacant by the fireside and the loving hand that always greeted us with a kindly welcome to our childhood's home. May we all meet again on that happy, peaceful shore, father and children, where tears will be dried and sad partings are unknown. ---By his daughter, Julia."
From the Frederick Daily News of Saturday, August 10, 1901:
"The snug little farm lying adjacent to Apple's Church, which has been in the possession of the Freeze family for more than a hundred years, is being resurveyed preparatory to being sold at public sale."
Estate distribution (2nd and final account of Josiah and Jacob Freeze) of Michael Freeze, April 2, 1902:
Proceeds from sale of real and personal properties: $2,329.76
Less payments made: $398.71
Less pecuniary legacies to sons: $150.00 ($50 for each son, George W., Josiah and Jacob Freeze)
Balance left for distribution: $1,781.05 + $1,888.75 already advanced to daughters = $3,669.80 (to be divided in four portions to the five younger daughters not previously advanced before the writing of Michael Freeze's will in 1875, $733.96 x 5)
Distribution as follows:
1. To Emma K. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 ($234.50 advanced since will, plus $499.46 in cash)
2. To Hannah I. Hetterly, daughter, $733.96 ($554.25 advanced since will, plus $179.71 in cash)
3. To Julia S. Wilhide, daughter, $733.96 ($500.00 advanced since will, plus $233.96 in cash)
4. To Margaret E. Keefer, daughter, $733.96 ($600.00 advanced since will, plus $133.96 in cash)
5. To Phebe A. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 in cash
Michael Freeze was born October 28, 1808 in Frederick County, Maryland, the first child of George and Susanna Bowers Freeze. On May 12, 1836, he married Susanna Wetzel, daughter of Jacob and Barbara Eyler Wetzel. They were the parents of 10 children, nine of whom lived to adulthood. They were: Mary Ann, George Washington, Jacob, Josiah, Julia Susan, Phoebe Alice, Margaret Elizabeth, Hannah Isabel and Emma Kate Freeze. Michael passed away January 7, 1894, on his farm next to Apple's Church in Thurmont, Frederick County, and was buried on the 9th in Weller's Church Cemetery, Thurmont.
Biography of Michael Freeze written by Margaret Fogle in the early 1980's. Margaret supplied some of the information on his descendants:
"Great grandfather, Michael Freeze, and wife, Susanna Wetzel Freeze, lived in Mechanicstown (later Thurmont), Frederick County, Maryland. Their house built of logs, had a porch around two sides. It was located on the corner of what is now Apple's Church Road and Eyler's Road, directly across from Apple's Church. It is now the Simmers farm. The only original building standing is the spring house which is beside the entrance to the church. According to my mother, Linnie May Keefer Fogle, Michael was a kind generous person. When the daughters married he presented each with a dough tray. It is not known whether they were made by Michael, or if he had a carpenter do the work. My grandmother, Margaret Elizabeth Freeze Keefer, kept patches in it -- it was never used for dough. My mother used it the same way, but now it is a piece of furniture in our living room. Also, my mother told me that Michael gave a tract of land and built a house on it for each child when they married. (Blanche Eyler disagrees. She never knew her grandparents, but says her mother received nothing. However, their house was the same style until Aunt Emma's husband enlarged it). Bell and Henry Hetterly's was north of the cross road, on Roddy Road; Margaret and Lewis Keefer's was on Eyler's Road, and above theirs was the Josiah Freeze house, built of red brick. Jacob Freeze was south on Apples Church Road, near the Zentz farm. Emma and Allen Eyler built on Carroll Street Ext. Later in life Alice Eyler built on Walnut Street. Mary Damuth and husband went to Ohio. George Freeze preferred his in the mountain, near Eyler's Valley, and so did Julia and Josiah Wilhide. Those who did not want to build near the home-place were given the same amount in money for their homes elsewhere. While Michael was very good to his children, others considered him stingy. My grandfather Fogle farmed the John Stoner farm and lived in the red brick house, below the Freeze home. Often Susanna would visit Grandma Fogle, taking her eggs as a neighborly deed, but would carry them to her under her large apron, so Michael did not know. The kindness and generosity in the family was carried down through the generations with never a thought about selling - but GIVING. On Sunday afternoon or evening, the families would go home to visit their parents. In the summer, they would gather in the yard and sing favorite hymns and songs for Michael and Susanna. With the clear soprano and rich alto voices, the harmony had to be very beautiful! Michael was very religious and a disciplinarian with the children and grandchildren. He expected reverence during the table prayers, and if, during the meal, there was loud talking or giggling, they were asked to leave the table. Susanna was a wonderful cook, according to my mother, who would describe the homemade bread bake din the bake oven; the grumbec, the delicious "DUTCH CHEESE" which made my mouth water before I ever tasted it. Michael was a farmer, shoemaker, weaver of baskets, but above all a CHRISTIAN!" ----Margaret M. Fogle
Obituary for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 11, 1894:
"This aged and respected citizen died suddenly at his residence near Apple's Church on Sunday last at the advanced age of 85 years, 2 months, 10 days. He was the eldest and last surviving of three brothers, Michael, Joseph and Jacob. He spent almost his entire life at the home in which he died. He was a prominent and active member of the Lutheran Church, only in this section, and his home was the home of the minister when he made his periodical visit, the circuit then covering the entire county north of Frederick. The deceased was the father of ten children, nine of whom and his wife survive him; there are fifty grand and 9 great-grandchildren. His body was interred in the United Brethren Cemetery this place on Tuesday morning. Rev. J. H. Barb officiating."
Memorial for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 18, 1894:
"In Memoriam. On January 7th, near Mechanicstown, Michael Freeze, aged 85 years, 2 months and 10 days. Dear Father: we know that you were tattering and old, but we could not bring ourselves to think that you would leave us. Oh! How we will miss you from your chair, now vacant by the fireside and the loving hand that always greeted us with a kindly welcome to our childhood's home. May we all meet again on that happy, peaceful shore, father and children, where tears will be dried and sad partings are unknown. ---By his daughter, Julia."
From the Frederick Daily News of Saturday, August 10, 1901:
"The snug little farm lying adjacent to Apple's Church, which has been in the possession of the Freeze family for more than a hundred years, is being resurveyed preparatory to being sold at public sale."
Estate distribution (2nd and final account of Josiah and Jacob Freeze) of Michael Freeze, April 2, 1902:
Proceeds from sale of real and personal properties: $2,329.76
Less payments made: $398.71
Less pecuniary legacies to sons: $150.00 ($50 for each son, George W., Josiah and Jacob Freeze)
Balance left for distribution: $1,781.05 + $1,888.75 already advanced to daughters = $3,669.80 (to be divided in four portions to the five younger daughters not previously advanced before the writing of Michael Freeze's will in 1875, $733.96 x 5)
Distribution as follows:
1. To Emma K. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 ($234.50 advanced since will, plus $499.46 in cash)
2. To Hannah I. Hetterly, daughter, $733.96 ($554.25 advanced since will, plus $179.71 in cash)
3. To Julia S. Wilhide, daughter, $733.96 ($500.00 advanced since will, plus $233.96 in cash)
4. To Margaret E. Keefer, daughter, $733.96 ($600.00 advanced since will, plus $133.96 in cash)
5. To Phebe A. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 in cash
Biography of Michael Freeze written by Margaret Fogle in the early 1980's. Margaret supplied some of the information on his descendants:
"Great grandfather, Michael Freeze, and wife, Susanna Wetzel Freeze, lived in Mechanicstown (later Thurmont), Frederick County, Maryland. Their house built of logs, had a porch around two sides. It was located on the corner of what is now Apple's Church Road and Eyler's Road, directly across from Apple's Church. It is now the Simmers farm. The only original building standing is the spring house which is beside the entrance to the church. According to my mother, Linnie May Keefer Fogle, Michael was a kind generous person. When the daughters married he presented each with a dough tray. It is not known whether they were made by Michael, or if he had a carpenter do the work. My grandmother, Margaret Elizabeth Freeze Keefer, kept patches in it -- it was never used for dough. My mother used it the same way, but now it is a piece of furniture in our living room. Also, my mother told me that Michael gave a tract of land and built a house on it for each child when they married. (Blanche Eyler disagrees. She never knew her grandparents, but says her mother received nothing. However, their house was the same style until Aunt Emma's husband enlarged it). Bell and Henry Hetterly's was north of the cross road, on Roddy Road; Margaret and Lewis Keefer's was on Eyler's Road, and above theirs was the Josiah Freeze house, built of red brick. Jacob Freeze was south on Apples Church Road, near the Zentz farm. Emma and Allen Eyler built on Carroll Street Ext. Later in life Alice Eyler built on Walnut Street. Mary Damuth and husband went to Ohio. George Freeze preferred his in the mountain, near Eyler's Valley, and so did Julia and Josiah Wilhide. Those who did not want to build near the home-place were given the same amount in money for their homes elsewhere. While Michael was very good to his children, others considered him stingy. My grandfather Fogle farmed the John Stoner farm and lived in the red brick house, below the Freeze home. Often Susanna would visit Grandma Fogle, taking her eggs as a neighborly deed, but would carry them to her under her large apron, so Michael did not know. The kindness and generosity in the family was carried down through the generations with never a thought about selling - but GIVING. On Sunday afternoon or evening, the families would go home to visit their parents. In the summer, they would gather in the yard and sing favorite hymns and songs for Michael and Susanna. With the clear soprano and rich alto voices, the harmony had to be very beautiful! Michael was very religious and a disciplinarian with the children and grandchildren. He expected reverence during the table prayers, and if, during the meal, there was loud talking or giggling, they were asked to leave the table. Susanna was a wonderful cook, according to my mother, who would describe the homemade bread bake din the bake oven; the grumbec, the delicious "DUTCH CHEESE" which made my mouth water before I ever tasted it. Michael was a farmer, shoemaker, weaver of baskets, but above all a CHRISTIAN!" ----Margaret M. Fogle
Obituary for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 11, 1894:
"This aged and respected citizen died suddenly at his residence near Apple's Church on Sunday last at the advanced age of 85 years, 2 months, 10 days. He was the eldest and last surviving of three brothers, Michael, Joseph and Jacob. He spent almost his entire life at the home in which he died. He was a prominent and active member of the Lutheran Church, only in this section, and his home was the home of the minister when he made his periodical visit, the circuit then covering the entire county north of Frederick. The deceased was the father of ten children, nine of whom and his wife survive him; there are fifty grand and 9 great-grandchildren. His body was interred in the United Brethren Cemetery this place on Tuesday morning. Rev. J. H. Barb officiating."
Memorial for Michael Freeze from the Catoctin Clarion Newspaper of Thursday, January 18, 1894:
"In Memoriam. On January 7th, near Mechanicstown, Michael Freeze, aged 85 years, 2 months and 10 days. Dear Father: we know that you were tattering and old, but we could not bring ourselves to think that you would leave us. Oh! How we will miss you from your chair, now vacant by the fireside and the loving hand that always greeted us with a kindly welcome to our childhood's home. May we all meet again on that happy, peaceful shore, father and children, where tears will be dried and sad partings are unknown. ---By his daughter, Julia."
From the Frederick Daily News of Saturday, August 10, 1901:
"The snug little farm lying adjacent to Apple's Church, which has been in the possession of the Freeze family for more than a hundred years, is being resurveyed preparatory to being sold at public sale."
Estate distribution (2nd and final account of Josiah and Jacob Freeze) of Michael Freeze, April 2, 1902:
Proceeds from sale of real and personal properties: $2,329.76
Less payments made: $398.71
Less pecuniary legacies to sons: $150.00 ($50 for each son, George W., Josiah and Jacob Freeze)
Balance left for distribution: $1,781.05 + $1,888.75 already advanced to daughters = $3,669.80 (to be divided in four portions to the five younger daughters not previously advanced before the writing of Michael Freeze's will in 1875, $733.96 x 5)
Distribution as follows:
1. To Emma K. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 ($234.50 advanced since will, plus $499.46 in cash)
2. To Hannah I. Hetterly, daughter, $733.96 ($554.25 advanced since will, plus $179.71 in cash)
3. To Julia S. Wilhide, daughter, $733.96 ($500.00 advanced since will, plus $233.96 in cash)
4. To Margaret E. Keefer, daughter, $733.96 ($600.00 advanced since will, plus $133.96 in cash)
5. To Phebe A. Eyler, daughter, $733.96 in cash
Family Members
Siblings
Children
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Sarah Ann Freeze
1837–1839
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Mary Ann Freeze Demuth
1839–1919
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George Washington Freeze
1841–1910
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Jacob Freeze
1843–1931
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Josiah Freeze
1845–1908
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Julia Susan Freeze Wilhide
1849–1922
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Phoebe Alice Freeze Eyler
1851–1910
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Margaret Elizabeth Freeze Keefer
1854–1926
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Hannah Isabel Freeze Hetterly
1857–1930
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Emma Kate Freeze Eyler
1861–1933
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