Johan August Nilsson Freeburg

Life Story of Johan August Nilsson Freeburg
by John A. Lindsey, 2009

Johan was born 04 December 1862, in Malilla, Province of Smaland, Sweden. He emigrated to the United States when he was nineteen years old. He left from the Port at Gothenberg, Sweden going first to England. He left from the Port at Liverpool, England on a steam-sail ship of the Cunnard Line and arrived at the Port of New York on 29 April 1882. His name became Americanized as John, and he was often referred to a J.A.

He filed a Declaration of Intention on the 27th of February 1908, with the District Court in McPherson County to become a naturalized citizen. In this declaration of
he renounced forever all allegiance to any foreign sovereignty, and particularly to Gustavus V. King of Sweden. However, for some reason not identified this declaration was canceled by order of the government. On 01 February 1918, he again applied with the District Court of McPherson County Johan August became a naturalized citizen.

John was married to Halcyon L. Burgess (usually referred to as Halle but sometimes called Alice)on 09 August 1892. She was the daughter of George G. and Ann E. (Mooney) Burgess. For many years Johan operated a farm in Emma Township in Harvey County, near Newton, Kansas. Hallie and
Johan were the parents of six children, George G., John J., Inez (Mrs. Frank Clark) and three that died as infants(Clara, Hallie,Minerd). J.A.'s wife died 07 June 1900, from the effects of a surgical operation performed the day before.

On 08 September 1901, Johan married Elna (Ella) Nelson of Windom. She was the daughter of Johannes (John B.) and Gunnilla Nelson. Johan and Ella were the parents of four children: two boys; Carl C. and Paul. The girls were: Ella Louise (mrs. Lewis Shumate), and Anna Carol (Mrs.
Donald Swanson).

For many years Johan belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America fraternal organization. In 1920, he retired from farming and moved to McPherson. Following an illness of six months,Johan passed away 08 April 1936. His wife (Ella) survived him by eleven years.