Frederick Norton Freeman

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Frederick Norton Freeman, Alpha/Norwich 1857, was born on March 2, 1839 in Claremont, New Hampshire. He entered Norwich University in 1853 where his plan and idea led to the founding of Theta Chi Fraternity with fellow classmate and cadet Arthur Chase. Freeman was only 17 years old when Theta Chi was founded. He received a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering in 1856 and an A.B. Degree in 1857. He was granted an A.M. Degree by Norwich University in 1860.

Freeman became the superintendent of the Yonkers Collegiate and Military School and there earned the title of Colonel. He later held the same position at the Eagleswood Military and Collegiate Institute of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. As reported in his obituary written by Arthur Chase, Freeman "received several offers of high positions in the army but declined them." It was also during his tenure at Eagleswood that Freeman published a book on military school discipline and tactics.

It is interesting to note that in 1862 Theta Chi made its first expansion attempt at Eagleswood Military and Collegiate Institute, while Freeman was superintendent of the school. The expansion attempt was unsuccessful.

Freeman later became the first superintendent of the Pennsylvania Coal Company in 1864. He died at the age of 28 on March 28, 1867 after falling ill while working on the construction of a company dock in Newburgh, New York. He was buried in the family cemetery near Plainfield, New Hampshire.

Frederick Norton Freeman was known to be a quiet, unassuming gentleman. He was upright, prudent and a safe advisor.