Elijah Freeney

ELIJAH FREENEY

AUGUST 17, 1823 TO MAY 14, 1907

Elijah Freeney was one of Delmar’s great businessmen of the late 1800’s.  He was born in the Delmar Area, the son of John and Matilda Freeny, and he died in this area.  In the 1860 Wicomico County census he is 37 years old and has taken over his father’s farm which is valued at $10,000.  He is taking care of his father who is 84, and his older sister Sarah (Sally) who is considered insane and his younger sister, Mary, who has an affliction.  He still is not married.  At this point he has allowed the railroad a right of way through his property in Delaware and the town of Delmar was created.  With future governor of Maryland Elihu Jackson he has opened a store in Delmar which besides the railroad facilities is the only thing in Delmar.  He would marry Maria Ellen Fooks in 1861.  By the time of his death in 1907 he will continue to own much property in and around Delmar and his realty company, Edge View, will have a number of projects in motion one of which is the WoodLawn Development just to the East of Delmar town limits.  He belonged to a number of Organizations and was on the board of many businesses, including being a director for the Eastern Shore Railroad.  He was one of the founders of the Agriculture and Mechanical Association of Wicomico County.  He started sawmills, and brickyards.  He gave land to the Methodist Episcopal Church so it could be built and was a member. 

Obituary

DEATH OF ELIJAH FREENY

WAS ONE OF THE OLDEST RESIDENTS OF DELMAR DISTRICT

Was A Large Landowner In and Near Delmar – President of The Edge View Realty Company – Had Much To Do With The Development Of The Town Of Delmar – Was 84 Years Old

Mr. Elijah Freeny, one of the oldest and most prominent residents of Delmar District, died at his home, Edge View Farm, at 6:15 o’clock Tuesday Morning.  Mr. Freeny sustained injury by a fall several months ago, from which he never fully recovered, and his health had gradually failed since that time.

Mr. Freeny was born August 17, 1823, and was the son of John Freeny, who was born in 1775 and died in 1861.  Mr. Freeny was married in 1861 to Miss Maria Ellen Fooks, who died November 2, 1905.  Of this union there survives the following children: Miss Rosa L. Freeny, Miss Matilda M. Freeny, Mrs. Harry E. Hickey, Messrs.  J. Wm. Freeny, Henry B. Freeny, and Edwin E. Freeny.

Deceased had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than sixty years.  The funeral services will be held at his late home Thursday at noon, and will be conducted by the Rev. Z. H. Webster.

Mr. Freeny was a large land owner in and near Delmar and had much to do with the development of the Town of Delmar.  He was President of the Edge View Realty Company, which was organized and incorporated last January, with a capital stock of $30,000.  The organization of this company will obviate the necessity of an administration on the estate; as all his financial interests were transferred to the company.  The will which he had made was destroyed when this company was formed. 

From The Wicomico News Salisbury Maryland May 16, 1907