John Morgan Freeman, son of Verne A. (1889-1991) and Miriam (Morgan) (1891-1974) Freeman, was born 22 March 1917 Michigan. He graduated in 1934 from Okemos High School, having served as class Treasurer. On 4 June 1934 John was "kicked by a horse about 9 hours previous to death." He was taken to Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan and underwent surgery but did not recover. John was interred Glendale Cemetery, Okemos, Ingham County. His parents were laid to rest in Glendale also.
John's death certificate listed his birth place as Everett, Michigan. There is no town designated as Everett but Everett Township is located in Newaygo County. Evart, Michigan is located in Osceola County, Michigan.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 5 June 1934
YOUTH, KICKED BY COLT, DIES
JOHN M. FREEMAN, 17, SON OF M. S. U. PROFESSOR, VICTIM OF UNUSUAL ACCIDENT
John Morgan Freeman, 17-year-old son of Vern A. Freemen, assistant professor of animal husbandry at Michigan State college, died late Monday as the result of injuries suffered Monday morning when he was kicked in the stomach by a colt while dragging a field at the Freeman farm near Mason.
The youth was believed to have been repairing the colt's harness when he was kicked. He was removed to Edward W. Sparrow hospital where an emergency operation failed to save his life.
Young Freeman had just graduated from Okemos high school where he was prominent in school activities, having served a treasurer of the senior class. He was awarded the 4-H club championship in 1932, was a member of the 4-H club dairy judging team that competed at the Iowa judging contest in 1933, and was president of the F. F. A. club of Okemos, and was a member of the F. E. A. Scouts of East Lansing.
FUNERAL THURSDAY
Besides the parents, he is survived by a brother, Robert; two sisters, Shirley and Bethyl, and a grandmother, Mrs. Nettie Morgan.
The body was removed to the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral home where it will remain until funeral services which will be held at 10 o'clock Thursday morning at the People's church, East Lansing, with the Rev. N. A. McCune officiating. Interment will be in New Okemos cemetery.
