A. G. Freed (1863–1931)

His mother was a Hayes, a relative of President Rutherford B. Hayes. He was educated in the common schools of Indiana until he was ready to go to college. He entered Valparaiso University and was graduated with distinction from that famous educational institution. He became a Christian early in life. Soon after becoming a Christian he began to preach the gospel. He combined teaching and preaching. After graduating from the university he came to Tennessee and dedicated his life to the cause of Christian education and the preaching of the gospel. He had laid well the foundation for a thorough education and had mastered every branch that belonged to the curriculum for his day. He established a school at Essary Springs, Tenn., and there enjoyed the first success of his successful career as an educator. After teaching a number of years at Essary Springs, he went to Henderson, Tenn., and there began work in a larger field. He gathered around him a very efficient faculty of teachers, and his college soon became famous throughout West Tennessee and North Mississippi. The institution at Henderson grew, and its courses were modified to keep apace with the onward March of the cause of education. Brother Freed went to Texas and taught a few years, but returned to his old field of labor at Henderson and established what is now known as Freed-Hardeman College. He remained with this institution of learning until 1923. At that time he came to Nashville and accepted the position of vice president of David Lipscomb College. He remained with this college until he passed away.