The subject of this sketch was born in the parish of East Sutton,
England, on the 13th day of January, 1813; and died in the city of
Hamilton, March, 1878, at the age of sixty-five years. Previous to his
emigration into Canada, which took place some time in the year 1843, he
received his initial taste for fruits and flowers on his father’s farm.
Thus early and deeply imbued with a love for horticulture, at the age of
thirty, Mr. John Freed left his native place and sailed for the United
States of America. After remaining there but a few months he came to
Canada, and took up his residence in the then town, but now city, of
Hamilton, in the County of Wentworth, entering at once upon his loved
occupation of gardening, and the production of trees for nursery stock,
as affording him the best means of indulging his taste for the creation
of new fruits and flowers. As soon as his limited means enabled him to
put up a glass structure, the better to give him the requisite
conditions and facilities to carry out his objects, he did so; and then
commenced a system of cross fertilization, out of which has sprung some
remarkable flowers, fruits and vegetables, among which we need only to
name in the class Verbena, his “Wentworth,” “Total Eclipse,” “Sea
Nymph,” and “Excelsis;” in class Petunia, his “Behemoth,” “Clipper,”
“Stipe,” “Velvet Cushion,” “Crimson Glow,” and “Freed’s Gem.” In class
Geranium, are his “Wax Work,” “Gold Dust,” and many others, among which
his “Mrs. Freed” stands unrivalled, half double, of exquisite pink
color, and immense truss. Among fruits, his New Canadian Orleans Plum,
of fine quality, is worthy of special mention. He also originated that
fine crisp Dwarf Celery, so popular in the Hamilton market, and to which
he gave his own name. He, in connection with Dr. Craigie, of
horticultural fame, succeeded in establishing in this locality for a
time a strong public taste for the cultivation of our native flowers,
and under this effort brought out some rare specimens of great beauty.
He was connected for years with the Hamilton Horticultural Society, and
its success, in a great degree, may be traced to his horticultural skill
and perseverance. As one of the Directors of the Fruit Growers’
Association of Ontario, he was selected to take charge of our Canadian
fruits at the great Centennial Exhibition held at Philadelphia, and
performed that duty with great credit to our Province.
He was also an active member of the South Wentworth Agricultural
Society, whose enthusiasm and untiring service will not be easily
supplied. A good man has passed from out our ranks and gone to his rest,
“No more to walk into the garden,
As the white days lengthen,
To feel the pulse of nature,
And see her young life strengthen.
“And peer into the borders,
Pierced through with bud and sheath,
And fancy all that’s doing
In secret underneath.
“Too well he knew she’s working
Away from mortal sight,
With loom and still and palette,
Brushes, and colors bright.
“And weaving leaves and branches,
And filling honey cells,
And shaping stems and blossoms,
And fairy-cups and bells.”
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