Freeman Keen, Jr.
Era: Civil War
Military Branch: Army
KEEN Jr., Freeman
Freeman Keen Jr. was born in 1831 or 32 to Freeman Sr. & Abigail [Robinson] Keen in West Sumner, Maine. He made his way west to work in the logging industry. In May of 1851 he located to one of the town sites of Duluth, Minnesota, namely Oneota,
Freeman was one of 18 locals of the St. Louis County area that served with the Union during the Civil War. He traveled back home to visit his parents in Maine and to serve in the Civil War. He ultimately enlisted out of St. Clair County, Michigan on May 31st 1861. He mustered in and out as a Private (PVT) with Battery A of the 1st Michigan Light Artillery Regiment.
The 1st Michigan Light Artillery mustered into service April 23rd 1861 and they mustered out of service on July 12th 1865. Several prominent battles they participated in were Perryville, Chickamauga and Chatanooga.
PVT Keen was wounded in action at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky on October 8th 1862 and honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He re-enlisted and served for a total of 3 years including being part of Sherman's March to the Sea. After the war he returned home to Duluth, married Annie [Randall] and they raised a family
Mr. Keen died on August 21st 1903 at 70-71 years of age in Duluth. He is buried at Oneota Cemetery in Duluth. Keen(e) Creek in the Oneota area of West Duluth is named in his honor.
He is also featured on the SLCHS/VMH traveling exhibit, "The 18". The exhibit honors the 18 local Veterans known to have left everything to go off and fight for the Union in the Civil War. These 18 men, their characters forged in the rugged wilds of northern Minnesota, served the nation and helped build St. Louis County.
Source(s):
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 Civil War Service Index (CMSR) - Union - Michigan - Fold3
Freeman Keen (1831-1902) - Find a Grave Memorial
U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865 - Ancestry.com
Battery "A" 1st Michigan Light Artillery Regiment - Wikipedia
