Spencer Freeman MRCS
He was born in 1811 in Stowmarket. He was physician to Stowmarket and surrounding areas 1827 to 1883. In 1861 he was living at Stowmarket Buttermarket with an assistant Henry Millham (b. 1825 in Suffolk), a house keeper Mary Chenery (b. 1801), a housemaid (Eliza Exworth (b. 1832 from Framlingham) and a 14 year old errand boy Jacob Fresland (b .1847 from Hessett)
19th century Stowmarket physician. Also farmed at Spoonman’s Farm, but gave it ip in the 1869.
In 1843 an inquest was held into the death of Mrs Peck. The cause of her death was found to be poisoning. Although Spencer Freeman had prescribed medication for her, it was ruled at the person responsible was his assistant who had poured her dose from the wrong bottle.
Spencer Freeman in his Volunteer Rifles uniform.
1847 Spencer Freeman carried out an amputation of 15 year old George Webb’s leg, using chloroform. He was watched by a dozen ‘medical brethren. {Bury and Norwich Post, East Anglian 1847}
In 1849 Mr Spencer Freeman officiated at the the funeral of Stowmarket surgeon, Mr Clough, on behalf of the Lodge of Odd Fellows. He was ‘dressed in the funeral costume of the Lodge, with white gloves and white rosettes with a black centre fixed on the breast.’
In 1861 a skeleton was dug up in a field along Bury Road. The remains where taken to Spencer Freeman who judged them to be very old. They were found alongside some Edward the First coins, some old pottery and a .curious ancient copper bowl, with two handles, and about eighten inches in diameter’. Other human bones were later discovered. {Bury Free Press, 09 March 1861}
1866 lecture on the Wonders of Natural Magic, given by Proeffor C.F. Partington but chaired by Spencer Freeman.
1868 Spencer Freeman as church warden presided at a Treadesmen’s supper at the Fox Hotel.{Suffolk Mercury,24 January 1868}.
In 1874 Spencer Freeman whilst attending a concert at Earl Stonham was called upon to attend to Miss Goldsbury, sister-in-law to the miller Mr Gostling. Unfortunately she was already dead.
In 1883 the death of Dr Spenceer Freeman was announced in the East Anglian Daily Times on the 11 January 1883. He had commenced practice in Stowmarket in 1827. He was a Freemason and treasurer of the Phoenix Lodge.
Following the death of Spencer Freeman in 1883 his property was put up to be auctioned off. His residence facing the Market Place was withdrawn from the auction at £1,300.
3 dwelling houses in Crowe Street were sold to Mr Bewley, Mr Tydeman and Mr H. Crosse – at £105, £230 and £235.
Mr G.J. Gostling bought various shares in properties.
In 1885 a correspondent queried why no memorial stone had been erected upon Spencer Freeman’s grave {Suffolk and Essex Free Press, 11 March 1885}.
