Digital Collection
Freer, Charles Lang - Portrait of Charles Lang Freer
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Freer, Charles Lang

Born
1856
Birthplace
Kingston, New York
Titles and Honors
Director of Michigan Peninsular Car Company
Notes
Many Detroiters enjoyed the rare privilege of a magnificent dinner at the Freer house, an escorted tour of the gallery, or perhaps an informal cup of tea in the Peacock Room.
Occupation
Worked in cement factory and as clerk in general store.
At age 20 began industrial career as auditor for the Eel River Railroad in Indiana.
Founded Peninsular Car Company in Detroit (first manufacturer of railroad cars the Middle West) with Colonel Frank J. Hecker. Later merged with Michigan Car Company
to form Michigan Peninsular Car Company. Director of this profitable business, Freer
retired in 1899, a millionaire several times over.
Publications
Freer acquired the famous Peacock Room upon the death of Frederick R. Leyland, the noted English collector whose London house the room was originally executed (1877)
Nationality
American

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