With the increase in population of early Freedom many business establishments were created.
The boat yard being the first industry of Freedom was owned and operated in 1832 by Stephen Phillips and Jonathan Betz. Changing hands many times, Freedom boat yards was famous for its 108 steam boats and numerous barges built here. In 1841 there was a saw mill operated by John Graham and George Rogers, the Donovan and Company Stove Foundry, and a Wagon Manufactory established by McKee and Company. Conrad Schleiter's Marble and Granite Memorial stones established in 1869. Freedom Oil Works, Limited, organized by Stephen A. Craig and Mr. H. S. McConnell in 1879.
The Freedom Casket Company, first known as the Craig Manufacturing Company, was organized in 1895 by J. A. Harvey and Frank Craig. Under its present name and location it was incorporated in 1901.
An artificial ice plant extending from eighth street to Dutchman's Run was built by John C. McWilliams in 1898.
