From page 853, Quincy And Adams County, History And Representative Men, David F. Wilcox, published by Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1919:

Joseph J. Freiburg. An old and honored name in the business life of Quincy is that of Freiburg, and for more than half a century it has been identified with enterprises which have contributed to the prosperity and well being of the city. Its leading representative at the present time is Joseph J. Freiburg, who, it is the privilege of the publishers to note by way of grateful recognition, is one of the advisory editors of this publication.

His parents were Joseph J. and Elizabeth (Quinkert) Freiburg, both natives of Westphalia, Germany. They came to America and located at Quincy in 1866. The father was a cabinet maker by trade and followed that occupation until July 1, 1876, when with his brother Frederick he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1892 Joseph J. Freiburg, Jr., bought the interests of his uncle, and the firm was continued as Joseph Freiburg & Son, though about that time they gave up the furniture department and concentrated all their efforts upon undertaking. This name continued until February 8, 1906, when at the death of the father Joseph J. Freiburg bought all the remaining interests in the business. Mrs. Joseph J. Freiburg, Sr., died July 28, 1917. They were the parents of eight children: Joseph J.; Henry J., deceased; Anna, wife of Frank Wachtel, of Quincy; Bernard J., deceased; Herman, associated with his brother in business; Mary, wife of Joseph H. Tushans, of St. Joseph, Missouri; Elizabeth and John, both deceased.

Joseph J. Freiburg was born at Quincy April 7, 1867, and this city has always claimed his loyalty as a resident and public spirited citizen. He lived at home, attended the parochial schools, and at the age of thirteen began working for his father. Later for two years he attended a local business college, and then entered the Clarke College of Embalming at Cincinnati. When he graduated from that institution he had the distinction of being the youngest man ever to receive a diploma in embalming from that school. After that he returned to Quincy and became associated with his father, but was also a co-worker with Professor Clarke in lecturing on anatomy and embalming from 1896 to 1905. About the latter time he assumed the entire responsibilities of the business, and he has made the name Freiburg synonymous with a perfect service in undertaking and embalming. He was the first to introduce auto hearses at Quincy, and has always studied to keep his equipment and service up to date.

November 25, 1890, Mr. Freiburg married Anna E. Brinkman. She was born at Quincy, daughter of W. M. and Elizabeth (Terlisner) Brinkman, her father a native of Germany and her mother a native of St. Louis. Mr. And Mrs. Freiburg enjoyed a happy marriage companionship for over a quarter of a century until her death on July 22, 1916. Seven children were born into their home. The oldest, Adelaide, is the wife of Rudolph J. Weltin, of Quincy. The other children, still at home, are Margaret, Gertrude, Odelia, Lucile, Edna and Marion.

As to politics Mr. Freiburg maintains an independent attitude. He is supreme treasurer of the Western Catholic Union, is active in the Knights of Columbus, is president of the Columbus Home Building Association, a member of Quincy Lodge of Elks, of the Rotary Club, the Quincy Ad Club, and is treasurer of the Big Lake Hunting and Fishing Club, an organization controlling 300 acres of fine game preserve. Mr. Freiburg and family worship in St. Boniface Church at Quincy.