Douglas Southall Freeman
Douglas Southall Freeman was a distinguished American biographer and historian, renowned for his scholarly contributions to the understanding of the Civil War and its key figures. Born in 1886 to a family with Confederate ties, Freeman's early education took place in Richmond, Virginia, where he later attended Richmond College and earned a doctorate from The Johns Hopkins University. His career began with journalism, writing articles on taxation for the Richmond Times-Dispatch and serving as secretary to the Virginia Tax Commission. Freeman became the editor of the Richmond News Leader in 1915, during which time he also held significant roles in academia, including serving as rector and president of the University of Richmond and teaching journalism at Columbia University.
Freeman is best known for his comprehensive biographies, particularly his four-volume work on Robert E. Lee, which garnered a Pulitzer Prize, and his three-volume study on Lee's lieutenants. His ambitious project on George Washington, planned as an eight-volume series, further solidifies his legacy as a leading historian, having completed six volumes before his death. His works are widely regarded as definitive studies, reflecting his extensive research and dedication to accurately portraying historical narratives.
Subject Terms
Douglas Southall Freeman
Journalist
- Born: May 16, 1886
- Birthplace: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Died: June 13, 1953
- Place of death: Richmond, Virginia
American biographer and historian
Biography
Douglas Southall Freeman was the son of a former Confederate soldier prominent in the United Confederate Veterans. His parents took him to Richmond when he was six years old, and he later attended Richmond College. After graduating in 1904 he enrolled at The Johns Hopkins University, which had awarded him a fellowship in history, and he received his doctorate at the early age of twenty-two. He then accepted an assignment to write articles on taxation for the Richmond Times Dispatch, and for two years he was secretary to the Virginia Tax Commission. A period of intense activity began in 1915, when he became the editor of the Richmond News Leader. He was later made rector and president of the board of the University of Richmond, gave commutation lectures in journalism at Columbia University, and was appointed to many committees and foundations. By maintaining an inflexible schedule, he was able to work at many tasks concurrently.
Freeman ranks as one of the most learned biographers and historians of the Civil War. His four-volume R. E. Lee (the first two volumes won a Pulitzer Prize) was followed by the equally impressive three-volume Lee’s Lieutenants. His George Washington, which was projected as an eight-volume work, of which he completed six before he died, has been widely acknowledged to be a definitive study. The seventh and final volume of this monumental work, published in 1957, was written by John Alexander Carroll and Mary Wells Ashworth, who had worked as research associates on the earlier books of the series.
Bibliography
Harrison, Joseph H. “Harry Williams, Critic of Freeman.” Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 64 (January, 1956).
Johnson, David E. Douglas Southall Freeman. Gretna, La.: Pelican, 2002.
Malone, Dumas. “The Pen of Douglas Southall Freeman.” Introduction to George Washington, by Douglas Southall Freeman. Vol. 6. New York: Scribner, 1954.
Williams, T. Harry. “Freeman, Historian of the Civil War.” Journal of Southern History 21 (February, 1955).