In 1881 Christian Buechler brought his business to the corner of Third and Main Street (Schamber building site). The railroad soon brought immigrants, building supplies, and general merchandise to Freeman. In 1882 there were only a few businesses in town: The Schamber Store, Guenthner & Haar, Borman & Co. coal and hides, and Bassett Huntting & Co. grain salt dealer. From 1883 to 1885 a few more businesses were built: Huber Schempp general store, John Feiok saddle and harness shop, St. Croix Lumber Company, Jacob Wipf blacksmith, John Gross Hotel & Saloon, Bert Hutchinson saloon, and Solon Bevins loans and realty. By the 1890’s more businesses were developed and the town expanded.