Isaac Freeman, great-great-grandfather of Vernon Freeman, bought 184 acres of land in March 1837 from the USA General Land Office. Adjoining land was added to the farm through the years. Five generations of Freeman families made their living from the farm raising livestock, maintaining dairy herds and raising crops. The original farmhouse, built in 1860, still stands.

As Muncie kept spreading to the northwest, people wanted to move out of town to buy parts of Freeman Farm for home sites. Vernon and his wife, Betty, decided the growth of a residential area must be orderly, well planned and provide storm sewers, sanitary sewers, city water, sidewalks and trees. They established Farmington in 1971. According to Betty’s obituary, “They were true partners in the venture, and their projects were a source of great pride and community betterment; as partners they had a continuing commitment and devotion to Delaware County, the history of Delaware County, and the development of housing that enhanced the community. Their work to develop Farmington spanned several decades and stands as a reminder of their creativity, industry and vision, and deep love of Delaware County.”

Some of the street names are reminiscent of when the land was the Freeman farm, such as Barley, Grass, and Timothy. Some are family names such as Moore, Weir and Thornburg. Russell was Betty’s maiden name and Oran was Vernon’s middle name. Other street names honoring families from whom acreage was purchased include Leslie, Austin, Heath, Warren, and Sollars.