FREEMAN Benjamin

Notes:

Notes for BENJAMIN FREEMAN:
Intention of marriage 02 21 1756 in Bellingham, Norfolk Co., MA.
Moved to Winchester, Cheshire Co., NH between 1761-1764, and then
onto Swanzey, Cheshire Co., NH.
The home farm of 29 1/2 acres ajoined the land of Thomas Applin,
possible father-in-law of youngest son Asa Freeman.
On October 12,1807, notice of probate for Benjamin, was published in
the New Hampshire Sentinal, newspaper, looking for hiers, for 3
weeks.Benjamin was 73 years old at time of death, July 1807.
Probate Records at Keene, Cheshire Co., NH.


The Family of Benjamin Freeman

Ralph and Sarah (Capon) Freeman's son, Benjamin, our line,
moved his family from Winchester, Cheshire County, New Hampshire,
around 1768 to the town of Swanzy, Cheshire County, New Hampshire
on the Ashulot River Valley. In the "History of Swanky, New
Hampshire from 1734 to
1890" by Benjamin Ried, on page 342: "Amos Freeman, married 12
September 1786, Delilah Hill. Asa Freeman (our line) married 30
December 1790, Thankful (born 19 January 1767) daughter of Thomas
Applin. Child: Ahaz born 03 November 1791. Asa Freeman, a
resident of East Swanzy, removed to New York. Ebenezer Freeman
married 07 February, Betty Wilson."

Margaret Freeman's Dower in the Estate of Benjamin Freeman
Recorded in Books of Dowers No.1 pages 101 & 102

To the Hon. Able Parker, Judge of Probate and Wills. Agreeable
to a Warrant from under your hand and seal appointing us the
undersigned a Committee to appraise all the Real Estate where of
Benjamin Freeman late of Swanzey did ? and possessed.

We have attended upon the business and report as follows vis-
the home farm containing twenty nine acres and an half of land with
the buildings on the premises at three hundred dollars.

Also we have set off to Margaret the said deceased Widow one
full third part of the said Estate and it is bounded as follows vis-
beginning at a pine stump and a heap of stones standing the west side
of the road it being a corner of land belonging to Thomas Applin
thence East 40 degrees North 22 rods to a stake and stones bounding
on next on said Applin land thence East 8 degrees South bounding with
? land 25 æ rods to a stake and stones. Thence West 40 degrees
South 32 rods to a stake and stones thence West 27 degrees North 30
rods to the corner first mentioned.

Also one acre of wood land at the Northeast corner of said farm
bounded as follows vis- beginning at the North East corner it being
a corner of Samuel Lanes land thence South 1 degree East 20 rods
bounding with said Lanes land. Thence West 8 degrees North 8 rods to
a stake and stones. Thence North 1 degree West 20 rods to a stake
and stones standing in the line of land belonging to Thomas Applin
thence East 8 degrees South 8 rods to the corner first mentioned.

Also the whole of the buildings standing on the first described
piece of land.


Swanzey December 5th 1807

Elisha Whitecomb
Nathan Whitecomb
Thomas Applin
Elijah Belding Jr.
Joel Mellen



Division of Benjamin Freeman's Estate amongst Heirs
State of New Hampshire, Cheshire County


To the Hon. Judge of the Probate of Wills in said county in
Ordinance to a warrant given under your hand and seal appointing us
the undersigned a Committee to appraise all the Real Estate where of
Benjamin Freeman late of Swanzey in said county, died secured and
possessed.

After paying due attention to the promises we report as follows
vis- we have appraised the home farm containing twenty nine acres
and an half with the buildings on the premises at three hundred
dollars- After dividing one full third of the said Estate which was
set off to the said deceased Widow, we have divided and made
partition of the said estate among the children or heirs as follows
vis- to


Ezra Freeman
four acres appraised at thirty three dollars and thirty three cents
bound as follows vis- beginning at the South West corner of the
said farm at a stake and stones thence North 42 degrees East 12 rods
to a stake and stones it being a corner of the Widows third thence
East 27 degrees South 32 rods to a stake and stones thence southerly
bounding with the second share 12 rods to a stake and stones thence
West 35 æ degrees North 10 rods to a stake and stones thence South 34
degrees West 23 rods to a stake and stones thence North 40 degrees
West 35 æ rods to the corner first mentioned.

To Ebenezer Freeman

3 æ acres appraised at thirty three dollars and thirty three cents
and bounded as follows vis- beginning at a stake and stones in the
North line of said lot it having a corner at the Widows third thence
East 8 degrees South 6 æ rods to a stake and stones thence South 1
degrees East 44 rods to a stake and stones thence West 35 æ degrees
North 24 rods to a stake and stones thence northerly bounding with
the first share 12 rods to a stake and stones thence East 44 degrees
North 20 rods to the corner first mentioned.

To Amos Freeman

4 acres and 26 rods appraised at thirty three dollars and thirty
three cents and bounds as follows vis- beginning at a stake and
stones it being the North East corner of the last mentioned share
thence East 8 degrees South 15 rods to a stake and stones thence
South 1 degree East 44 rods to a stake and stones thence West 8
degrees North 15 rods to a stake and stones thence North 1 degree
West 44 rods to the corner first mentioned.

To Asa Freeman (our line)

4 acres 46 rods appraised at thirty three dollar and thirty three
cents and bounded as follows beginning at the North East corner of
the last mentioned share thence East 8 degrees South 15 æ rods to a
stake and stones thence South 1 degree East 44 rods to a stake and
stones thence West 8 degrees North 15 æ rods to a stake and stones
thence North 1 degree West 44 rods to the corner first mentioned.




To Samuel Green in right of his wife Esther,

4 acres and 20 rods appraised at thirty three dollars and thirty
three cents and bounded as follows vis- beginning at the North East
corner of the last mentioned share thence East 8 degrees South 15
rods to a stake and stones thence South 1 degree East 44 rods to a
stake and stones thence West 8 degrees North 15 rods to a stake and
stones thence North 1 degree West 44 rods to the corner first
mentioned.


To Benjamin Wilson Jr. in right of his wife Rachel,

4 acres appraised at thirty three dollars and thirty three cents
bounded as follows vis- beginning at the North East corner of the
last mentioned share thence East 8 degrees South 11 rods to a stake
and stones East 8 degrees South 11 rods to a stake and stones it
being a corner of the Widows Woodland thence South 1 degree East 20
rods thence East 8 degrees South 8 rods to a stake and stones thence
South 1 degree East 24 rods to a stake and stones thence West 8
degrees 19 rods to a stake and stones thence North 1 degree 44 rods
to the first mentioned corner.


Elisha Whitecomb
Nathan Whitecomb The Committee Members
Thomas Applin
Elijah Belding Jr.
Joel Mellen

Nehemiah Cuming (agent for the Heirs)



Inventory of articles sold at venue on this 14th day of December 1807
that belong to the Estate of Mr. Benjamin Freeman, late of Swanzey,
Deceased.
Name: Item Cost Name Item Cost
1.Enoch Starkey 1 bag $ .40 13.Amasa Aldrich 1 green
gown $ 1.06
2.Sabin Starkey 1 sieve .10 1 table cloth
1.12
3 traps .13 1 pitch fork .34
1 candle stick .15 14. Joel Mellon ( a Committee
Member)
5 bushels of 1 tea kettle .50
potatoes .75 15. Joseph Emerson
3.Asa Hill æ bushel .30 1 fire shovel
.83
some iron .35 16. Nathan Whitecomb
1 tub .20 (clerk of venue and
Committee
1 pair stockings .20 member)1 skimmer
.31
4. Isrel Sawyer 2 æ bushels rye 1.87 1 chopping
knife .26
1 table .10 1 axe .60
5. Rufus Randall (Administrator of Estate) 1 coverlid
.65
2 bushels rye 1 table cloth .67
@$.66 1.32 1 pair shoes
.86
1 mortor .26 1 pair trousers .13
elive and burning leather 1.00
iron .26 17. Elijsha Whitecomb
1 pair breeches 1.05 (member of Committee)
1 hoe .26 1 crane and 3 hooks
6. Aquilla Rumsdill 1.27
1 pot 18. Joseph Whitecomb
1 kettle .87 1 iron porringer .40
1 warming pan .93 19. Gabias Biship
8 bushels corn 5.71 1 looking glass .56
1 sive .31 3 bottles .50
some hay sold by the 1 basket .15
Widow 15.01 1 basket .14
7.Jesse Thompson 1 meat tub 1.14
1 stew pot .40 1 pabe and trof .08
1 tunnel .10 20. Moses Herremon
1 table .75 1 hitchel .19
1 bed and bedding 21. Thomas Applin
8.25 (member
of Committee
1 pot of soap .35 and Benjamin's neighbor)
1 chest .17 1 pitcher .10
1 towel .18 22. John Applin 1 shirt .53
1 table cloth .26 1 shirt .91
100 æ of boards .75 few beans .17
200 æ of stitwork 1.20 23. Joel Read 1 pair of
shears .15
8. Amasa Aldrich 1 chest
.75
flat iron and box iron 24. Peter Holbrook
.57 1 wine glass and salt cellar
.13
1 shovel .76 25. James Wheelock Jr. 1 hat
.16
26. Silas Parsons knives and fork .33
9.Richard Gale 3 spoons .17 27. Ezekel Thompson 1 scythe
& smooth .75
10.David Eddy 1 cag .37 28. John Wilson 1 foot
wheel 1.73
11.Simon Cook 2 chairs .34 29. Levi Blake 1 towel .20
.
12.Berzilla Streater wood by door .80 1 hammer .13




The Administration Account of Amasa Aldrich and Rufus Randall -
administrators of the estate of Benjamin Freeman, late of Swanzey in
said county, deceased. Wherein the said administrators charge
themselves with the whole of the personal estate of said deceased as
sold by license from the Judge of Probate as follows, those articles
decreed to the Widow excepted, together with the next accounts -

for the part sold to Sundry persons
$ 5.61
for money owed to Thomas Applin
57.01
for soap sold 1.00
for part of the wearing apparel sold to Amos Freeman 6.40
for 2 bushels of rye 1.67
for 1 bushel Indian corn .83
Also for money's owed further upon Thomas Applin's note 40.00
Also for proceeds of a number of articles sold at venue according to
the schedule here with exhibited to be put in file signed by Nathan
Whitecomb as clerk 69.98
______
$182.50

And the said administrators pray an allowance for the following
charges and unto ? parcel the Widow Margaret Freeman for her third of
the hay sold at auction and mentioned in the afore said schedule.
$ 5.00

The following are the charges exhobated by Amos Aldrich Esq.

July 22 1807 for a journey to Jaffrey to take administration $ 2.00
for money paid the Judge 1.60
for one day cutting the grain on the ground at the time of
said
Benjamin deceased .83
for my time attending the appraisers
2.00
Oct 6,1807 for a journey to Jaffrey
2.00
for money paid the Judge 1.68
______
$14.57
To one day of myself gathering in the harvest, my son,
oxen and cart 2.00
Oct.29,1807 for a journey to Keene to see the Judge 1.00
Nov.02,1807 for one day to Keene to see the Judge 1.00
money paid the Judge .75
for money paid the printer for advertisement 1.00
for 1 æ day husking corn 1.00
for 2 æ day attending the Committee dividing the real
estate 2.00
for expenses paid for the Committee
.50
for notifying the venue .50
for one day attending the venue
1.00
for one day going to Keene to return the doings of the
Committee 1.00
Oct.1808 for moneys paid the Judge
3.13
for æ days work on the farm .50
for æ day settling with Mr. Applin
.50
for moneys paid Nathan Whitecomb 8.50
for moneys paid Col.E Whitecomb
5.00
for moneys paid E.Belding as surveyor
3.00
for money paid Esq. Cumings 1.00
for moneys paid Barret and Emerson 2.95
for moneys paid Dr. Sawyer on account
1.00
for taxes paid Elijah Belding .41
(Administration account for Benjamin Freeman's Estate, Continued)

Oct.1808 paid the printer for an advertisement to notify the
Heirs for this settlement $
1.25
for one day preparing for settlement
1.00
for my time and expenses making settlement
4.00

The Rufus Randal Account

July 22,1807 for a journey to Jaffrey to take administration 2.00
for money paid the Judge 1.06
for æ day with appraisers
1.50
for æ day work on the farm of said deceased .50
for 2 days my son getting hay 1.50
for 2 days myself getting hay 1.67
Oct. for a journey to Jaffrey with the Widow
3.00
for money paid the Judge 1.50
_______
$71.79
for 2 days getting in the harvest
1.67
for one day attending the Committee .87
for one other day attending the Committee 1.00
for other day on business 1.00
Dec.10 for a journey to Jaffrey to see the Judge 2.00
for money paid the Judge
2.70
Dec.14 for one day attending the venue 1.00
for money paid for the expense of the venue 2.10
for æ day attending the Commissioners .50
for expenses .50
Oct.1808 for going to Keene to see the Judge 1.00
for one day settling with Mr. Applin 1.00
for money paid Thos. Applin on interest 23.89
for money paid Mr.Thos. Applin an interest as appraised
4.50
for money paid Joel Mellen
1.50
" " Josiah Read 1.83
" " Esq. Frink 1.00
Paid Jesse Thompson for a coffin 1.67
for one day preparing for settlement 1.00
Paid Nathan Whitecomb for going to be sworn ..67
for my time and expenses on settlement 4.00
for collecting æ of the money the estate sold for 1.50

Further Charges of Esq. Aldrich

For collecting æ of the money this estate sold for 1.50
Paid the Widow .41
Paid Silas Parsons on account
2.43
" Elisha Rumsdill on account 1.45
for Esq. Cumings for an oath
.47
for paid on settlement
5.00
________

Amount of the Administrators account
$142.65
Charges against the Administrators 182.40
(Administrators Account of Benjamin Freeman's Estate, Continued)

Balance in the hand of the Administrator
$ 39.85

Amasa Aldrich
Rufus Randall



At a court of Probate for the county of Cheshire held at Jaffrey
In said county on the twentieth day of December Amos Dormice 1808
then the above named Amasa Aldrich and Rufus Randall administrators
of the Estate of afore named Benjamin Freeman late of Swanky,
deceased, personally appeared and made Solomon oath to the truth of
the forgoing account of their administration of said estate. The
same having been first examined by me the Sub. Judge of the Probate
of Wills for said county, where-upon I do deem that the same be and
hereby is allowed and ordered to be recorded. And whereas there is a
balance in the hand of the said administrator of the sum of thirty-
nine dollars and eighty five cents, I do deem they pay and
distribute the same to and among the heirs of said deceased in equal
proportions that is to say Ezra Freeman, Amos Freeman, Ebenezer
Freeman, and Asa Freeman, Samuel Green in right of his wife Esther
and Benjamin Wilson Jr. in right of his wife Rachel, six dollars and
sixty four cents each.

Able Parker- Judge



Benjamin Freeman (1734-1807)

The following is from the letters of Probate for the estate of
Benjamin Freeman of Swanzey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, who died
in July 1807. Inventory of the personal and real estate;

1 hat, 1hat 1 woollen wheel, 1 linin wheel 1 coat
1 pair breeches 1 half full soap, 1 scalding tub,
6 old bins
knee buckles 1 woollen wheel, 1 linin wheel
1 waistcoat calfskin and foal leathers
1 waistcoat 6 pewter plates, 4 pewter basins
1 grey coat 4 pewter porringers, 1 blocktin teapot
3 tow shirts 1 funnel, 3 tablespoons
2 linin and wool shirts 1 chopping knife, 1 earthen
pitcher
1 pair shoes 3 earthen bowls, 1 pint mug,
1 small
1 pair deep blue stockings pitcher
1 pair pale blue stockings 1 suger bowl, 1 creamer, 6
cups and saucers
1 pair tow stockings and 4 spoons
2 pair footins 1 glass bottle, 1 small bottle
1 pair leggins and one pair mittens 10 earthen plates, 1
large creamer
1 green baige gown 1 saltmorter and 1 salt cellar
1 bed and bedding 1 vinegar crane, 2 wine glasses
1 bed and bedding 1 baker blass, 1 looking glass
1 birds eye coverlid 1 clothes
basket and cheese basket
1 checked coverlid 1 hammer and 1 pair shears
1 bed quilt, 1 woollen blanket, 1bed pan 1 ton of hay,
1 pitchfork
1 pair tow trousers,2 pair tow shirts 1 corn basket and 1
flail, 1 earthen
3 pillow cases, 3 lacey tablecloths pot of soap
2 new towels, 2 old towels, 1 raq coverlid 2 bushels of rue, 1 1/2
bushel of corn
1 fire shovel, 1 crane and 3 hooks a half basket, 150 feet inch
boards
1 trap skimmer, 1 candle stick, 1 axe 243 feet oak stitwork, 5
knives and
1 iron shovel, 1 hoe, 1 box iron 6 forks
1 cuthe and tacklin, 1 flat iron, 1 tobacco box, 1 cord wood by
door
1 dip kettle, 1 teq kettle, 1 stew pan 8 yards tow cloth, 1
cheese
1 iron pot, 1 spail kettle 1 churn and one small basket
53/4 lbs. old iron, 50 lbs. pork and meat tub 1 cow, 1 swine
1 table, 1 great chair, 6 kitchen chairs 29 or 30 acres land
witha house and barn
1 chest, 2 sives, 3 firkins

total on August 15th 1807 $514.38

Benjamin Freeman's wife Margaret, received a third of the estate
and the rest was divided between his children; Rachel (the wife of
Benjamin Wilson), Ezra Freeman, Esther (the wife of Samuel Green),
Amos Freeman, Ebenezer Freeman, and Asa Freeman (our line).

More About BENJAMIN FREEMAN:
Fact 1: February 21, 1756, intention of marriage in Bellingham,
Norfolk Co., MA.

Benjamin married HEALY Mary on 06 Mar 1756 in Wrentham, Norfolk Co., MA. Mary (daughter of HEALY Samuel and CHADWICK Rebecca) was born on 07 May 1731; died before 01 Jan 1807. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. FREEMAN Rachel was born on 05 Jan 1757 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
2. FREEMAN Ezra was born on 11 Nov 1759 in Bellingham, Norfolk Co., MA; died after 1807.
3. FREEMAN Esther was born on 09 May 1761 in Bellingham, Norfolk Co., MA.
4. FREEMAN Amos was born on 04 Apr 1764 in Winchester, Cheshire Co., NH; died on 12 Mar 1813 in Putney, Windham Co., VT.
5. FREEMAN Ebenezer was born on 06 Jan 1766 in Winchester, Cheshire Co., NH; died in 1848 in Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., NY.
6. FREEMAN Asa was born on 04 Jul 1768 in Winchester, Cheshire Co., NH; died about 1833 in Wayne Co., NY.

Notes:

Notes for RALPH FREEMAN:
History of the Town of Richmond, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, from
its first Settlement, to 1882. by William Bassett (1884)
Dan Freeman, son of Ralph Freeman and Sarah Capron, lived near the
Aaron Kelton place; born June 16 1745. He removed quite early to
Winchester. Had five children.

Yankee Freeman's


The ability to purchase land became a major factor in the
Freeman's migration movements. Few people wished to risk settlement
in a new area of the wilderness, until a town was laid out.
Particularly in New Hampshire where the raids on newly settled areas,
by the French and Indians, continued until 1765. Massachusetts was
active in Granting of these new settlements in New Hampshire, in
hopes of claiming more land. They issued Land Grants to the Veteran's
of the "Indian Wars", whom they owed a debt too. These Grants
created towns in the Upper Connecticut River Valley, on both sides
of the river.

Ralph Freeman III, our line, the grandson of the first "Ralph
Freeman of Dedham", was one of these settlers to New Hampshire. The
extremely rough hills of northern New England, contained only small
pockets of fertile land , along the river valleys, on which to grow
crops. The climate was more severe with a shorter growing season,
with intense winters filled with heavy snowfalls. Only the very
hardy could survive the difficult living conditions. The men and
women who settled this area were Americans in true pioneer spirit.

Ralph Freeman III settled his family in the town of Richmond,
Cheshire County, New Hampshire. Richmond was Granted by
Massachusetts, on 20 June 1735, to Captain Joseph Sylverster's men,
called Sylvester-Canada Grant. It was later Granted to Joseph
Blanchard and others, by the governor of New Hampshire , on 28
February 1752. A triangular tract in the north part of Richmond was
annexed to Swanzey Township on 11 December 1762.

The townships were divided into 70 different shares about 6
miles square in size. The settlers were responsible for setting up
the township, clearing land for roads and erecting a grist and saw
mill. They assume the rights of self government, church and school.

Ralph Freeman III, moved his family from Richmond to
Winchester, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, the next westerly
township, on the Upper Connecticut River.

In the book, "The History of the Town of Richmond, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, From its First Settlement, to 1882" by
William Basset, 1884, it states, "Dan Freeman, son of Ralph
Freeman and Sarah Capron, lived near the Aaron Kelton place, born
June 16, 1745. He removed quite early to Winchester. Had 5
children." page 389.

The township of Winchester, Cheshire County, New Hampshire,
was Granted to Col. Josiah Willard and 63 others, on 11 February
1952. He had the proprietary rights to distribute land and assumed
responsibility for setting up the township. Winchester is located on
the Ashulot River in the south-west corner of New Hampshire. During
the "King George War" in the early 1750's, troops were constantly
moving to and from the Connecticut River Valley region, and many
people became interested in this previously unexplored land. They
saw it not only as rich farm land, but as a valuable area for
speculation.

Settlers had to locate near rivers for their connections to the
New England Markets. But links to markets were only one aspect of
the problems facing the new settlers. The frontier itself was nearly
self-sufficient in foodstuff supply, thus, local markets were
almost non existent for a pioneer family. Unable to produce large
amounts of marketable agricultural surplus, encumbered by transport
problems, burdened by high land costs, the aftermath of War time
financial policies, new settlements in the 1750's were not as
quickly absorbed by the commercial system of the region as most new
settlements had been in the 1600's and in such, living conditions
changed rapidly within large families. Each son had to carve himself
out a new settlement, in the wilderness and begin a new farm,
without the financial aid of his parents. Such was the life of the
Freeman's.

Ralph married CAPRON Sarah on 29 Oct 1726 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA. Sarah (daughter of CAPRON Banfield and CALLENDER Elizabeth) was born on 11 Mar 1708 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died in 1789 in Richmond, Cheshire Co., NH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Notes for SARAH CAPRON:
Sarah married Ralph Freeman of Attleboro. They afterwards lived in
Bellingham, and from there moved to Richmond, New Hampshire, where
they lived to their deaths. She was a very old woman when she died.

Birth:
or 1709

Notes:

Notes for RALPH JR. FREEMAN:

The FIRST FREEMAN'S of ATTLEBOROUGH, BRISTOL COUNTY, MA., USA

In the 17th century, when Europeans arrived in the area, Native
Americans from two tribes, the Wampanoag and the Narragansett lived
on opposite banks of the Ten Mile River. The Naragansetts carried
out numerous raids on their neighbours before the English aquired
waterfront land from the Wampanoags which served to separate the two
tribes.
Captain Thomas Willett, who succeeded Miles Standish as head of
Plymouth's Colonial Militia, negotiated the Rehoboth "North Purchase"
from the Wampanoag leader, "Wamsutta", Massasoit's son. This purchse
included today's Attleborough and North Attleborough and the upper
Ten Mile River area. Captain Willett later became the first English
Mayor of New York.
The Ten Mile River area has rocky edges, deeply shaded pine
woods, open hardwood forests, fields, streams, swamps and bogs. The
English built the first grain and saw mills here as did David
Freeman, son of Ralph Freeman of Dedham, Ma. (Attleboro Town Records)
Later, the Naragansett leader resented the movement of the
English into these areas and this led to "King Philip's War" in 1675.
This area suffured greatly with many communities been attacked and
burned, including Rehoboth. The Narragansett's were totally wiped
out and it was a number of years before the Colonies recovered from
the war.


RALPH FREEMAN's WILL
Bristol County Probate Record, September 29th 1724,

In Ralph Freeman's Will, August 14,1725 describes himself as a
Cooper, Registered September 29, 1929 in 5th book of wills 170: 171:
172 by Stephen Paine, Register for Bristol County.

In the Name of God, Amen, the fourteenth Day of August 1725 I Ralph
Freeman of the Town of Attleborough in ye County of Bristol, Cooper
being Sick and Weak in Body but of perfect Mind and memory, Thanks be
given to God: Therefore calling to mind the mortality of my Body, and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye, do make and
Ordain This My Last Will & Testament. That is to Say, Principally,
and first of all, I give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of God
that gave it; and my Body I Recommend to the Earth, to be Buried in
Decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my Executors; Nothing
doubting, but at the General Resurrection I shall Receive the Same
again by the Almighty Power of God. And as Touching Such Worldly
Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this Life, I
give, Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following Manner & Form

Imprimis, I give and bequeath to My Dearly beloved Wife, a Third
Part of my whole Estate in Lands Measuages and Tenements, by her
freely to be Possessed and Enjoyed, during The Time She Remains my
Widdow; and at the Time of Her marrying again, or Deceased without
marrying; I Will that the aforesaid Third part of my Estate in Lands
Measuages and Tenements, be Returned to my Beloved Son Ralph Freeman,
to be By him & his Heirs and Asigns Frely Possessed and enjoyed for
ever, without Let or hinderance. I Likewise give and Bequeath to my
Dearly Beloved Wife all my Household Goods to be by her Possessed and
Enjoyed during ye Term of her Life and at her Deceased, I eill that
they be Returned to my Well Beloved Daughters Sarah and Hannah. I
also give and Bequeath unto my Well Beloved Wife Ten Sheep and a
horse to be by her Received of my Executors imediately after my
Decease, by her freely to be possessed and Enjoyed for ever to her
Disposing.

Imprimis I give and Bequeath unto My well Beloved Son Jeremiah
Freeman, Five Shillings to be paid ( after my Deceased ) by my
Executor, to be Raised and Levied out of my Estate.

.Turn Over. Imprimis (page 1)
_________________________________________________________________
_________ ____

Imprimis I give and Bequeath unto My Well-beloved Son Ralph Freeman
whome I Likewise Constit & make and Ordain My Sol Executrix of this
my Last Will and Testament (to Receive all Debts which is in any ways
Due to me, and to say all Lawfull Debts and demands which is owing by
me.) All and Singular my Lands measuage and Tenaments as also My
Stock of Cattle, Sheep, Cart and all my Husbandry Tools, to him his
Heirs and Asigns for Ever to Possess and Enjoy.

Imprimis I give and Bequeath unto my Well-beloved Daughters Sarah
and Hannah all my household Goods to be Equally Divided between Both
Saving only a Bead which I Will to my Daughter Hannah over and above
to be by them Received of my Executrix imediately after my Wife's
Deceased. Also I give & Bequeath to my Daughter, Hannah one cow (out
of My Stock of Cattle) to be by her Received of My Executrix one year
after my Deceased.

Imprimis, I give and Bequeath unto my Well-beloved Grand Children
Samuel and John Freeman Ten Pounds to Each, Current Money to be Payed
to them when they Come of Age, by my Executrix to be Raised and
Levyed out of my Estate but if they Dye before they Come to Age it is
not to Return to their Executors but to my Executor againe. And I do
hereby Disalow, revolk and ? all and every other formmer Testaments,
Wills, Legacies and Bequests, and Executors, by me in any ways before
Named, Willed and Bequeathed, Ratifying and Confirming This and no
other to be my Last Will and Testament. In Witness where I have here
unto Set My hand and Seal the Day and Year above Written

Signed, Sealed, Published, Ralph Freeman Sen'r
Pronounced and Declared by ye Said Ralph Freeman as his Last Will and
Testament in the Presents of us the Subscribers
Pentecost Blackmon
Abigail X Maxcey
(her Mark)
George Allen
_______
___________________________________________________________________
____

RALPH FREEMAN'S INVENTORY ( as of July 19th, 1726 by son Ralph
Freeman, Jr.)

We the subscribers who ware Chosen and Appointed to praise the Estate
of Ralph Freeman of Attleborough in the County of Bristol Lat
Deceased have praised sd Estate as
imprimis to his house and Land 350-50-00
item to his money 18-12-00
item to money owed by bonds and / 22-00-00
item to his wareing Aparil 6-5-00
item to three Cows 13-00-00
to one grove of Sheep 8-00-00
his Cart and Whels- 4-10 his plow and horse--- 5-12-00
his Coopers tools 2-17-6 his grindstone 3-1-06
item to his falling axes and long 00-14-00
item to his Barels tubs and milk vesels 4-6-00
Chests and tables 1-10-chairs and Whels 1-11-6 3-1-06
his best Bed and furniture 13-10 his Books 2-0 15-10-00
item to another Bed and furniture 12-10-00
to sheeps wool and one pare of sheep shears 3-17-00
Box iron heaters and lamp 0-12 Bag sive cord 8- 01-00-00
Table Lining 2-10: puter and earthen vesels 4-16-00
item to one hors and furniture (2 6) 10-00-00
to two swine 2-10: to pots Ketles & trumels 2-14 5-4-00
item to his warming pan 00-16-00
item to bels locks and chees fats 00-18-00
to one sithe and siths tacklin for two sithes 00-16-00
-----------------
490-16-06

Thomas Wilmouth
Hezekiah Peck
Edward Capron
________________________________
__________________________________________ ____

Attleborough Town Records, 1699-1789

"A stray Horse taken up by Ralph Freeman of Attleborough the 9th of
Jan 1722/23 of a dark bay colour with a star on his forhead & his
near feet are white. Branded on the near Butock with an uncertain
Brand,"

More About RALPH JR. FREEMAN:
Fact 1: August 14, 1725, Will, at Taunton, MA

Ralph married DAY Sarah about 1689. Sarah (daughter of Sr. Thomas DAY and COOPER Sarah) was born on 14 Jun 1664 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA; died on 16 Sep 1716 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Found in the Proprietors' Records of Bristol Co.
The Bounds of the Lands of Jn Calender and Banfield Capron. Impr. ffourty five acres of land Be it more Lest. Being their first and part of theire second Lotts Lying by Ould Thomas Coopers Land Beyond Jn Lanes the first corner is a black oake in said Coopers Line thence North one hundred Rod to a White oake markt thence North Nor West Eighty Rod to a Toa (sic) black oake markt for a Corner thence West fourty Rod to a white oake markt for a corner thence South Southeast Eighty Rod to a white oake marts thence South a hundred Rod to White oake markt for a Corner thence East to said Coopers corner being an ash tree then by said Coopers Line to the ffirst corner. Impr Likewise the Remaining part of theire Second Lotts being five acres be it more or less four acres whereof Lyeth by Jn Calenders ould Lott Bounded South theiir own Land East the Bay Rhoad North Jn Martains Land thence South from the South West corner of said Martains Land to there own Land. Impr. Likewise one acre lying on the East sid of the bay Rhoad over against the sd Calender ould house for Conveniency of Building a house.
(an unknown value). He immigrated circa 1674 to Massachusetts.3 He was Property Transaction John Callender of Attleborough, Bristol Count, Mass., for the Sum of forty six Pounds currt silver - - payd by Banfield Capron of the town - - - aforesaid - - - sell - - - to him - - - the one half of a whole share of Upland Swamp & Medow ground in the lands called Rehoboth North Purchase Lands on the Bungee river and also other piece of land. 22 Nov. 1706 Witnesses, Nicholas Ide, Daniel Smith.| on 22 November 1706 at Bristol County, Massachusetts.4 He sold property on 8 March 1727 at near Bungy Brook, Bellingham, Norfolk, Massachusetts.5

Banfield Capron left a will dated 8 April 1747 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts, Transcript of the Will of Banfield Capron of Attleboro Co. Bristol, Providence Mass. Bay in N. E. .
To Sarah beloved wife one fireroom in dwelling home; brass kettle and andirons during her natural life and the reason only I give my wife no more is because we did agree ( ) before marriage.
Son Jonathan Capron who is also executor, real estate in Attleboro, land and tenement where ( ) dwells etc, etc.
Son Banfield Capron, Son John Capron's children 20 pounds each.
Son Joseph Capron, Son Edward Capron, Dau Elizabeth Brown, Dau Hannah Aldrich, Dau Mary Tyler, Children of dau. Margaret Arnold, Dau Sarah Freeman, dau Rebeeka wife of son Jonathan, g.s. Benjamin Capron son of son Jonathan ( )

Signed 8 April 1747 by Banfield Capron
Witnessed: Thomas Wilmarth
Eliphalet Wilmarth
Rebecca Wilmarth.6

Biographical Notes for Banfield Capron: No records of any Caprons have been found in Cheshire, England. There are numerous Caprons in Devon and several in Somerset. Also there are several Callenders in Devon including an Elizabeth born 1661 dau. of John. Have not made positive ID on this Elizabeth but believe her to be Banfield's wife. Therefore I believe the Holden book to be wrong in stating Banfield was from "...the north of England near Wales." and a more accurate statement to be "...the north of Devon(shire) near Wales."

Died:
His estate was probated on 13 October 1752.

Banfield married CALLENDER Elizabeth in Dec 1680. Elizabeth (daughter of CALLENDER John) was born about 1662 in Devon, England; died on 10 May 1732 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Notes for RALPH FREEMAN, SR.:
.First Generation American

The Freeman family in North America begins with Sir Ralph
Freeman, who was born December 14,1629 and baptized in St.Peter's
Church, Cornhill, London County, London, England, in 1630. His
father was Sanford Myron Freeman. Ralph immigrated to New England
and was next located at Dedham, Norfolk County, MASS., when he was
admitted as a Townsman in 1651 as by "Dedham Town Records, Page 135".
Ralph was the 106th person to sign the town Couenant of Dedham, and
his marriage to Katherine Lyon, on 21 October 1652, also from
the"Dedham Town Records of Vital Records". Ralph received lot "29 of
ye 10" in 1653, " the south end of the East Street between the drawn
way there and the swamp", Page 217, Dedham Town Records. Ralph was
active in the town of Dedham affairs until 1656 as mentioned in the
town records. Mentioned on page 144 land grants, 146 sheep commons,
184 tax rate, 190 general town meeting, 192 voted in as townman, 198
town tax rate, 203 highway work, 205 town tax rate, 212 land grants,
214 town tax rate, and on page 216 for his school rate. (These
records are at the DEDHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Dedham, MA.,USA.)
Dedham in 1649, was the farthest colony in-land. It was
located above the water falls on the Charles River, which originates
in the harbor, at Boston, MASS. The choice of river valleys for
settlement was dictated by the need to bring out valuable timber from
the interior forests. The river also provided an easy means of
transporting people and supplies to and from the frontier. The
colony of Boston had become exceedingly overpopulated with the mass
immigration of Puritans from a hostile England, during its first 20
years of existence. The later arrivals, as well as, the colony's
young men, moved up these river valleys to obtain their own land.
The original land grant for Dedham in 1636 was comprised of 200
square miles, one of the largest grants given. Many of its
inhabitants had previously lived nearby. They went to the site
almost daily between the spring of 1637 and the summer of 1638. They
fell the trees, hewed them into beams, framed and clapboard their
new dwellings, before they actually moved into them. The vast
majority of these houses were one story cottages with thatched roofs.
In 1638 the Meeting House (church) in Dedham measured 38' by 20'
and 12' in height but wasn't finished inside until 1649, just 3
years before Ralph and Katherine were married here.
Dedham was a replica of other Puritan towns based on a central
village common and Meeting House with many small farms, called
"freeholds". The size of individual house lots varied among the
towns, although 4-6 acres seems to be the average. Social status and
wealth were important in determining the size of a family's lot. The
shape of an individual lot was usually rectangular and designed to
keep the settlers closely supervised by the town selectmen and
defense against attack. Normally, an acre within the town center
was reserved for public use, i.e. grazing animals, church, school
and a jail. A settler would find his land spread in several parcels
around the village plot, which assured each family meadow for
pasture, fields for crops, and a wood lot for timber.
As many of the settlers were educated, and Puritans believed
everyone should be able to read the bible, education of their
children was an early concern. A school was erected in Dedham in
1649, at the public expense. It measured 18'x15'. It had a
fireplace 4' wide, 2 windows for light, boarded walls and a plank
floor. Stairs led up to the Master's study chamber. Two years later
the school was shingled and the old chimney replaced by a brick one.
Scholars from Dedham, could become adequately prepared for entrance
to Harvard University.
Most of the settlers found the system of outlying fields an
inconvenience and would move their families to these areas. When
enough settlers had moved to a district, a new community, with the
permission of the parent village, separated to begin a parish of the
original town.
By 1713, the vast stretches of forests and meadows, which had
first attracted settlers to Dedham, were all divided. The
population of Dedham had so increased that the average holding shrank
to about a hundred acres, adequate to support a single family in
comfort but not enough to support the addition of the son's and their
families.
The rising generation in Dedham must have sensed that their
lives would be different from those of their parents and
grandparents. For some, it meant leaving Dedham, for opportunities
elsewhere.
Ralph and Katherine Freeman, had 5 known children, all born
in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MASS.



More About RALPH FREEMAN, SR.:
Fact 1: October 21, 1652, Marriage, Vital Records, Dedham, MA
Fact 2: 1656, Active in Dedham, Town Records Dedham

Ralph married LYON Katherine on 21 Oct 1652 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA. Katherine (daughter of LYON William and CARTER Anne) was born in 1635 in MA; died in 1718. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Notes for KATHERINE LYON:
It is believed that Katherine was the daughter of William Lyon and
Anne Carter, his wife, who lived in July 17,1615 in Harrow on the
Hill (Heston), Middlesex County, England, and moved his family to
Roxbury, MA.

Notes:

Died:
Place of Burial: Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, British Colonial America

Thomas married COOPER Sarah. Sarah (daughter of COOPER Lieut. Thomas and SLYE Sarah) was born on 07 Jan 1638 in Hartford, Hartford Co., CT; died on 21 Nov 1726 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Place of Burial: Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, British Colonial America

Notes:

Biographical Notes for John Callender: Had land in Rehoboth North Purchase (Now Attleboro) which he sold to John Woodcock in 1693/4. Sold land on the 'Bungee River' at Attleboro to Banfield Capron in 1705. ----- Titus------ ---------------------------

Proprietors' Records of Rehoboth: To all Christian People to Whome There shall Come - John Callender of the Town of Rehoboth in the County of Bristoll in the Province of the Massachusets in New England yeoman Sendeth Greeting Know Yee that I the sd John Callender have ffor the full sum of Twenty Pounds Current money of New England in Hand received & paid by John Woodcock Senr. of the same Town Wherewith I the sd John Callender acknowledgeth myselfe sufficiently sattisfied - - - have Given granted bargained & sould --- to him ---- all that my whole Right In a saw mill Lying upon the myry Brooke bing a full Quarter Part of sd mill with all the appurtenances thereto Belonging & Likewise a parcell of medow ground & swampe Lying on the east side of sd miry Brooke being by Estemation fouer acres be it more or less the sd mill and medow ground Lying neare to tyhe North East Corner of the Town of Rehoboth being in those Lands commonly called the North Purchased Lands being bounded upstream Northerly a point of trees & upland that come to the Broke southerly Down stream as far as the sd John Woodcocks upland Lott upon which sd mill stands to have & To hold the aforesd Quarter Part of a sawmill & Damm being the whole Right of the sd John Callender in the sd mill and Damm & the sd Fouer acres of Medow ground & swamp as before bounded ----- & the sd John Callender doth - - - Covenant - - - with the sd John Woodcock - - - - that he the sd John Callender is the True & only owner of the above granted Premicies at the Time of the bargin - - - & hath - - - - Lawfull authority to give grant bargin sell Confine & Assure the sd mentioned Prsents as a good sure perfect & absolute Estate of Inheritance in fee simple according to the free Tenour of there majesties manner of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, In the Realm of England in free & common soccage & not in Capitee nor Knights service but without any manner of Condition or Revertion Title of Dower or Limetation of uses so as to Alter Change Defeat or make voyde the same:- -
In Wittness Whereof the sd John

Callender hath set his hand & Seale this fifteenth day of March in the yeare of our Lord one thousand six hundred and Ninty three or four & in the sixt yeare of the Reign of our Sovereigns William and Mary of England Scotland France & Ireland King & Queen Defenders of the faith &c.
Signed, sealed & Delivered John Callender (seal ) in the presence of us William Carpenter the X mark of Miriam Carpenter

Memorandum note that John Callender on the 20th day of January 1706/7 before me the subcriber one of her majesties Justices of the peace for the County of Bristol. Did acknowledge this Instrument to his vollentary Actt & Deed Nicholas Peck

Also found in the Proprietors' Records: The Bounds of the Lands of Jn Calender and Banfield Capron. Impr. ffourty five acres of land Be it more Lest. Being their first and part of theire second Lotts Lying by Ould Thomas Coopers Land Beyond Jn Lanes the first corner is a black oake in said Coopers Line thence North one hundred Rod to a White oake markt thence North Nor West Eighty Rod to a Toa (sic) black oake markt for a Corner thence West fourty Rod to a white oake markt for a corner thence South South East Eighty Rod to a white oake marts thence South a hundred Rod to White oake markt for a Corner thence East to said Coopers corner being an ash tree then by said Coopers Line to the ffirst corner. Impr Likewise the Remaining part of theire Second Lotts being five acres be it more or less four acres whereof Lyeth by Jn Calenders ould Lott Bounded South theiir own Land East the Bay Rhoad North Jn Martains Land thence South from the South West corner of said Martains Land to there own Land. Impr. Likewise one acre lying on the East sid of the bay Rhoad over against the sd Calender ould house for Conveniency of Building a house. ------------------- Bristol County Deeds Book 4:508 Bristol Mar. 3rd 1697/8. John Callender of Attleborough, Bristol Count, Mass., for the Sum of forty six Pounds currt silver - - payd by Banfield Capron of the town - - - aforesaid - - - sell - - - to him - - - the one half of a whole share of Upland Swamp & Medow ground in the lands called Rehoboth North Purchase Lands on the Bungee river and also other piece of land. 22 Nov. 1706 Witnesses, Nicholas Ide, Daniel Smith.

Died:
or 1707