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FREEMAN Ralph Jr.

Male Abt 1740 - Abt 1806  (~ 65 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  FREEMAN Ralph Jr. was born about 17 Feb 1740 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA (son of FREEMAN Ralph and CAPRON Sarah); died about 1806.

    Notes:

    Notes for RALPH JR. FREEMAN:
    Ralph and his wife Phebe are both descendents of Banfield Capron.
    The intention of their marriage is recorded November 08,1764
    Bellingham, Norfolk Co., MA. They were married by Uriah Jillson,
    Jus. of Peace, Mendon, Worcester Co., MA


    More About RALPH JR. FREEMAN:
    Fact 1: November 11, 1764, intention of marriage in Bellingham,
    Norfolk Co., MA.

    Birth:
    17 FEB 1740/1741

    Ralph married THOMPSON Phebe on 01 Jan 1765 in Bellingham, Norfolk Co., MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. FREEMAN Ebenezer
    2. FREEMAN Phebe
    3. FREEMAN Ralph was born in Mendon, Worcester Co., MA.
    4. FREEMAN Willard was born on 06 Oct 1765 in Mendon, Worcester Co., MA; died after 1792.
    5. FREEMAN Otis was born on 24 May 1767 in Mendon, Worcester Co., MA.
    6. FREEMAN Edward was born on 19 Apr 1781; died on 21 Jan 1827 in Bellingham, Norfolk Co., MA.
    7. FREEMAN Alpheus was born about 1784 in Winchester, Cheshire Co., NH.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  FREEMAN Ralph was born on 20 May 1703 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA (son of FREEMAN Ralph Gershon Jr. and DAY Sarah); died on 12 Apr 1777 in Richmond, Cheshire Co., NH.

    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]


  2. 3.  CAPRON Sarah was born on 11 Mar 1708 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA (daughter of CAPRON Banfield and CALLENDER Elizabeth); died in 1789 in Richmond, Cheshire Co., NH.

    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

    Children:
    1. FREEMAN Ebenezer was born on 07 Apr 1727 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died on 08 Sep 1775 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    2. FREEMAN Jemina was born on 24 May 1729 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died on 28 Oct 1813 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    3. FREEMAN Samuel was born on 08 Aug 1732 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    4. FREEMAN Sarah was born on 08 Aug 1732 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    5. FREEMAN Benjamin was born on 31 Mar 1734 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died about 1807 in Swanzey, Cheshire Co., NH.
    6. FREEMAN Esther was born on 25 Jul 1736 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    7. FREEMAN Nathan was born on 23 Jul 1738 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died on 02 Oct 1825.
    8. 1. FREEMAN Ralph Jr. was born about 17 Feb 1740 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died about 1806.
    9. FREEMAN Samuel was born on 16 May 1743 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    10. FREEMAN Dan was born on 16 Jun 1745 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died on 06 Mar 1834 in Wendall, Franklin Co., MA.
    11. FREEMAN Sarah was born about 1746 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died about 1764 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  FREEMAN Ralph Gershon Jr. was born on 20 Apr 1662 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA (son of FREEMAN Ralph Sr. and LYON Katherine); died on 15 Aug 1725 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.

    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]


  2. 5.  DAY Sarah was born on 14 Jun 1664 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA (daughter of Sr. Thomas DAY and COOPER Sarah); died on 16 Sep 1716 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA.
    Children:
    1. FREEMAN Hannah
    2. FREEMAN Jeremiah was born on 08 Aug 1689 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    3. FREEMAN Benjamin was born on 06 Jul 1693 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died on 01 May 1724 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    4. FREEMAN Sarah was born on 06 May 1700 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA.
    5. 2. FREEMAN Ralph was born on 20 May 1703 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died on 12 Apr 1777 in Richmond, Cheshire Co., NH.

  3. 6.  CAPRON Banfield was born about 1660 in Devon, England; died on 20 Aug 1752 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.

    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]


  4. 7.  CALLENDER Elizabeth was born about 1662 in Devon, England (daughter of CALLENDER John); died on 10 May 1732 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    Children:
    1. Jr. Banfield Capron was born on 16 Jul 1683 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died on 16 Aug 1758 in Cumberland, Providence Co., RI.
    2. CAPRON Elizabeth Banfield was born on 22 Oct 1684 in Rehoboth, Bristol Co., MA; died on 11 Jul 1765 in Cumberland, Providence Co., RI.
    3. CAPRON John was born on 25 Apr 1687 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died on 16 May 1739 in Cumberland, Providence Co., RI.
    4. CAPRON Hannah was born on 02 Jul 1689 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died on 17 Feb 1731 in Mendon, Worcester Co., MA.
    5. CAPRON Capt. Joseph was born on 12 Sep 1691 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died on 14 Oct 1776 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    6. CAPRON Walter was born on 02 Oct 1693 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died about 1765 in Groton, New London Co., CT.
    7. CAPRON Mary was born on 26 Mar 1696 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died on 06 Jul 1780 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    8. CAPRON Edward was born on 17 Mar 1697 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died on 06 Jul 1780 in West Greenwich, Kent Co., RI.
    9. CAPRON Margaret was born about 1700 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died in Jun 1739.
    10. CAPRON Benjamin was born about 1704 in Swansea, Bristol Co., MA; died on 06 Apr 1724 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    11. CAPRON Johnathan was born on 11 Mar 1704 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died on 07 Feb 1776 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    12. 3. CAPRON Sarah was born on 11 Mar 1708 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA; died in 1789 in Richmond, Cheshire Co., NH.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  FREEMAN Ralph Sr. was born on 14 Dec 1629 in St. Peters, Cornhill, London, England (son of FREEMAN Sanford Myron and CALCOT Elizabeth); died on 25 May 1718 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.

    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]


  2. 9.  LYON Katherine was born in 1635 in MA (daughter of LYON William and CARTER Anne); died in 1718.

    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.

    Children:
    1. FREEMAN Jonathan was born on 13 Jan 1653 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died on 18 Apr 1718 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    2. FREEMAN Mary was born on 10 May 1655 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died in 1692 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    3. FREEMAN David C. was born in 1657 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died on 20 Jan 1732 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    4. FREEMAN Martha was born in 1657 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died in 1692 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    5. 4. FREEMAN Ralph Gershon Jr. was born on 20 Apr 1662 in Dedham, Norfolk Co., MA; died on 15 Aug 1725 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.
    6. FREEMAN Nathaniel was born on 17 Mar 1682 in Eastham, Barnstable County, MA; died on 02 Aug 1735.

  3. 10.  Sr. Thomas DAY was born in 1636 in Hartford, Hartford Co., CT; died on 27 Dec 1711 in Springfield, Hampden Co., 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]


  4. 11.  COOPER Sarah was born on 07 Jan 1638 in Hartford, Hartford Co., CT (daughter of COOPER Lieut. Thomas and SLYE Sarah); died on 21 Nov 1726 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA.

    Notes:

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

    Children:
    1. 5. DAY Sarah was born on 14 Jun 1664 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA; died on 16 Sep 1716 in Springfield, Hampden Co., MA.

  5. 14.  CALLENDER John died on 20 Jan 1706 in MA.

    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

    Children:
    1. 7. CALLENDER Elizabeth was born about 1662 in Devon, England; died on 10 May 1732 in Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA.