Henry Freeman (1690-1753)
Reed, Hopkins and Speakman have all provided details about this Henry Freeman. They, Elaine
Speakman in particular, have clearly documented several aspects of Henry’s life.
T.J. Reed: Henry’s parents and marriage
Although Henry Freeman is not mentioned in his father’s Will, two other documents provide
clear evidence as to Henry’s parentage. In the first one, John Freeman Sr. of Surry Co, VA
deeded to his son Henry Freeman, a 181 acre tract on the north side of Nottoway River.
1(10 May) Surry County, Virginia Wills, Deeds 1715-1730 (FHL#0034102) No. 7, p.57. Indenture 10 May 1717 between John Freeman Senr of Surry County and Henry Freeman his son of same sells for 1 negro boy given to him the said Henry Freeman and Prudence his wife by Arthur Jones his wifes father in his last will and testament and 5 shillings about 181 acres lying in Surry on the North side of Notaway River beginning at a corner black oak standing on said river being the corner tree between said Isaac Hall and Henry Freeman then W40 degrees N or thereabouts along a line of marked trees to a shrubby white oak . . . (emphasis added)
The second document was the Will of Henry’s father-in-law, Arthur Jones, dated 1716: “to
daughter Prudence (Jones) Freeman, ‘my Negroe Boy Dick, provided that old John Freeman
will acknowledge and release to his son Henry where he now liveth, him and his heirs forever;
so done, I give the Negro boy to them & their heirs forever.” Arthur Jones named his wife
Prudence, his executor and the Will was witnessed by James Williams, William Bridges and
Wm. Beach. (Reed, p. 20)
2These two historical documents give ample evidence that John Freeman was the father of Henry
Freeman, and Prudence Jones was Henry’s wife.
Henry’s progeny
The union of Henry and Prudence produced six children:
1. Arthur Freeman b. ca 1718
m. Agnes Stokes
d. 1752
2. Henry Freeman b. ca. 1722
d. 1776
3. Joel Freeman b. ca. 1724
1
Reed writes: “Henry Freeman’s descent from John Freeman Sr. of Surry Co., VA is established by a deed from
John Freeman, Sr., to Henry Freeman, his son, dated 1 May 1717, recorded 15 May 1717, Deed Record 1715-1730, p. 57, Surry Co. VA for a 181 acre tract on the north side of Nottoway River. (Reed, p. 19)
2
The actual provisions of Arthur Jones’ Will include the following: “Jones, Arthur: Leg. to son, Arthur Jones, guns,
tools, and a bill of Thomas Lishon’s for 600 lbs. tob; bill of Phillyp Luper for 600 lbs. tob. To Daughter, Mary Hook, one sheep. To daughter, Sarah, land upon Joseph’s Swamp & Nottoway River at Dob’s lower field to Nottoway River. To daughter, Jane, land at corner pine… to the river. To daughter Mary, all the rest of the land at her mother’s death. TO DAUGHTER PRUDENCE, A NEGRO BOY PROVIDED OLD JOHN FREEMAN WILL
ACKNOWLEGE THE LAND TO HIS SON, HENRY, WHERE HE NOW LIVETH. To daughter, Elizabeth Jones, pewter dishes, etc. Wife, Prudence, all rest of est. and negro. Makes her executor. James Ammon and Giles Underhill overseers of will. 22 Jan 1715/16” (Capitalization added)
4. Josiah Freeman b. ca. 1726
3m. Phoebe ____________
d. 1744
5. Jones Freeman
m. Rebecca (b. ca 1726)
6. Amy Freeman
b. ca. 1729
m. _______ Blanks
The only other bit of information T. J. Reed includes regarding this progenitor is mention of a
land patent for 396 acres that Henry Freeman received in 1740. The parcel of land was located
between Kettlesticks Creek, Great Branch and Flat Rock Creek in what later became Lunenburg
County, VA. Reed added: “This tract included an excellent water power site.”
4Hopkins’ presentation of Henry Freeman
Hopkins gives about the same information as Reed regarding Henry Freeman, but is much more
detailed as to Henry’s offspring. He also states that Henry was born ca. 1686, but cites no
source. Regarding the children, Hopkins wrote:
(1) Josiah Freeman, b. ca. 1715, d. November 15, 1774; m. Mrs. Phoebe Bell nee Stokes, will prob. 1778, dau. of Silvanus Stokes and Cecelia Walker (d. 1776) Her father mentions her in his will in 1766. In 1773 Josiah Freeman patented 50 acres on the north side of the Nottoway. Issue:
1. Prudence Freeman, b. Mar 3, 1754. Not mentioned in her father’s Will but is named in her mother’s Will. She m. _________ DUNN.
2. Cecelia Freeman, b. 13 Jul 1756, m. 1780, Hartwell Barham.
3. Henry Freeman, b. 1758 or 1759; not mentioned in father’s Will; may have d. inf.
4. Molly Freeman, b. 2 Jan 1762
5. Balaam Freeman, b. 31 Mar 1767 (Hopkins adds more on Balaam later)
6. Elizabeth Freeman, b. 23 Dec 1770. Not mentioned in father’s Will. May have d. inf.
(2) Henry Freeman, Jr., b. ca 1727 d. 1776, m. Amy ____. Issue:
1. Arthur Freeman, b. ca 1757; m. 1779, Mary Jones in Southampton Co. 2. Henry Freeman
3. Sarah Freeman, m. ______ Hern 4. Patty Freeman, m ______ Capel
5. Prudence Freeman m. 1774 Robert Jones. 6. Franky Freeman b. 26 Aug 1756
7. Molly Freeman 8. Lucy Freeman
(3) Jones Freeman d. 13 May 1771 m Rebekah ____, d. Oct 1770 [?] Issue, if any unknown
(4) Amy Freeman m. ____ Blanks. Among issue:
3
Speakman argues that Josiah was probably born in 1726. She bases her reasoning on a Surry Count, Virginia, Court Order 1744-1751, p. 386, 20 Oct 1714 that orders Josiah Freeman, son of Henry Freeman, be added to the list of tithables belonging to said Henry. Speakman adds. “This usually happened when the tithable reached the age of 21 years.”
4
Patent deed, William Gooch, Lt. Gov. to Henry Freeman, dated 25 Jun 1740, recorded Patent Book 26, p. 54, Commonwealth of Virginia. According to Reed, “This instrument helps correct an error made by Hopkins where he identifies this Henry Freeman as the ancestor of Douglas Southall Freeman, while he ignores the descent of the Kettlesticks Creek lands through Henry to Arthur Freeman and then to Arthur’s son, Henry Freeman.” (Reed, p. 20)
1. Nathan Blanks 2. John Blanks
(5) Arthur Freeman, b. ca. 1706, possibly the eldest son, d. before 1755. Bought land from his father on the north side of Nottoway River in 1741, Issue:
1. Hamlin Freeman
2. Henry Freeman, b. ca 1728, d. 1778, m. Lucy HANCOCK, dau. of Benjamin Hancock of Surry Co, who died in 1777 and mentioned her in his Will. Issue:
1. Elizabeth Freeman 2. Thomas Freeman
3. James Freeman b. ca 1750
(6) Joel Freeman, d. 1758 [?], m. 1757 Patty Richardson, dau. of William Richardson.
Speakman’s contribution
Elaine Speakman’s research into Virginia public records and archives has uncovered several
references to a Henry Freeman that we assume refer to “our” Henry Freeman. In addition, she
has prepared family group records, with footnotes, for Henry. (The family group sheets will be
attached at the end of this unit on Henry Freeman).
1711 24 October. Henry Freeman produced an account against the Public for ten days working on the Battery’s at James Town and 3 days going and returning—ordered to be certified to the next General Assembly for allowance. Surry County Virginia Court Order 1691-1718, p. 378, 24 October 1711
1747 15 March. On petition of Henry Freeman, Setting forth that he is possessed of a tract of land lying on one side of a branch or Gutt5 that leads into Nottoway River on which is a very convenient place to build a water grist mill. But land on opposite side is owned by William Wynne. Wants court to appraise and order land to him.
1748 18 May Petition exhibited by Henry Freeman paying for an acre of land of William Wynne to build a water grist mill is dismissed—petitioner not appearing.
1748 2 Nov The 50 acres of land that Josiah Patented in 1773 was the result of a caveat Josiah entered against Hamlin Stokes Freeman. (Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia, vol. 6, p. 488: “Josiah Freeman having entered a Caveat against Hamlin Stokes Freeman for 50 acres of land surveyed November 2d 1748 for Arthur Freeman on the Northside…
The Library of Virginia indicated that the original caveat was most likely lost or destroyed, as was the case for most documents of the colonial government. The original is in the British National Archives. Speakman adds “I haven’t pursued further but do have the reference for Britain.”
5
Henry Freeman’s 1753/55 Will
We are very fortunate to have copies of Henry Freeman Last Will and Testament. In fact, two
different copies have been obtained. One is quite difficult to read and is continuous, i.e. without
breaks or paragraphs. The other is written in a more polished hand and is divided by sections.
However, both Wills include basically the same information:
In the name of God amen I Henry Freeman the Elder of Surry County being in health of Body and of Sound and Perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the Same calling to mind the Sartainty of Death and the unsartainty of the time therof do make, constitute, ordain and Declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following.
First I Bequeath my Soul into the hands of Almighty God my Heavenly Father by whose mercy I hope for Eternal Rest my body I commit to the Earth to be Buried with such Charges and in such place as my Executor Shall think good and as touching my worldly Estate I dispose of in manner and forme following.
Imprimiss I will that all my Just Debts be paid.
Item I Give and bequeath unto my Son Josiah Freeman the Plantation now Live on Containing by Estimation one hundred and fifty acres be the same more or less with all the appurtenances thereunto belong or in anywise appertaining to him the Said Josiah Freeman and his heirs and assigns Forever but if the Said Josiah should die without heir of his Body lawfully begotten my will is that the Said Plantation with all the appertances thereunto belonging should descend to my Son Henry Freeman his heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my son Josiah Freeman one negro man named Dick and one negro woman named Nan and one negro Girl named Frank with their Increas to him the said Josiah his Heirs and assigns forever; excepting if the Said Negro woman Nan should Breed my will is that the First child the Said Nan shall bring should go to my son Henry Freeman his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Henry Freeman one Feather Bed and furniture to him the said Henry Freeman his heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my son Joell Freeman one Negro boy Named Toney to the Said Joell his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my son Jones Freeman one Negro Girl Named Agg with her increase to him the said Jones his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I Lend to my Daughter Amee Blanks one Negro Girl Named Sall and at her death I give & bequeath the said Negro Sall with her increase unto my Grandson John Blanks to him the said John Blanks his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Joell Freeman five hogs of one yare [year] old Each to him the Said Joell his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I GIVE AND BEQUEATH UNTO MY GRANDSON HAMBLIN FREEMAN SON TO MY SON ARTHUR FREEMAN DECEASED ONE COW AND CALF WITH THEIR INCREASE TO HIM THE SAID HAMBLIN HIS HEIRS & ASSIGNS FOREVER (Capitalization added.)
Item I give and bequeath unto my two Grandsons Nathan Blanks Son to my Daughter Amee Blanks and HENRY FREEMAN SON TO MY SON ARTHUR FREEMAN DECEASED [capitalization added] all my stock at my Plantation in the County of Lunenburg to be Equally Divided between my two Grandsons to them the Said Nathan Blanks and Henry Freeman their Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath all the Rest and Remainder of my Estate both Real and Personal to my Son Josiah Freeman to him the Said Josiah Freeman his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I also nominate and appoint my Son Josiah Freeman my whole and sole Executor of this my Last will and Testament Revoking annulling and making void all former wills and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made.
Signed Sealed Published and Delivered this Seventeenth Day of December in the yare of our Lord Christ One Thousand seven hundred fifty and three in presence of These whose Names are hereunto subscribed.
Silvanus Stokes Henry (his mark) Freeman John Willborn
Phebe (her mark) Freeman
At a Court held for Sussex County the 14th April 1755.
The aforewritten Last will and Testament of Henry Freeman deceased was presented in Court by Josiah Freeman Executor therein Named who made Oath therto According to Law and the same was proved by the Oaths of Silvanus Stokes, John Willborn and Pheby Freman the witness and by the Court ordered to be Recorded and on the Motion of the said Executor Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate therof in due form
Teste A Claiborne Clk
Henry’s Will is extremely valuable for providing information about his children and even some
grandchildren. Since Henry’s wife, Prudence Jones, is not mentioned in the Will, it might be
assumed—according to Reed--, that she died prior to Henry’s writing of the Will.
1755 Inventory
An Inventory of Henry’s estate is also accessible. The writing is difficult to read, but there are
many items of interest:
An Inventory of the Estate of Henry Freeman Deced Taken May the 11th 1755 Viz One Negro Man Named Dick………. £ 30.0
One Negro Girl named frank……….. 72.0
Three Sows and thirteen pigs ____________( illegible)……… 4 illegible
___________________(illegible)……….. 16 illegible
Three feather Beds _________(illegible)……… 11 illegible
Fifteen pounds of (illegible)……….. illegible6
Wills of two sons, Estate Inventory of another
Although Joel, Josiah and Henry Freeman Jr. are not on our direct line, their estate documents
provide additional information about the family. Elaine Speakman has transcribed the Will and
Estate Inventory of Josiah Freeman and an Inventory of Joel Freeman’s Estate. In addition, the
clerk of the Sussex County has made available to us a copy of Henry Freeman Jr.’s Will of 1775.
Joel Freeman Estate Appraisal
71758 December 1st In Obedience of an Order of Court to us directed We have Appraised the Estate of Joel Freeman dec’ed [deceased] [being first sworn] to the following parties.
To 1 bed and furniture £ 3.0.0
To a parcel of pewter 12/ To a parcel of lumber 7/ 0.19.0
1 Chest 5/ one Pail and Piggen 2/ 0.7.0
1 old Chest 2/ 2 Bowles 1/3 0.3.3
3 sides leather 12/ one Rugg 5/ 0.17.0
2 baskets and some cotton 8/ 2 chissels ¼ 0.4.4 2 Axes 10/ 1 Wheel and Cards 8/ 0.18.0
a Parcel of Shoemakers Tools 2/ 0.2.0
2 Chairs 2/ a spur 6d a Bridle bit 8d 0.3.2 a Bridle & Lock 1/6 1 pott & Hooks 10/ 0.11.6
1 pott and Hooks 3/6 1 pan 2/6 3.6.0
2 Baskets 1/3 a parcel of shoes 1/6 0.2.9 2 Hides 6/ 1 Tubb 2/ a parcel of Hogs 30/ 1.18.9
1 Nippers 6d One Mare £8 8.3.
Parcel of Cattle £3:4 one fiddle 12/ 3.1.6 Total £21.
Josiah Freeman James Jones John Wilborn Wm Oliver
Josiah Freeman, Joel’s brother, was the one responsible for handling matters relating to his brother’s estate. A second part of the Virginia Wills book details all the payments Josiah made to individuals from Joel’s estate which originally amounted to £65.4.7.
Two facts stand out from the above Appraisal. First, Joel Freeman died in 1758 and seems not to have been too well off financially. Second, it appears that he was a shoemaker, as his estate included “a parcel of shoemakers tools” and “3 sides of leather,” plus “a parcel of shoes.”
6
Thirty-five other items are listed but many are illegible. 7
Josiah Freeman Will and Estate Inventory
Josiah Freeman died in 1774, about sixteen years after his brother, Joel. Josiah left the following
Will
8:
In the Name of God Amen I Josiah Freeman of Sussex County being weak in Body but of right Mind & Memory, and calling to mind that its appointed to all Men once to die, Do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament and do desire to recommend my Soul to Almighty God and as for my worldly Goods which it hath please God to bestow upon me I give & dispose of in the following manner.
-I Give to my Daughter Cecelia Freeman One Bed & furniture and one Woman’s Saddle two Pewter Dishes ½ Dozen Plates & ½ doz Knives & forks.
-I Give to my Daughter Molly Freeman One Bed & furniture, and one Woman’s Saddle, two pewter dishes ½ dozen plates & ½ dozen Knives & forks.
-I give to my Son Baalam Freeman One Horse Bridle & Saddle at Twelve or fifteen pounds price One Bed & furniture two Pewter dishes ½ dozen plates & ½ doz knives & forks, when he arrives at the Age of twenty years at wch [which’ time I desire he may be for himself. I Leave to my Loving Wife Phebe Freeman the use of all the residue of my Estate of what kind soever after my Debts & funeral Expences. Expences being paid during her natural Life to bring up & Educate my Children and at her decease my Will & desire is my whole Estate except my Land to [be] equally divided amongst my Children that shall be then living.
-I Give to my Son Balaam Freeman after his Mother’s Death all my Land to him & his Heirs forever. And I desire my Estate may not be Appraised.
And I Nominate & appoint Sylvanus Bell & John Bell my whole & sole Executors of this my last Will & Testament Revoking Annulling and making Void all former Wills & Testaments by me at any time heretofore made.
Josiah Freeman Signed Sealed published &
Declared to be my last Will & Test This twentieth day of September Anno Dommino 1774
In presence of Robert Jones Junr John X Hill his mark
Daniel Malone
At a Court held for Sussex County the 17th day of November 1774 The within written last Will & Testament of Josiah Freeman decd [deceased] was presented into Court by Sylvanus Bell & John Bell the Executors there named who under Oath thereto as the Law directs and the same was proved by the Oaths of Robert Jones Jun, Daniel Malone & John Hill—the Witnesses thereto and by the Corut Ordered to be Recorded….
8
An Inventory of the Estate of Josiah Freeman Deceased
9To 1 Negro Man Dick To 1 Negro Man Arthur To 1 Negro Woman Frank To 1 Negro Boy Ben To 1 Negro Boy Allen To 1 Negro Girl Beck To 16 Head Cattle To 79 head Hoggs To 5 Horses To 6 Sheep To 21 Geese To 10 Ducks
To 4 Bed & furniture To 2 Chests To 18 Chairs To 2 Tables To 1 Safe To 2 spinning Wheels To 1 Loom Harness To one flax Wheel To 1 Ginn
To 1 Gun and Bayonett To 2 Pistols
To 1 flax Hackle To 1 pair Saddle Baggs To 1 Man’s Saddle To 2 Bridles
To a parcel of H____ Harness To 1 Tea Kettle
To 1 Grid Iron & Trivett To Coffe Pott
To 1 Looking glass To a parcel of Delf etc. To some Glass ware To a parcel of Books To 1 pair Tongs & Shovel To 1 Box-Iron & Heaters To Candle Stick
To 3 pair Cards, 3 Sifters, 4 Juggs, a parcel of Bottles, Butter potts, 1 Razor & Hone, 1 Spice Morter_____, 1 pint pott, 1 pair Sheep Shears, 4 Reap Hooks, a parcel of Lumber, a parcel of Shoemakers Tools, 2 hammers, 1 Trunk, 1 Dial & 2 plains, 7 Dishes, 2 Basons, 13 Plates, a parcel of knives & forks, 15 spoons, 1 Cart & Wheels, 2 Tubs, 3 Water Pails, 19 Cyder Casks, 7 Tobo [tobacco]____, 10 Barrels, 9½ Bushels Wheat, 26¼ Bushels Oats, 4 Bushels peas, 48 Barrels Corn, a parcel of Fodder, some Staves, etc, 1 Kettle, 4 potts, 1 Skillet, 1 Dutch Oven, 1 Raw Hide, 3 Augers & 1 Fro, 1 Chisel & 1 Gogue, 1 Drawing Knife, a parcel Cotton, 3 Bread Trays, 6 Axes & 1 Spade, 4 Tin pans, 1 Joiners hatchet, 16 Hoes, 1
9
Hand Saw, ½ a cross cut Saw, 1 Frying pan, a parcel of Tallow, a parcel of Salt, a parcel of Wool.
The obvious conclusions to be drawn from Josiah’s Will and Inventory are that he was fairly
prosperous, having six slaves, sixteen head of cattle, five horses, etc., and that he was survived
by his wife, two daughters and one underage son.
Henry Freeman Jr.’s Will
In the name of God Amen I Henry Freeman the elder of Sussex County being in Health and of Sound and perfect Mind and Memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same knowing the Certainty of Death and the Uncertainty of the time thereof do make and constitute and appoint this to be my last Will and Testament in Manner and Form following.
Item I give and bequeath unto Amey Freeman my Wife the Choice of all my Beds and Furniture thereunto belonging my Mare Bridle & Saddle during her Life or Widowhood.
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Arthur Freeman Ninety Acres of Land by
Estimation be the same more or less it being Part of the tract of Land I now live on & all other things that I have processed him with to him his Heirs Y Assigns forever.
Item I give & bequeath unto my Son Henry Freeman Ninety Acres of Land it being the Land I now live on with all the Appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise
appertaining one feather Bed & Furniture thereunto belonging and all other things that I have processed him with to him his Heirs & Assigns forever.
Item I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Sara Hirn Twenty shillings to her and her Heirs forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Patty Capel Twenty Shillings to her and her Heirs forever.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Prudence Jones Twenty Shillings to her and her Heirs forever.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Frankey Freeman Twenty Shillings to her and her Heirs forever.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Molley Freeman Twenty Shillings to her & her Heirs forever.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Lucey Freeman Twenty Shillings to her & her Heirs forever.
And for the Rest & Remainder of my Estate I land [?] unto my Wife Amey Freeman during her life or Widowhood and then to be equally divided amongst my six daughter viz: Salley Hirn, Patty Capal, Prudence Jones, Frankey Freeman, Molley Freeman & Lucey Freeman.
Item, I nominate & appoint my two Sons Arthur Freeman & Henry Freeman and my Friend Joseph Penn my hole & sole Exct. Of this my last Will & Testament. In a Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this 28th Day of January 1775.
Test his
William Moore Henry Freeman (seal)
Anne Moore mark
At a Court held for Sussex County the 19th day of December 1776\The last Will &
Testament of Henry Freeman deced was presented into Court by Arthur Freeman & Henry Freeman Executors therein named who made Oath thereto as the Law directs & the same was proved by the Oaths of William Moore & Anne Moore the Witnesses thereto& by the Court ordered to be recorded And on the motion of the said Executors Certificate is granted them for obtaining a Probat thereof in due Form.
Teste
Wm Claiborne