1 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 (Reed, p. 20) 2 These two historical documents give ample evidence that John Freeman was the father of Henry Freeman, and Prudence Jones was Henry’s wife.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)
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1
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)2
These 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)
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4. Josiah Freeman b. ca. 17263 m. 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.”4
Hopkins’ 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)
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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 The word “Gutt” may be linked to “gutter”= a trench, channel, canal, etc.
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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.
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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 11
th 1755 Viz
One Negro Man Named Dick…………………………………………………. £ 30.0
One Negro Girl named frank………………………………………………….. 72.0
Three Cows and two calfs and some young Cattle…………………… 5 illegible
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Three Sows and thirteen pigs ____________( illegible)…………… 4 illegible