John Freeman

  Noted events in his life were:

• Military, 15 Oct 1777. enrolled in Jessup's Corps.King's Loyal americans/Loyal Rangers

• Occupation: guide for General Burgoyne's Army at Saratoga, Aug 1777.

• Misc: had a son thomas. Fact 1: 6 AUG 1777 served in Jessup's Corps Fact 2: 24 DEC 1783 discharged Fact 3: moved to lot 34, 3rd con., Augusta Twp. (Brockville) Fact 4: 1796 living in Ernesttown

• Misc: Name meaning. FREEMAN One who enjoys liberty, or is entitled to a franchise, or peculiar privilege, as the freeman of a city or state. Last Name Meaning http://www.last-names.net/surname.asp

FREEMAN : English, originally designated a man of free birth, i.e. free from bondage to the lord, a position every peasant yearned for, but not of noble birth; he held substantial land for which he paid only a small rent and was obliged to render little or no service to the lord or king; FREEMAN was below the rank of FRANKLIN and KNIGHT. What Is In Your Name http://www.vitalog.net/cgi-bin/select_name.cgi

• Misc. John Freeman and the Battle of Freeman's Farm


---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------

The Freeman family, according to some, originally came to the New World aboard the Abigail, which accompanied the second voyage of the Mayflower. One branch of the family settled in upstate New York, and by 1777 were living on a farm rented from Philip Schuyler near Stillwater in Saratoga County. This farm also happened to be the scene of one of the most important battles of the American Revolution - the 1st Battle of Saratoga, more commonly known as the Battle of Freeman's Farm.

In 1777, the British began to advance on Albany, with Gen. Burgoyne leading the central column south from Quebec, down Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. The plan was for him to meet up with Gen. St. Leger's men moving east along the Mohawk River, and with a third column under Gen. Howe's command coming up from the south along the Hudson. The plan was initially successful, despite the Americans under Benedict Arnold having thwarted St. Leger's advance. Burgoyne had decisive victories at Ticonderoga and Hubbardton, and continued to push the American forces south along the Hudson until, by the summer of 1777, he was ready to cross the river into Saratoga Village.

By August, hundreds of men from Saratoga Co. were flocking to join the British forces, and among them were John Freeman and his 12 year old son, Thomas. John was employed as a guide, and young Thomas enlisted with Jessup's King's Loyal Americans. On September 19th, these two were to find themselves home again as British and American forces met on their very farm, in a battle which was to become a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The British, under Burgoyne, suffered greater casualties than the Rebels in this first battle, but managed to gain the field and are considered to have won it. Despite his forces being depleted, however, Burgoyne chose to press the Americans again a few weeks later just south of Freeman's farm at Bemis Heights (the 2nd Battle of Saratoga). This time the Americans won the day, and Burgoyne was forced to retreat and later surrender arms.

(an interesting note - Benedict Arnold is given large credit for this victory, and was severely wounded in the leg during the battle. It was while he was recovering from this wound that he began to dwell on his ill treatment by Gen. Gates, who had actually relieved him of command before the battle. It is believed that this was the cause of his turning to the British, and to commemorate this, a monument stands on the site with a bronze replica of Benedict Arnold's Leg.)

Under the terms of the surrender, Burgoyne and his men were allowed to return to Canada, along with the families of the local Loyalists, which including the Freeman and Scott families. All their land and property had been confiscated, and in John Freeman's case, there wasn't much of his property left after the battle anyway. This exhausted and demoralized group began making their way north, a seventeen day, two hundred mile journey from Saratoga to St. John, Quebec, where they arrived November 3rd.

Soon after arriving, the Freeman family suffered yet another devastating blow. In January and February of 1778, a smallpox epidemic struck the settlements along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain. John Freeman, his wife, and 7 of their 10 children died, leaving only Thomas and two of his sisters, Mary and Dorcas. In 1781, and again in 1788, Thomas Freeman petitioned Gen. Haldimand for compensation on the losses sustained by his father, stating that Gen. Burgoyne had personally promised him reward for his loyalty. His petition was supported by letters from several officers who had fought at Saratoga, and was eventually accepted.

Jennifer Smith's Genealogy Page, http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~truax/freeman.html, October 11, 2004

• lived, 1775, Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York.

• lived, 2 Aug 1768. Chain of Title for Farm # 3, Great Lott 16 1768 Philip Schuyler leases Farm # 3 to John Freeman. (Schuyler Papers reel #10)

It was a freehold lease dated August 2, 1768 and was for three lives. John Freeman, Efellanah Freeman * (presumably his wife), & Edward Freeman. * Thomas Freeman, son of John, had a daughter named Efellanah. The name was also spelled Evalena and Efelana.

1777 Battle of Saratoga is fought on Farm # 3. The British loose and burn John Freeman’s log house before retreating to Canada.

John Freeman fights with the British and retreats with them.

• Family Origin. John Freeman and the Battle of Freeman's Farm


---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------

The Freeman family, according to some, originally came to the New World aboard the Abigail, which accompanied the second voyage of the Mayflower. One branch of the family settled in upstate New York, and by 1777 were living on a farm rented from Philip Schuyler near Stillwater in Saratoga County. This farm also happened to be the scene of one of the most important battles of the American Revolution - the 1st Battle of Saratoga, more commonly known as the Battle of Freeman's Farm.

In 1777, the British began to advance on Albany, with Gen. Burgoyne leading the central column south from Quebec, down Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. The plan was for him to meet up with Gen. St. Leger's men moving east along the Mohawk River, and with a third column under Gen. Howe's command coming up from the south along the Hudson. The plan was initially successful, despite the Americans under Benedict Arnold having thwarted St. Leger's advance. Burgoyne had decisive victories at Ticonderoga and Hubbardton, and continued to push the American forces south along the Hudson until, by the summer of 1777, he was ready to cross the river into Saratoga Village.

By August, hundreds of men from Saratoga Co. were flocking to join the British forces, and among them were John Freeman and his 12 year old son, Thomas. John was employed as a guide, and young Thomas enlisted with Jessup's King's Loyal Americans. On September 19th, these two were to find themselves home again as British and American forces met on their very farm, in a battle which was to become a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The British, under Burgoyne, suffered greater casualties than the Rebels in this first battle, but managed to gain the field and are considered to have won it. Despite his forces being depleted, however, Burgoyne chose to press the Americans again a few weeks later just south of Freeman's farm at Bemis Heights (the 2nd Battle of Saratoga). This time the Americans won the day, and Burgoyne was forced to retreat and later surrender arms.

(an interesting note - Benedict Arnold is given large credit for this victory, and was severely wounded in the leg during the battle. It was while he was recovering from this wound that he began to dwell on his ill treatment by Gen. Gates, who had actually relieved him of command before the battle. It is believed that this was the cause of his turning to the British, and to commemorate this, a monument stands on the site with a bronze replica of Benedict Arnold's Leg.)

Under the terms of the surrender, Burgoyne and his men were allowed to return to Canada, along with the families of the local Loyalists, which including the Freeman and Scott families. All their land and property had been confiscated, and in John Freeman's case, there wasn't much of his property left after the battle anyway. This exhausted and demoralized group began making their way north, a seventeen day, two hundred mile journey from Saratoga to St. John, Quebec, where they arrived November 3rd.

Soon after arriving, the Freeman family suffered yet another devastating blow. In January and February of 1778, a smallpox epidemic struck the settlements along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain. John Freeman, his wife, and 7 of their 10 children died, leaving only Thomas and two of his sisters, Mary and Dorcas. In 1781, and again in 1788, Thomas Freeman petitioned Gen. Haldimand for compensation on the losses sustained by his father, stating that Gen. Burgoyne had personally promised him reward for his loyalty. His petition was supported by letters from several officers who had fought at Saratoga, and was eventually accepted.

Apparently the Freeman family originally came to the U.S. from England on the 'Abigail', one of several companion ships on the second voyage of the Mayflower.

Historians consider the Battle of Saratoga to be the major turning point of the American Revolution. This battle proved to the world that the fledgling American army was an effective fighting force capable of defeating the highly trained British forces in a major confrontation. As a result of this successful battle, the European powers, particularly the French, took interest in the cause of the Americans and began to support them.

In the British Campaign of 1777, Major General Burgoyne planned a concentric advance of three columns to meet in Albany, New York. He led the main column, which moved southward along the Hudson River. A second column under General Barry St. Leger served as a diversionary attack, moving eastward from Canada along the Mohawk River. General Howe was expected to direct the third element of the attack. According to the plan, General Henry Clinton, under the direction of Howe, would move northward along the Hudson River and link up with Burgoyne in Albany. Through this campaign, the British hoped to isolate and destroy the Continental forces of New England.

Initially, the British plan appeared to be working, with British victories at Ticonderoga and Hubbardton. Burgoyne's army continually pushed back the Americans southward along the Hudson River with only minor casualties. The Battle of Bennington marked the first significant American victory, when General John Stark led the American militia to victory against a British resupply expedition.

In an attempt to slow the British advance, the American General Philip Schuyler detached 1000 men under the command of Major General Benedict Arnold. This force moved west to thwart St. Leger's eastward advance along the Mohawk River. Arnold returned with his detachment after repelling St. Leger in time serve in the Battle of Saratoga.

At the Battle of Freeman's Farm, the new commander of the Northern Department of the American army, General Horatio Gates, lost an indecisive battle. During this First Battle of Saratoga, fought 19 September 1777, the American forces lost ground to the British forces under General Burgoyne. Disagreements in tactics and personalities led to a heated argument between Generals Gates and Arnold. General Gates relieved Arnold of command as a result. The Battle of Bemis Heights was the second battle of Saratoga, taking place October 7th when Burgoyne desperately attacked rebel defenses with his tired, demoralized army. At Bemis Heights, Gate's defensive tactics insured a tactical victory for the Patriots. However, Arnold saw an opportunity to seize the offensive while Burgoyne was vulnerable and led a counterattack. This bold move so badly wounded the British forces that Burgoyne surrendered days later at Saratoga.

Jennifer Smith's Genealogy Page

Apparently the Freeman family originally came to the U.S. from England on the 'Abigail', one of several companion ships on the second voyage of the Mayflower.

Historians consider the Battle of Saratoga to be the major turning point of the American Revolution. This battle proved to the world that the fledgling American army was an effective fighting force capable of defeating the highly trained British forces in a major confrontation. As a result of this successful battle, the European powers, particularly the French, took interest in the cause of the Americans and began to support them.

In the British Campaign of 1777, Major General Burgoyne planned a concentric advance of three columns to meet in Albany, New York. He led the main column, which moved southward along the Hudson River. A second column under General Barry St. Leger served as a diversionary attack, moving eastward from Canada along the Mohawk River. General Howe was expected to direct the third element of the attack. According to the plan, General Henry Clinton, under the direction of Howe, would move northward along the Hudson River and link up with Burgoyne in Albany. Through this campaign, the British hoped to isolate and destroy the Continental forces of New England.

Initially, the British plan appeared to be working, with British victories at Ticonderoga and Hubbardton. Burgoyne's army continually pushed back the Americans southward along the Hudson River with only minor casualties. The Battle of Bennington marked the first significant American victory, when General John Stark led the American militia to victory against a British resupply expedition.

In an attempt to slow the British advance, the American General Philip Schuyler detached 1000 men under the command of Major General Benedict Arnold. This force moved west to thwart St. Leger's eastward advance along the Mohawk River. Arnold returned with his detachment after repelling St. Leger in time serve in the Battle of Saratoga.

At the Battle of Freeman's Farm, the new commander of the Northern Department of the American army, General Horatio Gates, lost an indecisive battle. During this First Battle of Saratoga, fought 19 September 1777, the American forces lost ground to the British forces under General Burgoyne. Disagreements in tactics and personalities led to a heated argument between Generals Gates and Arnold. General Gates relieved Arnold of command as a result. The Battle of Bemis Heights was the second battle of Saratoga, taking place October 7th when Burgoyne desperately attacked rebel defenses with his tired, demoralized army. At Bemis Heights, Gate's defensive tactics insured a tactical victory for the Patriots. However, Arnold saw an opportunity to seize the offensive while Burgoyne was vulnerable and led a counterattack. This bold move so badly wounded the British forces that Burgoyne surrendered days later at Saratoga.

• Biography. ⁵¹² 1769 General Philip Schuyler leased Farm # 3, Great Lott 16 of the Saratoga Patent to John Freeman. (Schuyler Papers, Box 46, New York Public Library, New York, New York. Also see the Schuyler Papers on microfilm, reel #10, Saratoga National Historical Park, Stillwater, New York) John Freeman lease was a freehold lease dated August 2, 1769 and was for three lives. John Freeman, Efellanah Freeman * (presumably his wife), & Edward Freeman. ? Thomas Freeman, son of John, had a daughter named Efellanah. The name was also spelled Evalena and Efelana. Metes and bounds of John Freeman's leasehold: Beginning at the north west corner of Johh McCarty's farm and runs thence north 77 degrees west 48 chains; thence, south 13 degrees west 42 chains to the south line of the said lott # 16; thence, south 75 degrees east 39 chains to the south west corner of Jeremiah Taylor's farm thence along the west and south bounds of the said Taylor's farm to the south west corner of John McCarty's farm to the place of beginning. Containing 170 acres more or less. 1777 September 19, 1777, the first Battle of Saratoga was fought on Farm # 3, Great Lott 16. The British used John Freeman's log house as a field headquarters. When the British retired from the field of battle, they burned John Freeman's log house to the ground before removing to the Leggett's property, Farm # 2, Great Lott 17. October 7, 1777, the second Battle of Saratoga was fought. The fighting started in Simeon Barber's wheat field in Great Lott #15. Following their defeat the British army removed to the hill above the village of Saratoga & later surrendered. John Freeman fought with the British and retreated with them. 1778 February 10, 1778, John Freeman died in a small pox epidemic in St. Jean, P.Q., Canada. His wife and six of his nine children also died in that small pox epidemic. He was survived by one son, Thomas Freeman, and two daughters: Dorcas Freeman Scott, wife of John Scott, and Mary Freeman Mosher, wife of Lewis Mosher. 1779 William Mead is the tenant on Farm # 3, Great Lott 16 with a term lease. (October 23rd 1779 Saratoga District Tax List, Archives Item A3210 (Tax Assessment Lists, 1779- 1788) New York State Archives, Albany, New York) 1782 William Mead entered into a freehold lease with General Philip Schuyler for Farm # 3, Great Lott #16. (Chancery Decree, Department of State Docket 35 page 312-315, New York State Archives, Albany, New York) 1783 Thomas Freeman, the sole surviving son of John Freeman of Farm # 3 Great Lott 16 of the Saraotga Patent, Province of New York, applied to the British Government for compensation for the loss of his father's farm at Stillwater, NY. His brothers-in-law, John Scott and Lewis Mosher, waived any claim for damages for the loss of John Freeman's farm at Stillwater. (Losses Claims Audit Office records AO 12, vol.32, f.184, vol.64, f.337, vol.109, f.146; and AO 13, vol.12, ff. 518-519. Thomas claim is in AO 13, vol.81, f.98.) John Freeman's property was confiscated by the Commissioners for Forfeiture, Committee of Safety for the State of New York.

John married Effelanah Unknown about 1760. (Effelanah Unknown died on 10 Feb 1778 in St. John, Quebec, Canada.)