Edmund Freeman, Asst. Governor b. 25 Jul 1596 Pulborough, Sussex, England d. 21 Jun 1682 Sandwich, Barnstable, Massachusetts: Lineagekeeper's Genealogy

Edmund Freeman, Lynn, came in the ABIGAIL, aged 45, with others of the name.

Edmund FREEMAN was born before Jul 25 1596 in Pulborough, Sussex, England. He was christened on Jul 25 1596 in Pulborough, Sussex, England. He died between Jun 21 1682 and Nov 2 1682 in Sandwich, Barnstable Co., MA. (dates his will was written and presented for probate) [Beverly J. Freeman. The Lineage of Richard Vernon Freeman. Privately published Auburn MA 1971.] Edmund and his family sailed from Oxford on the Abigail in 1635. They settled first in Saugus (later known as Lynn); Edmund's portion of land was the largest. He presented the Colony with 20 corsletts (pieces of plate armor), supposedly for defense against the Indians. In 1637 they removed to Plymouth. Soon after he removed to Sandwich, with ten others, in order "to worship God an to make money". Received a grant of 500 acres from King CharlesI (location no specified by Freeman). Edmund was Assistant Governor 1640-1646, and headed a court that settled disputes in area townships. He was dropped from this position because of his "liberal and tolerant principles" and belief in freedom of worship.

Edmund and Elizabeth both rode on horseback over the area.They were buried on their own land in the rear of their dwelling -- the oldest burying place in Sandwich. A stone on the property resembled a pillion; shortly after Elizabeth's death, it was hauled by oxen to mark her grave. Another stone resembled a saddle, and Edmond had this placed over the precise spot "whereere long another grave must be digged". The monuments are known as the "Saddle and Pillion"; the burial ground was given to the town of Sandwich shortly before 1971. "A well-worn path leads from the street through a field and then one sees the graves under the trees. From the street the Freeman farm is visible, banke on the side with yellow forsythia bushes." That original homestead burned and new house was built about 1695, by either son John or grandson John. When Beverly Freeman wrote in 1971, the house was still standing, and the property was occupied by a descendant of John Freeman, Mrs. Everard Pratt.

He was married to Bennett HODSOLL (daughter of John HODSOLL and Faith GRATWICK) on Jun 16 1617 in Cowfold, Sussex, England. Bennett HODSOLL was born about 1598. She was christened about 1598 in England. She died on Apr 12 1630 in Pulborough, Sussex, England.

The first Freeman in America was Edmund who arrived in Plymouth in 1635 aboard the "Abigail." He was the son of Edmond and Alice Coles Freeman who lived at Reigate in County Surrey, England. He was admitted freeman at Plymouth, January 2, 1637. Edmund was prominent, active and influential in affairs of the colony. Edmund of one of the original nine men who founded the town of Sandwich on Cape Cod.

Edmund's first wife was Bennett Hodsoll, but she apparently died in England. Edmund married Elizabeth Gurney who came to America with him. Four children also came American with the family.

Edmund and Bennett's son John was active in civic affairs and is frequently mentioned in public records. He served as a soldier, first as Lieutenant, then as Captain, and later as Major and took an active part in the Indian Wars. He was a major in the expedition against Indians at Saconet in 1677. He served as member Council of War from 1667-76. He served as captain in the fight against Indians at Taunton in 1675. He was a major of Barnstable Troop in 1685 and Deputy at Eastham for eight years. He served as a selectman for ten years starting in 1663. John was assistant in the Government in 1666. On 7th Dec. 1692, he was appointed to the Bench of the Court of Common Pleas. For many year he was a Deacon of the Eastham Church.

John married Mercy Mary Prence, daughter of Governor Thomas Prence and Patience Brewster. Patience was the daughter of Elder William Brewster, the spiritual leader of the Mayflower.

John and Mercy's son Thomas Freeman married Rebecca Sparrow, daughter of Capt. Jonathan Sparrow and Rebecca Bangs Sparrow. Thomas served as a Deacon in the Church.

Thomas and Rebecca's son Thomas, Jr. married Mary Smith and resided at Harwich in Barnstable County.