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Bradley, Hazen, and Stricker Family Trees - What was a Freeman?

What is a Freeman? 


After using the term "made a Freeman" in many, many, blog posts, it's time to explain what the requirements were to become a Freeman in Massachusetts in the 1600's. 

To Become a Freeman in Massachusetts in the 1600's, a specific set of requirements and conditions had to be met. 

1. Be male
2. Be 21 years old or older
3. Not be a bonded slave or indentured servant
4. Own property
5. Be a Church Member of the established church
6. Swear an oath of fidelity to the English Crown
7. Swear the Freeman's Oath

                                       


Some notes:

Many young men paid for their passage to Massachusetts by indenturing themselves to someone already there. They could not be considered for Freemanship until after their term of Indenture (five years, typically) was over. 

Church Membership was not just about attendance. Before being admitted to church membership, the man was questioned extensively by church leadership. His morals, associations, and beliefs were all questioned, and no deviation from the Puritan beliefs accepted. If the minister of the church and the town leaders did not accept the answers given, no church membership was offered.  Until 1690, no Baptists, Quakers, Catholics, or other members of religious groups other than Puritans could become Freemen. Typically, Freemanship was granted a year after church membership. 


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