Could someone please explain to me the qualifications for becoming a "freemen" in the 1600's. Age? etc. I am trying to determine if the one being accepted in 1669 as a freemen is the father or the son. Thank you, Janet

From what my ancestral grandfather did, he didn't have money to come across to America, so he was in debt to another person, for 7 years. When he worked this time period out to the one who sponsored him, he was admitted as a freeman..My grandfather back in the 1600's, was unmarried when he came across. ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 10:54 AM Subject: [GenCT] Qualifications for becoming a "freemen"? > Could someone please explain to me the qualifications for becoming a > "freemen" in the 1600's. Age? etc. I am trying to determine if the one being > accepted in 1669 as a freemen is the father or the son.

Hello, I may be wrong on this, but I would think that at such an early date, the qualifications would be much the same as they were here in England - by inheriting the position from father or grandfather (in other words, by right of birth), by completing an apprenticeship (described "by right of apprenticeship"), or by payment of money. The candidate would have to sign an oath indicating his allegiance to the civil authorities of the place concerned. I know that the one for Massachusetts was as follows, and I expect the one for Connecticut would have been similar: "I, A B, etc., being, by the Almighty's most wise disposition, become a member of this body, consisting of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Assistants and a commonalty of the Mattachusets in New England, do freely and sincerely acknowledge that I am justly and lawfully subject to the government of the same, and do accordingly submit my person and estate to be protected, ordered, and governed by the laws and constitutions thereof, and do faithfully promise to be from time to time obedient and conformable thereunto, and to the authority of the said Governor and Assistants and their successors, and to all such laws, orders, sentences, and decrees as shall be lawfully made and published by them or their successors; and I will always endeavor (as in duty I am bound) to advance the peace and welfare of this body or commonwealth to my utmost skill and ability; and I will, to my best power and means, seek to divert and prevent whatsoever may tend to the ruin or damage thereof, or of any the said Governor, Deputy Governor, or Assistants, or any of them or their successors, and will give speedy notice to them, or some of them, of any sedition, violence, treachery, or other hurt or evil which I shall know, hear, or vehemently suspect to be plotted or intended against the said commonwealth, or the said government established; and I will not at any time suffer or give consent to any counsel or attempt that shall be done, given, or attempted for the impeachment of the said government, or making any change alteration of the same, contrary to the laws and ordinances thereof, but shall do my utmost endeavor to discover, oppose, and hinder all and every such counsel and attempt. So help me God." One thing to be aware of is that "Freeman" and "Freedman" have quite different meanings. (A "Freedman" is a former slave who has been granted his liberty. A Freeman is one who has been given certain rights in the place where he lives, including the right to trade, and to vote). Regards, David Lamb (Paignton, Devon, UK) Connecticut and Massachusetts (USA) interest: John TALCOTT (abt 1590 - 1659/60), his wife Dorothy MOTT (abt 1600 - 1669/70) and their descendants ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 4:54 PM Subject: Qualifications for becoming a "freemen"? > Could someone please explain to me the qualifications for becoming a > "freemen" in the 1600's. Age? etc. I am trying to determine if the one being > accepted in 1669 as a freemen is the father or the son. > > Thank you, > Janet > > ______________________________