I'm reading and learning what you're saying re "Freeman". Are there other definitions of this word? I have a copy of Lucius R. Paiges publication, "List of Freemen of Massachusetts, 1630-1691". It states, "Before a member of society could exercise the right of suffrage, or hold any public office, he must be made a "freeman" by the general or quarterly court." "The "Freeman's Oath" was the first paper printed in New England. It was printed at Cambridge, by Stephen Daye, in 1639, upon a single sheet, in the manner of a handbill, and without date." Of course, it goes on to define the "Oath" and gives a list of these freemen.