<< What is the definition of a freedman/freeman in the 1820 era >> Dan, One interesting note I saved (origin unknown) adds a thought after the usual definition: "Freeman - As used in Pennsylvania Archives, meant a young man not yet married. In New England this could also refer to a man with "full rights" in the community; i.e., allowed to vote or transact business. If the town you just moved to didn't think you were responsible, they didn't have to let you vote on matters. Sounds like a way to maintain control... a very Puritan way of doing things given the experiences of some of those who came after the first colonists." It seems to me that it is an early form of new voter registration. :) Marcia