DONNA - Definition of Freeman (this from a family genealogy, sounds reliable) "James became a Concord Proprietor, was termed a Yeoman and titled Sergeant. On June 2, 1641 he became a Freeman of the Colony. By becoming a freeman one became a citizen in the fullest sense, capable of voting in General Elections and being eligible for election to public office. In order to become a Freeman one must be a member of a congregational church and be recommended by his minister or some other man of standing as a man of good character and loyalty; and an oath was administered to each man on his entering the honorable list pledging him to fidelity and service to the government of the Colony. The Freeman's Oath as provided in General Court May 14, 1634 read as follows: "I, (name), being by God's providence an inhabitant and freeman within the jurisdiction of this commonwealth, do freely acknowledge myself to be subject to the government thereof, and therefore, do here swear by the great and dreadful name of the everlasting God, that I will be true and faithful to the same, and will accordingly yield assistance and support thereunto, with my person and estate, as in equity I am bound; and I will also truly endeavor to maintain, and preserve all the liberties and privileges thereof, submitting myself to the wholesome laws and orders made and established by the same. And further that I will not plot nor practice any evil against it, nor consent to any that shall so do, but will reveal the same to lawful authority now here established for the speedy preventing thereof. Moreover I do solemnly bind myself in the sight of God, that When I shall be called upon to give my voice touching any such matter of this State, wherein freemen are to deal, I will give my vote and suffrage as I judge to mine own conscience may best conduce and tend to the public weal of the body, without respect of persons or favor of any man; so help me God in the Lord Jesus Christ." The title of Freeman was not necessarily limited to the British colonials as I have seen other PA Germans given the title; congregational church would be the broad definition it seems. The OED definition/word origin of freeman suggests to me that the criteria may have varied from colony to colony, to commonwealth or city and county perhaps. However, Oxford does not have a formal definition for "Freeman". Hope this helps. John Light Monterey