Freeman, Ferry W.
Ferry W. Freeman (c.1806-1837)
Marlborough, NH
In 1838, Ferry W. Freeman’s estate went into probate. The 31-year old Black resident of Marlborough, NH, had died of an illness on November 26, 1837. The historical records produced following his death provide a snapshot of Ferry’s life in southwest New Hampshire in the early 19th century.
Freeman Ferry’s probate records provide an array of details not found in other sources. A statement submitted to the court by Marlborough resident Josiah Fitch in September 1839 mentions Freeman’s work as a painter, his health-related death, and a recent visit to Vermont.
"This may certify that Ferry W. Freeman left my employ as a painter the June before he died on account of ill health and went to the house of David Wilkinson Jr. where he stayed until he died (excepting a few weeks he went to Putney, VT) which was the first of the next December. Marlborough, Sept. 16, 1839, Josiah Fitch."
The published history of the town of Marlborough, NH, notes that David Wilkinson Jr., who housed Ferry Freeman during his illness, was a successful harness maker in the town of Marlborough, NH, in the early-to-mid 19th century. Freeman’s employer, Josiah Fitch was one of a dozen potters located in the northwest part of what was then Dublin, NH (now Harrisville, NH). This village was referred to as “Pottersville” in the early 19th century. The manufacture of brown earthenware pottery continued into the mid-1800s. The town history and probate records, combined, lead to the conclusion that Ferry Freeman worked as a Black painter within Josiah Fitch’s shop where brownware pottery was produced.
Backtracking from Freeman’s death in 1837 did not verify the moment when Freeman moved to the area. While his name does not appear in the 1830 census as a resident of Cheshire County, a free person of color, aged 24-36, did reside in the home of David Wilkinson Sr. This may indicate that Ferry Freeman was living with the Wilkinsons as early as 1830.
A List of Ferry W. Freeman's personal belongings was inventoried as part of his probate. Each item was valued and the contents were auctioned off to local residents to pay off Freeman’s debts. The inventory listing is important as it shows us that Freeman could read and write (he owned multiple publications as well as an ink stand). It also lists the painting supplies he would have used for doing his work (black paint, paint and tubs, paint knife and putty knife).
Personal belongings may also provide us with clues as to some side jobs that Freeman may have done. At the time of his death, he owned a large amount of ax handles and other handles. He also owned a fiddle and a flute which indicates that he was a musician.
1 Lurtoute coat (7.50), 1 dress coat (5.66), 1 pair pantaloons (2.17), 1 vest (1.00), 1 hat (0.25), 4 shints (1.66), 3 pair boots (3.50), 1 hat (0.06), 2 coats (.56), 2 vests (0.83), 1 pair pantaloons (0.06), 1 pair pantaloons (0.25), __ shirts (0.10), 4 handkerchiefs (0.42), 2 stockings (0.33), suspenders (0.08), 2 pair socks and yarn (0.20), close brush (0.10), 3 yards cloth satinette (1.75), 1.5 yards tow cloth (.25), atlas and ___ books (.12), 1 fiddle (2.50), 1 flute (.25), 2 bay wafers or box wafers (0.02), 1 tooth brush (0.08), 1 ink stand (0.06), 1 bible (.56), 1 bible (.50), 2 volumes Wesleys sermons (1.50), Watson dictionary (1.00), Life of A. Clark (.25), Notes (?) on the Mind (0.25), National Reader (.25), Hymns & Discipline (.25), 125 books (1.83), Sakell book and wallet 46th (.50), 1 spy glass (.37), 1 box soap 24 cakes (.24), 1 box and conteree (?) (.06), 1 square soap (.06), 1 bottle (.06), 1 sythe and snath (.75), paint black, paints and tubs (.25), 1 jug (.33), paint knife and putty knife (.67), 18 ax handles (.50), 18 __ handles and 1 sash (.56). TOTAL VALUE $61.77.
It’s is unclear as to when Ferry Freeman came to New Hampshire and where he might have moved from. He is buried in Estey Cemetery in Marlborough, NH
GENEALOGICAL SUMMARY
FERRY W. FREEMAN was born around 1806. He died November 26, 1837 in Marlborough, NH.
SOURCE MATERIALS
New Hampshire Vital Records, Deaths, 1837- Ancestry.com
New Hampshire Wills and Probate Records, 1838- Ancestry.com
U.S. Federal Census, 1830- Ancestry.com