Elizabeth Freeman

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Elizabeth Freeman (c. 1744 – December 28, 1829), also known as Mum Bett, was an African American woman who lived in Massachusetts during the 18th century. She became the first enslaved African American to file and win a freedom suit in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case, Brom and Bett v. Ashley (1781), was a significant precedent in the American abolitionist movement. Freeman's case, along with Quock Walker's case the same year, ultimately led to the Massachusetts judiciary declaring slavery unconstitutional in the state, effectively abolishing it.

Early Life

Elizabeth Freeman was born into slavery around 1744 in Claverack, New York. She was enslaved by the Ashley family in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Little is known about her early life, but her quest for freedom began after she overheard discussions about the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, which declared all men to be born free and equal.

The Legal Case

In 1781, inspired by the principles of freedom and equality, Freeman sought the legal counsel of attorney Theodore Sedgwick, a known abolitionist. With Sedgwick's help, she filed a lawsuit against John Ashley, her enslaver, arguing that the state's constitution rendered her enslavement illegal. The case, Brom and Bett v. Ashley, was heard in the County Court of Common Pleas in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The court ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom and awarding them damages.

Later Life and Legacy

After gaining her freedom, Elizabeth Freeman worked as a paid household servant and nurse for the Sedgwick family, becoming a respected member of the community. She purchased her own home in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where she lived until her death in 1829.

Freeman's successful lawsuit marked a turning point in the history of slavery in Massachusetts. Her courage and determination to fight for her rights have made her an enduring symbol of the struggle for freedom and equality. Her story is a testament to the impact of individual action on the course of history.

Death and Memorials

Elizabeth Freeman died on December 28, 1829, and was buried in the Sedgwick family plot in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, an honor that reflects the high regard in which she was held. Her gravesite has become a place of pilgrimage for those who honor her legacy and the broader fight against slavery.

See Also

• Slavery in the United States
• Abolitionism in the United States
• Quock Walker
• Theodore Sedgwick

Elizabeth Freeman Resources
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