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Thus Elkanah Freeman was actually born in 1717, and his brother, Eli, in 1722.

Proof of their parents, and of their birthdates and locations are found in Harwich and Chatham, Massachusetts. Genealogical (Vital Records and Vital Statistics) by Vernon R Nickerson. This a copy of the original records which were badly worn from continual useage, page 3. This is also confirmed in Freeman's "Freeman Genealogy".

In Probate action #1311 (Sharon, CT), Elkanah Freeman is identified as Mr. Elkanah Freeman. The "Freeman Genealogy" by Frederick Freeman explains the titling: Early Colonists were very careful about the awarding of titles. Esquire was applied to perhaps five total; Mr., to perhaps 4-5 out of every 100; and the most frequent titling was "Goodman" and "Goodwife"

Another explanation is needed at this time concerning inheritance methodology. Primogeniture is an exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the oldest son. (Webster's Ninth New College Dictionary). Inheritance rights thus provided the widow with 1/3rd of the estate according to dowry rights; the oldest son received of the balance of the estate per primogeniture rights (this amounted to another 1/3rd of the estate); and all other children shared in the remaining 1/3rd of the estate.

Yet another explanation is required, and this concerns property deeds. Two dates are applicable: the drafting date refers to the date the deed was created by property transfer/action; the recording date identified the date the property deed was recorded in the civil records (i.e., town, court). Many times the recording date was the same as the drafting date, but, in most instances, it was at a later time- sometimes many years later. What happened was this: the property was purchased, money was transferred between the new and the old owners, a deed was prepared, signed and witnessed, and the new owner retained the deed. Sometime later (maybe never), he got around to recording the deed in the civil records; all too often he kept it in the house, and there were frequent house fires which led to the destruction of the deed. Why did he keep it in the house rather than having it immediately recorded? Because, all too often, it was a new settlement, and thus under the jurisdiction of another location a long way away. The owner kept the deed in a "safe place" until, finally, a close-at-hand town hall facility was established which was convenient to his place of living.

Now continuing on with Elkanah Freeman. He was one of eleven children born to John Freeman and Mercy Watson in "Harwich now Brewster", Barnstable county, Massachusetts. He was the seventh child, and the third son; was born on 6 February 1716-17, and baptized two days later in the First Parish of Brewster, formerly the First Parish in Harwich. His brother, Eli Freeman, ninth child and fourth son, was born there also on 22 April 1722, and was baptized five days