Elizabeth Freeman Monument

Depot Square is a lively little corner within the rural town of Sheffield containing restaurants, shops, the local town hall, and a post office nearby. Between the Old Parish Church and the Old Stone Store, there’s a statue of a woman dressed in vintage-style clothing. Although the sculpture itself may look rather unassuming, it’s dedicated to an individual who played a crucial role in ending slavery within Massachusetts and establishing the state as a stronghold for the abolitionist movement. 

Elizabeth Freeman was born enslaved in 1744 on a farm owned by Pieter Hogeboom in Claverack, New York. She was given the name Bett, and when she was around 7 years old, she was given as a wedding gift to Hogeboom’s daughter Hannah, who married John Ashley of Sheffield. When Bett got older, she got married and had a daughter of her own. Bett’s husband, however, is said to have never returned from his service in the Revolutionary War. Throughout her life, Bett exhibited a strong sense of independence and self-worth. In one instance, she prevented Hannah Ashley from striking a servant girl with a heated shovel. Bett shielded the girl and received a deep wound on her arm. As it healed, she left the wound uncovered as evidence of the harsh treatment slaves had to endure. When other people asked what happened, Bett directed them to ask Hannah and keep in mind “Which was the slave, and which was the real mistress?” 

In 1780, Bett overheard the recently ratified Massachusetts State Constitution, which stated all men are born free and created equal with certain inalienable rights similar to the Declaration of Independence. Hearing this, Bett sought the counsel of abolitionist-minded lawyer Theodore Sedgwick, who agreed to take up her case. As women had little to no legal recognition at the time, another male slave owned by the Ashleys, named Brom, was included before it could be formally presented to the court. Sedgwick also enlisted the aid of Tapping Reeve, the founder of Litchfield Law School in Connecticut. Their case, Brom and Bett v. Ashley was brought before the county court in Great Barrington in 1781. John Ashley defended his right to own slaves. However, like many slave owners at the time, he tried to hide the true nature of the institution by referring to them as “servants” and not slaves. This word choice actually undermined Ashley’s argument as servants could not be held involuntarily for life and had the same individual liberties guaranteed to other people. After much deliberation, the jury agreed that involuntary servitude and slavery were against the state constitution and therefore illegal. Brom and Bett were both freed and given 30 shillings as compensation. Ashley initially tried to appeal, but dropped the case shortly after, apparently realizing the unlikelihood of succeeding. 

After she was freed, Bett took on the new name of Elizabeth Freeman and continued to work with Theodore Sedgwick, helping take care of his children. The kids gave her the nickname “Mum Bett,” which later became Mumbet. One of his daughters, Catharine Sedgwick, would go on to become a very accomplished writer, with Freeman being a big influence on her work. Freeman looked after the Sedgwick family for around 20 years before saving enough money to buy a home in Stockbridge near her children and grandchildren. Freeman died in 1829 and is currently buried alongside members of the Sedgwick family at Stockbridge Cemetery. 

Elizabeth Freeman’s freedom suit was the first of its kind in Massachusetts, but would not be the last. Shortly after, another slave named Quock Walker from the Town of Barre filed a similar suit with Freeman’s case cited as a precedent. After several cases, Walker, along with every other enslaved person, was set free, with Massachusetts becoming the first state to grant immediate abolition in 1783. With the end of slavery in the state, Massachusetts became a leader in the abolitionist movement, with many prominent anti-slavery activists being from there and cities like Boston becoming a major destination for the Underground Railroad. 

Although Sheffield may be a small town, Elizabeth Freeman left behind a very large impact on history. In 2022, the local historical society unveiled a statue in her honor so residents and visitors can learn more about her life story and legacy. Definitely recommend stopping by to take a look if you’re ever in the area.