The picture of Elizabeth Freeman’s headstone in the Stockbridge cemetery.

Title of the Document

The picture of Elizabeth Freeman’s headstone in the Stockbridge
cemetery.

One Line Summary

The burial site of Elizabeth Freeman, who passed away on December 28, 1829. She was laid to rest in the Sedgwick family burial ground, a reflection of the close relationship she shared with the family.

Author

Catherine Sedgewick

Date Created

1829

Location

“Sedgewick pie,” Stockbridge cemetery, Sheffield, Massachusetts.

Type of Document

Photograph

Publisher

Not Published

Transcription

A head stone in the Sedgewick family burial ground, with an epitaph written by Catherine Sedgewick, which states: "ELIZABETH FREEMAN, also known by the name of MUMBET died Dec. 28th 1829. Her supposed age was 85 Years. She was born a slave and remained a slave for nearly thirty years; She could neither read nor write, yet in her own sphere she had no superior or equal. She neither wasted time nor property. She never violated a trust, nor failed to perform a duty. In every situation of domestic trial, she was the most efficient helper and the tenderest friend. Good mother, farewell."

Related

No one was mentioned in the epitaph other than the deceased. However, in the background there are other headstones of the Sedgewick family. Additionally, the epitaph was written by Catherine Sedgewick- Theodore Sedgewick’s daughter.

Elizabeth Freeman (1744-1829)

Provenance

Burial plot, “The Sedgewick pie,” Stockbridge Cemetery, Berkshire
County, Sheffield, Massachusetts.