Laughlin Freeman

The oldest historical record of a Freeman from the Connaught cluster is in the form of a gravestone. In fact, it’s the oldest gravestone in the old Aghamore (Achadh Mór) cemetery, which is set inside an ancient circular plot of land. At its centre lie the atmospheric ruins of the medieval parish church not far from the current parish church of St Joseph’s. (Figure 2) The gravestone marks the final resting place of one Laughlin Freeman who died 1774 aged 75. Born at the end of the 17th Century, his granite gravestone, made from a non-local stone, is perhaps a sign of a prosperous past. (See figure 3) It is interesting to note that to its immediate left, lie the graves of several members of the Freemans of Ballinacostello which likely shows a familial relationship, a possible family plot.

Image © Trevor Parkes. Banner image © JP Finn.

Grave of Laughlin Freeman

'Pray for the soul of LAUGHLIN FREEMAN who depd. this life March 11th 1774 aged 75 ys and also his wife WENEY MORAN who depd. this life July 6th 1775 aged 61 ys erected by their son Thomas’