Freeman (Shepherd), Mary (1731–1815)

Mary Freeman, was a second cousin of Ebenezer Blackwell, born in England but descended on her maternal side from Italian aristocratic roots. She was educated at a convent in Rome, and remained a devout Roman Catholic her whole life. Through the Blackwells Freeman became close friends with Charles and Sarah Wesley and their children (perhaps influencing their son Samuel in his decision to convert to the Church of Rome). Freeman never married, but about 1784 she formally changed her name to Mary Freeman Shepherd, in honor of her uncle Nathaniel Shepherd, who was her godfather and benefactor. See William Urwick, Nonconformity in Herts (London, 1884), 189–90.