The term "Freeman" in Colonial days had nothing to do with servitude or bondsmen. Simply it meant you were
a full citizen of the Colony. Under the first Massachusetts charter, only Freemen had the right to hold public
office or vote in town meetings. Indentured servants and bonded servant were not eligible.

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To be admitted a freeman you must first fulfill the requirements.
- Must of Sworn Allegiance to the Crown.
- Must be a Male over 21 years of age.
- Membership in a duly recognized church.
- Own personal property generally valued at 40 pounds or 40 shillings per year.
- Must be of a quiet and peaceful manner.
- Other Freemen in the area endorsed him.

If all of the requirements are met then they were allowed to
take the Freemen's Oath at a meeting of the town's selectmen.
Being a Freeman brought certain duties and rights among others
- The right to vote in town meetings.
- The right to hold public office.
- The right to elect deputies to the General Assembly.
- Required to pay taxes.

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Today, to register to vote in Vermont, you must be a U.S. citizen, be a resident of Vermont, and at least 18 years of age, and have taken the Freeman's Oath. On September 2, 1794, St. Johnsbury was administering its first Freeman's Oaths. According to the Vermont Constitution, every man 21 years or older who had resided in Vermont for one year and was a respectful citizen could take the Freemen's Oath and become an equal Vermont citizen. And so on this day, eleven men took the oath in St. Johnsbury, promising to take part in Vermont affairs with each agreeing to vote their conscience in the best interest of the state and her people.

Freeman's Oath
I, __________, being by God's providence an inhabitant and freeman within the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth, do freely acknowledge myself to be subject to the government thereof, and therefore do here swear ... that I will be true and faithful to the same.... Moreover, I do solemnly bind myself in the sight of God, that when I shall be called to give my voice touching any matter of the State ... I will give my vote and suffrage, as I shall judge in mine own conscience may best conduce and tend to the public weal of the body without respect of persons or favor of any man. So help me God...

Although modified slightly, today's Freeman's Oath can be taken by men and women at 18 years of age.
The current Vermont "Voter's Oath" echoes these sentiments in plainer language:

[I] solemnly swear ... that whenever [I] give [my] vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the state of Vermont, [I] will do it so as in [my] conscience [I] shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the [state]