Freeman, Virginia facts for kids

Freeman is a small place in Brunswick County, Virginia, in the United States. It's called an unincorporated community, which means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. It used to be known as Totaro.

How Freeman Got Its Name

The story of Freeman is an important part of its history. It comes from the memories passed down by people from the Union Bethel RZUA Church. This story tells about two brothers, Rufin and Ira, who were forced to work without pay or freedom. Their last name became Callis.

Their owner in Louisiana made a promise. He said if he did not come back alive from the American Civil War, the brothers would gain their freedom. They would also receive a large amount of gold.

When their owner died in 1866, Rufin and Ira became free. They walked for about ten days to reach Totaro, Virginia. Because they were now free, people called them "freemen."

Buying Land and Building a Community

With the money they received, Rufin Callis bought 900 acres of land. He paid just $1 for each acre. His brother, Ira Callis, also bought many acres of land nearby.

The area where they settled became known as "Freeman." This name was chosen to honor their freedom and new beginnings.

The story also says that Rufin and Ira donated some of their land. This land was used to build the Union Bethel RZUA Church. It also provided space for a school building, which is now a cemetery, and the church's cemetery. Even today, families like the Callis and Robertson families still own land in Freeman, Virginia.