Woods, Freeman

ca. 1766–20 Nov. 1834

Freeman Woods, silversmith, was a native of New Jersey and worked in New York before moving to New Bern around 1794. For the three years prior to his departure he was listed in the New York directories, but by 27 Dec. 1794 he had established himself in New Bern as a goldsmith and silversmith. In his advertisements Woods professed to be able to execute almost any item in the newest fashion and on short notice. Flatware and holloware that bear his identifying mark support his claim, as they demonstrate his obvious familiarity with current styles in London and in the more affluent American cities.

A highly successful craftsman, Woods made silver unexcelled by pieces found in any other state. His work is especially notable for its simplicity, graceful lines, perfect proportion, and artful embellishment. As a skilled engraver, he employed bright-cut extensively on a number of pieces found. One of his apprentices was David Murdock.

Although Woods was a man of some prominence and well respected, there is little indication that he was active in politics or civic matters. However, when Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams were presidential candidates in 1827, Freeman Woods was a member of a committee of correspondence selected by supporters of Andrew Jackson.

Woods died and was buried in New Bern. Both the Raleigh Register and the Raleigh Minerva published on 1 Nov. 1811 carried notices of the death of "Mrs. Hannah Woods, wife of Mr. Freeman Woods" on 17 October, but nothing else could be learned of Mrs. Woods or of any surviving children.