Gunfight in Buxton; Leads to Major Legal Reforms
by Lori Gardner

Prior to January of 1893, George and Hannah Freeman were providing for a thirteen year old white girl who had been abandoned by her mother. The girl gave birth to a child shortly thereafter.
             In January, Constable Alex MacDonald from Dover, drives a sled to the Freeman home with a friend, lured George outside and beat him up—threatening to tar and feather him. The following day, Constable MacDonald seeks assistance from the Chatham police, Officer Peter Dezelia and off-duty officer Robert Rankin, accompanied him to the Freeman homestead (there was conflicting evidence whether a warrant had been issued).  George still unaware that the men who previously attacked him were police officers runs to his father’s house warning “murders”. 
            Meanwhile, George’s brothers William Henry and Alexander returned home from work at the mill.  The Freeman men warn the officers to stay away and come no closer –shots are fired by both parties.  The Freeman brothers are wounded by the gunfire:  George on the hand, William Henry in the side, and Alexander in the shoulder.  Robert Rankin tackles William Henry (after he had been shot) and Alexander went to his aid.  Robert Rankin was killed. 
            Both Dezelia and MacDonald ran from the homestead and telegraphed Chatham Police Chief Young for help. A posse was dispatched from Chatham to the Freeman homestead.  They arrested all the Freeman family, except George, whom they could not find.  George surrendered himself to Constable John Travis, of North Buxton. 
            The stories circulated in the Chatham Daily Planet newspaper created a racial hotbed and the Mounties are called in to prevent violence.  Charges against Jeremiah (father), Celia (mother), and Jesse (cousin) are dropped.  The remaining Freeman’s: George, William Henry, Alexander and cousin Lemuel, are moved to London.
            During the trial Dr. Sampson of Blenheim testified on behalf of the Freeman’s stating, “an exceptional family as to industry, honesty, and sobriety”.  Victims of circumstances, the Freeman brothers were found guilty of manslaughter for the death of Robert Rankin and sentenced to life imprisonment at Kingston Penitentiary.

July 1, 1893, a law guaranteeing the rights of the individual to defend themselves against the invasion of their home, the right to self defense and retain liberty “even to taking the life of an assailant” was passed.

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website created July 2008; updated November 2009; by Lori Gardner