Richard Freeman (Irish judge)

He married firstly in 1693 Elizabeth, one of the many daughters of the leading politician and barrister Sir Anthony Keck, and his wife Mary Thorne.

However, Freeman's children may have found the Keck inheritance something of a mixed blessing, as it led after his death to much acrimony and years of litigation between the heirs.

[3] After 30 years practice at the English Bar Freeman finally secured judicial office through his friendship with John Somers, the former Lord Chancellor, who had a high opinion of his abilities.

He died intestate, and the dispute over the inheritance to his estate, in particular the sum of £5000 which he had settled on his elder daughter Mary Edwards, led to litigation between his widow and children, which went on until 1727.

[5] According to Elrington Ball,[6] Freeman was a fine lawyer who gained general respect in Ireland, being noted for good humour and charity as well as legal ability.