Freeman was born on the 5th of September, 1851, in Boston, Massachusetts, where he also enlisted in the US Navy. When he deployed to Cuba in support of the Spanish-American War, he was a Gunner’s Mate First Class and his actions earned him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Gill set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Freeman Gill received his Medal of Honor on the 19th of July, 1901, and he died on the 8th of April, 1905 at the age of 53. He is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts: Fernwood Section, Lot 1115.