Still on genealogical research, I came across this apprenticeship contract in the notes attached to one of my family tree records. It’s from 1861, and while it’s interesting reading, the parts of highlighted in yellow caught my eye. Talk about harsh!
(click on the image to view it larger)
BTW, my relative was 14 or 15 years old when he signed this, and he was indentured to this ‘master’ under these conditions until he was 21 or 22. (Note that his father [aged 41 at the time] couldn’t write and left a mark.)
Can you imagine any such contract being agreed to by a 15 year old boy these days?
Rhonda Bracey: At Random 
I don’t believe any age would agree to such these days!!!! Very interesting!!