This Indenture made the twenty third day of Feby. in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and five: Between William Killen the elder of the County of Kent in the State of Delaware yeoman, of the one part and Charles Harper of the said County and State husbandman of the other part Witnesseth; That for and in consideration Of the Covenant and agreements herein after mentioned; on the part and behalf of the said Charles Harper, his executors and administrators to be performed fulfilled & kept: the said William Killen; the said William Killen hath hired and placed his certain male slave named James, now of the age of four years old and eleven months old to the said Charles Harper, with him to dwell and serve in the business of husbandry or farming, from the day of the date of these presents, until the said James shall attain the full age of twenty one years and no longer; And the said Charles Harper for himself his Exrs. and administrators do covenant grant and agree to and with  the said William Killen his executors and administrators by these presents: That he the said Charles Harper, the said James, in the said business of husbandry or farming, which he now useth and followeth, shall well and truly teach and instruct; and also find and provide and allow to and for the said James, sufficient meat drink, wearing lodging apparel; and all other things fitting and necessary for such a Servant and at the end or expiration of the said term of his Servitude provide for and deliver to the said James, two good suits of apparel viz: one good suit for holydays, and one other suit for working. And the said William Killen and the said Charles Harper, for themselves their executors and administrators severally and respectively each with the other of them do by these presents mutually covenant grant and agree; that immediately from and after the end and expiration of the term of his said Servitude before mentioned, the said James shall be absolutely free and freely exonerated and forever discharged of and from, all further right or claim of the parties to these presents, their executors and administrators, or any or either of them of in or to the work labour or service of the said James under any pretence whatsoever; as fully and amply to all intents and purposes whatsoever as if he the said James, had been born free. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents have interchangeably set their hands and Seals hereunto the day and year first above written. William Killen {seal} Charles Harper {seal}

Sealed and delivered in the presents of us John Lowber. William Harper

Taken and acknowledged before me & with my approbation this 23d. day of february in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five. 1805. John Lowber

A True copy attest John Caton Recorder February 23rd 1805

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll: 789, Image 227, Book I, Vol 2, Page 55

Transcribed 7 Jul 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky