This Indenture made this twenty eight day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty Witnesseth: That Elijah Viney the father of John Viney a minor hath in the presence and with the approbation of Ezekiel W Reid a Justice of the Peace for Kent County in the State of Delaware and in consideration of the sum of sixty seven and 32/100 dollars lawful money of the said State advanced and paid to the said Elijah Viney by William H Hoffecker of said County put and bound, and by these presents doth put and bind the said John Viney a negro Boy this is now of the age of four years three months and twelve days as nearly as can be ascertained as a servant to the said William H Hoffecker his executors, administrators and assigns for and during the term of sixteen years eight months and eighteen days from the date hereof: the said John Viney to serve the said William  H Hoffecker his executors, administrators and assigns as a  servant for the term aforesaid or until he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years if that shall happen sooner than the expiration of the term aforesaid, and no longer. And the said William H Hoffecker for himself his executors and administrators doth hereby covenant and contract to teach or cause the said John Viney to be taught the Art Trade or Business of a servant to the best of his skill knowledge and ability to well support and clothe the said John Viney during the said time and at the regular expiration of his servitude to furnish him with two suits of clothes suitable to his condition and also to pay to the said John Viney ten dollars in Lieu of schooling it being deemed inexpedient to stipulate for education in reading and writing. In witness whereof the said Elijah Viney and William H Hoffecker have hereunto set their hands and seals respectively, the day and year aforesaid. Elijah Viney his mark {seal}. Wm H Hoffecker {seal}

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of  George P Lisher Jos G O Harrington

Kent County SS, This Indenture was executed in the presence and with the approbation of the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for Kent County aforesaid this twenty sixth day of May AD 1860, E W Reid Justice of the Peace 1860 May 28 Whereas Elijah Viney shall pay sixty seven dollars and thirty four cents the within consideration with interest thereon provided the same be paid within four years from this date this Indenture is to be cancelled. Wm. H Hoffecker

I received this Indenture to Record this 28th day of May AD 1864 Geo B. Dickson R

A True Copy Attest Geo B Dickson Recr

“Kent, Delaware, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB7-8SQ1-Q?view=fullText : Feb 3, 2025), image 352 of 357; Delaware Public Archives (Dover). 104967966

Transcribed 3 Feb 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky