This indenture made this Twenty fifth day of September A.D. 1857 Witnessseth that Charles G America Father of Richard America a minor hath in the presence and with the approbation of This Stevenson a Justice of the Peace for the County of Kent put and bound and by these presents doth put and bind the sad Richard America a negro boy who is now of the age of eighteen years six months and twenty two days as nearly as can be ascertained as a servant to Moses America his executors administrators and assigns for and during the term of two years five months and eight days from the day of the date hereof. The said Richard America to serve the said Moses America 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 Moses America for himself his executors and administrators doth hereby covenant and contract to teach, or cause the said Richard America to be taught the art Trade and Business of a servant to the best of his skill knowledge and ability: to well support and Clothe the said Richard America and at the regular expiration of his servitude to furnish him with two suits of clothes suitable to his condition and  also to pay the said Richard America the sum of Twenty dollars in lieu of schooling it being inexpedient to stipulate for education in reading and writing In Witness whereof the said Charles G. America and Moses America have herewith set their hands and seals the day and year aforesaid Charles G America his mark {seal} Moses America his mark {seal}

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of T.C. Killen Jas T ??ebets Crough

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 fifth day of September A.D. 1857. Thos Stevenson Jus Peace

I received this Indenture to record this 28th day of September A.D. 1857 Geo Ralston Rec

A true Copy of the Original Geo Ralston Reg.

“Kent, Delaware, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB7-891K-7?view=fullText : Feb 13, 2025), image 351 of 362; Delaware Public Archives (Dover). 104967965

Transcribed 13 Feb 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky