[cordwainer is an archaic term for shoemaker]

This Indenture Witnesseth That Henry Dobson, free man of color of Salem county in the State of New Jersey, Hath and by these presents Doth put place and bind his son Henry Dobson aged Seventeen years and four months, Apprentice to Abraham D. Shadd of the Borough of Wilmington In the County of NewCastle in the State of Delaware cordwinder his executors administrators or assigns to learn the art, trade and Mystery of a Cordwinder, after the manner of an apprentice to serve the Said Abraham D. Shadd his executors administrators or assigns from the day of the date hereof for and during and to the full end and term of three years and eight months next ensuing or until he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years during all which time the said Apprentice his said  Master well and faithfully shall serve his secrets keep his lawful Commands obey, and in all things behave himself as a good and faithful Apprentice ought to do, And the said Master shall teach or cause the said Apprentice to be taught and instructed in the art and mystery of a cordwinder. And to well support and clothe him during the said Term and to give him reasonable education in reading and writing And at the regular expiration of said Term to furnish him with two suits of apparel suitable to his situation For the true performance of all and singular the covenants and agreements aforesaid, the parties bind themselves each to the other firmly by these presents. In Witness whereof the said parties hereunto have set their hands and seals the first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred  and twenty eight. Henry Dobson his mark {seal}. Abraham D Shadd {seal}

Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of James Sorden  

NewCastle County ss. This Indenture was executed in the presents and with the approbation of the Subscriber a Justice of the peace for NewCastle County aforesaid this first day of October 1828

Recorded April 22d 1829 James Sorden

“Kent, Delaware, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB7-8SN6-S?view=fullText : Mar 16, 2025), image 319 of 649; Delaware Public Archives (Dover). 104967969

Transcribed 16 Mar 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky