[cordwainer is an archaic term for shoemaker]

This Indenture Witnesseth that Christann Alston a free woman of colour woman of the City of New York widow hath and by these presents doth put and Bind her son John Alston a minor aged fifteen years and one month apprentice to Abram D. Shadd of the Borough of Wilmington to learn the art trade and mystery of a Cord Winder after the manner of an apprentice to serve the said Abraham D. Shadd his executors administrators and assigns, for and during the full end and term of five years and eleven months next ensuing, or until he shall arive to 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 Abraham D. Shadd doth promise and agree to teach or cause the said Apprentice to be taught and instructed in the  art trade and mystery of a Cordwinder to the best of his ability and to well support and clothe him and to give him six months schooling in said term and at the expiration thereof to furnish him with two suits of apparel suitable to his condition and to give him one set of Tools, for the true performance of all and singular the promises and agreements aforesaid the parties bind themselves each to the other firmly by these presents. In Witness whereof the said parties have hereunto set their hands and seals the thirtieth day of August A.D. 1830. Christianna Alston her mark {seal} Abraham D. Shadd {seal}

Signed, Sealed and Delivered In the presents of W. B. Tomlinson James Sorden    

New Castle County S.S. This Indenture was executed in the presents and with the approbation of the subscriber a Justice of the peace for NewCastle County aforesaid this thirtieth day of August 1830. James Sorden

Received in the Office October eighth one thousand eight hundred and thirty. Recorded October 30th 1830 Attest Mattw. Kean Rr.

“Kent, Delaware, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB7-8SFJ-C?view=fullText : Mar 16, 2025), image 574 of 649; Delaware Public Archives (Dover). 104967969

Transcribed 16 Mar 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky