[Thanks to Cecilia Ann Morris for her excellent research on this family.] 

This Indenture witnesseth, That Jonas Richardson colored man of the City of Willmington in the State of Delaware Hath put, and by these presents doth put, place and bind his Daughter Sarah Elizabeth Richardson a Minor, who was born on the first day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two to Margaret Thompson of NewCastle County, in the State of Delaware, and now a Resident of NewCastle Hundred to learn his Art, Trade and Mystery, and after the manner of an Apprentice, to serve her, her Executors, Administrators or Assigns, from the day of the date hereof, for and during, and to the full end and Term of Four years seven months & twenty seven days next ensuing, or until she the said apprentice shall be Seventeen years of age; during all which Term, the said Apprentice her said Mistress faithfully shall serve her secrets keep, her lawful commands every where readily obey, and in all things behave herself as a good, faithful and dutiful Apprentice ought to do. And the said Mistress shall use the utmost of her endeavours to teach, or cause to be taught or instructed, the said Apprentice, in the Trade or Mystery of Housewifery and shall well support and clothe her and provide for her good and sufficient Meat Drink, Lodging and  Washing, suitable for her during the said apprenticeship, and shall at the regular expiration of said apprenticeship, furnish the said apprentice with two good suits of clothes, suitable to her condition, one of which shall be new, and to pay to (her Father) Jonas Richardson the sum of Five Dollars Current money of the State aforesaid for the use of the said Sarah Elizabeth his Daughter in Lieu of Schooling. For the true performance of all and singular the Covenants and Agreements  Aforesaid, the said Parties bind themselves each unto the other firmly by these Presents. In Witness whereof the said Parties have interchangeably set their Hands hereunto. Dated the Fourth day of May Annique Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty four. Jonas Richardson her mark {seal} Mgt. Thompson {seal}

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of George W. Roberts Margaret L. Boddy

NewCastle County, Ss. This Indenture was executed in the presence, and with the approbation of the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for NewCastle County aforesaid, this Fourth day of May 1844. Stephen Boddy J. P.

Received for Record November 20th 1844. Attest C. D. Blaney, Recorder.

“New Castle, Delaware, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB7-8SLF-G?view=fullText : Mar 18, 2025), image 200 of 568; Delaware Public Archives (Dover). 104967972

Transcribed 18 Mar 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky