This Indenture made this thirty first day of October A.D. 1838 Witnesseth, That Dorcus Ellis mother of Stephen Ellis a minor, hath in the presence and with the approbation of Thomas Stevenson a Justice of the Peace for Kent County in the State of Delaware and in consideration of the sum of Ten dollars lawful money of the said State advanced and paid to the said Dorcus  Ellis by John H. Eccleston of said County put and bound and by these presents doth put and bind the said Stephen Ellis, who is now of the age of eight years & five months as nearly as can be ascertained as a servant to the said John H. Eccleston his executors, administrators and assigns for and during the term of twelve years & seven months from the day of the date hereof: the said Stephen Ellis to serve the said John H. Eccleston, 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 tirm aforsaid and no longer. And the said John H. Eccleston for himself, his executors and administrators doth hereby covenant and contract to teach or cause the said Stephen Ellis to be taught the art, trade and business of a servant to the best of his skill, knowledge and Ability; to give the said Stephen Ellis the sum of Ten dollars it being demed inexpedient to stipulate for needing education and reading and writing, to well support and clothe the said Stephen Ellis during the said term, and at the regular expiration of his servitude to furnish him with two suits of clothes, suitable to his condition.

In witness whereof the said Dorcus Ellis and John H. Eccleston have hereunto set their hands and seals respectively the day & year aforesaid. Dorcas Ellis her mark {seal} John H. Eccleston {seal}

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of W. H.J. Comegys

Kent County ss This Indenture was executed in the presences and with the approbation of the subscriber a justice of the Peace for Kent County aforesaid this thirty first day of October 1838. Thos. Stevenson

I received this Indenture to record this first day of November in the year of our Lord, eighteen Hundred thirty eight W. H. Cooper Recorder

A true copy, Attest W.H. Cooper Recorder for Nichs. Ridgely

“Kent, Delaware, United States records,” images, 

Kent County Apprentice Indenture Books Vol H 1837 – Vol I 1842, RG3555.13 Roll#4

FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB7-8SSZ-L?view=explore : Aug 26, 2025), image 84 of 470; Delaware Public Archives (Dover).

Image Group Number: 104967961

Transcribed 26 Aug 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky