This Indenture made this twelfth day of August A.D. 1840, Witnesseth: That James Fountain n of Murderkill Hundred hath in the presence and with the approbation of S L. Harper 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 James Fountain by William K. Lockwood of said county, put and bound and by these presents doth put and bind his son Alford Fountain a negro who is now of the age of eighteen years as nearly as can be ascertained, as Servant to the said William K. Lockwood his executors, administrators and assigns for and during the term of three years from the day of the date hereof; the said Alford Fountain to serve the said William K. Lockwood his executors, administrators and assigns as 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 of the term aforesaid, and no longer. And the said William K. Lockwood for himself, his executors and administrators, doth hereby covenant and contract to teach, or cause the said Alford Fountain to be taught the art, trade and business of Servant to the best of his skill, knowledge and ability; to give to the said Alford Fountain ten dollars on his arrival at age it being inexpedient to stipulate for education in reading and writing, to well support and clothe the said Alford Fountain during the said term,  and at the regular expiration of his apprenticeship, to furnish him with two suits of clothes suitable to his condition, In witness whereof, the said James Fountain and William K. Lockwood have hereunto set their hands and seals respectively, the day and year aforesaid.

Signd seald and delivered in the presence of } James Fountain [his mark] {seal}. W.K. Lockwood {seal}

EB Register

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 twelfth day of August 1840 S.L. Harper Jus. P.

I received this indenture to record this 13th day of august A.D. 1840. W. H. Cooper Recr.

A True Coppy attest W. H. Cooper Recr. 

“Kent, Delaware, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB7-8S3G-L?view=explore : Dec 21, 2025), image 268 of 470; Delaware Public Archives (Dover).

Image Group Number: 104967961

Transcribed 21 Dec 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky