This Indenture made the Twenty fourth day of May A.D. 1847. Witnesseth, That Charlotte Williams Negro, Mother of William Henry Williams, a minor, in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars lawful money of the State of Delaware advanced and paid to the Said Charlotte Williams by Eli Biddle of NewCastle County, in the said State, Hath, in the presence, and with the approbation of James Huston, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of NewCastle, put and bound, and by these presents doth put and bind the said William Henry Williams a negro boy, who is now of the age of nine years, four months and thirteen days – as nearly as can be ascertained, as a Servant to the said Eli Biddle, his Executors, Administrators and assigns, for and during the term of Eleven years, seven months and thirteen days from the day of the date hereof the said William Henry Williams to serve the said Eli Biddle his executors administrators and assigns, as a servant for the term aforsaid or until he shall Arrive at the age of Twenty one years, if that shall happen sooner than the expiration of the term aforesaid and no longer. And the said Eli Biddle for himself, his executors and administrators, doth hereby convenant and contract to teach, or cause the said William Henry Williams to be taught the art, trade and business of Farming, to the best of his skill, knowledge and ability; to well support and clothes the said William Henry Williams and at the regular expiration of his servitude, to furnish him with two suits of clothes suitable to his condition, and also to pay to the said William Henry Williams the sum of Ten dollars in lieu of schooling, it being inexpedient to stipulate for education in reading. In witness whereof, the said Charlotte Williams and Eli Biddle have hereunto set their hands and seals respectively the day and year aforsaid. Charlotte Williams her mark {seal} Eli Biddle {seal}

Sealed and delivered In the presence of George Toppin James Huston

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 Twenty fourth day of May A.D. 1847. James Huston Jus. P.

Received for Record July 10 A.D. 1847. Attest C. D. Blaney Rr. 

New Castle County Apprentice Indenture Books: New Castle. 1836-1853

Transcribed 21 Aug 2026 by Nancy Maliwesky