Jefferson County Apprenticeship Records
Originally Transcribed by Miss Mary Hill.
Not all indenture records are for true apprenticeships. Most of the ones in this list record an agreement whereby a child, usually of a poor family, is "bound out" either to earn an income for
the family, or to provide for the child when the family can't or if the child is orphaned. In the early days of the state it was also used as a way to get around the fact that slavery was banned in Indiana.
In the following records Mary Hill notes items written in the margin of the record book. She also notes book and page number but not what kind of book it was, probably Civil Court, and her transcription
not dated.
ANDERSON, Robert D. (I-391) dated Nov. 6, 1846. Age 17 yrs with consent of John Anderson, his father, to John Taylor to learn black smithing until 4th day of November 1848. This released Oct. 4, 1848.
ALLEN, Hugh (H-85) June 16, 1832. Son of Ajax Allen, 16 yrs, with consent of his father to Solomon Devenish until 1836, tailor.
BALDWIN, Margaret. (F-340, 376) Mar. 27, 1836, until 18. Age 7 yrs 1st of March, John Brisben, overseer.
BANNISTER, Francis. (F-376) age 7 yrs 11 mos. 4 days, dated Apr. 26, 1830, until 18 yrs of age. Jas. E. Bacon overseer.
BANNISTER, Francis (E-86) dated Apr. 25, 1830. Then age 5 yrs 6 mos to Samuel Woodfill, to learn housekeeping.
BANISTER, Spencer. (E-85) Dated Jan. 7, 1828, then 6 yrs 6 mo to John Castlen to learn to be a cooper.
BARBER, William. (J-19) Dec. 23, 1834. Age 9 yrs. to Adam Moderwell mattress maker for 11 yrs. until which time he will be 21.
BAXTER, John. (R-426) Mar. 18, 1840. Now age 8 yrs on Aug. 16, 1840 by Elizabeth Foster to be house servant.
BAXTER, Lucy. (R-426) Mar. 18, 1840. Now age 9 yrs on May 16, 1840 by Elizabeth Foster to be house servant.
BELL, Albert (colored). Age 5 yrs 7 mo. 10 days son of Adel Clay (Colored) dated Jan. 25, 1837. (Book No. missing. p. 254) for 15 yrs to be laborer and house servant by John W.G. Survell.
BODY, John. (E-249) Feb. 23, 1835 (colored) Now age 7 yrs to George Brown for 14 yrs.
BODY, William. (colored) (I-386) Aug. 21, 1834 (no age) to George Robinson until 21.
BOON, Esther (colored) (B-536) June 12, 1820 until 18 to be house maid and servant. Wm. E. Enos by Jas. Hillis overseer.
BOOTH, Griffin. (E-278) Mar. 20, 1820. Overseers of poor for Zanesville Twp. Masking Co., Ohio. Colored boy, Griffin Booth to Moses Boggs until he reaches the age of 21. Now age 9 yrs 2 mos. Also release on pg 379.
BRANDEN, James R. (X-442) with consent of his father Wm. Branden–to Samuel F. Smith for 4 yrs. from date to learn boot and shoe making.
BROOKS, John. (S-28) Date Aug. 22, 1840 until he reaches 21 yrs of age by John Dewit to learn farming.
BRUMMELL, Richard. (I-4) Oct. 20, 1845. Son of Eliza V. Reynolds with consent of Robert Wilkinson and mother to Sam’l F. Smith for term of 3 yrs for learning boot and shoe making.
BURCH, James. (R-174) Jan. 17, 1840 for 4 yrs & 6 mos now age 16 by S.F. Smith to learn boot and shoe making.
BURCHFIELD, John. (H-320) Apr. 16, 1833 to Eli Campbell to learn farming, until 1849 when he will be 21.
BURK, Catherine. (P-381) Jan. 14, 1839. age 9 yrs on Oct. 1 last by Wm. Brisben, overseer to learn housekeeping. Cancelled by father John Burk Feb. 15, 1839.
BURK, John. (P-380) Jan. 14, 1839, age 9 yrs. Until 21 yrs. by Abraham Wilson to learn a trade. Cancelled Feb. 15, 1839 by father John Burk.
BURTON, Henry & Joseph. (V-189) Oct. 13, 1843. Henry B. Burton, father, placed his son Joseph to the said Donald Cameron until he is 21 which will be July 12, 1859 to learn farming.
BUTLER, Bridget. (O-90) Nov. 21, 1837. Michael G. Bright gdn of Bridget age 14 on Nov. 14, past to Stephen G. Stevens to learn housekeeping.
CAIN, David. (B-420) Jan. 1, 1818. Wm. Cravens, gdn of David to John Cravens until he reaches the age of 21.
CAIN, David. (C-317) Aug. 25, 1821 son of Cornelius Cain, decd, age 16 yrs 3 mos with consent of John Cain his guardian to George Short for term of 5 years from 16th day of May 1821. Wheelwright.
CAIN, Richard. (B-419) Oct. 1819 Wm. Cravens gdn of Augusta Co., [Virginia?], age 14 yrs to John Cravens, blacksmith of Rockingham Co.
CALLICOTE, William H. (E-258) Dec. 10, 1836. 6 yrs of age to C.W. Dean for farming.
COKER, Elizabeth. (U-221) Nov. 21, 1842, age 7 yrs, 27 days until 18 yrs to Jesse Lewis, housewifery.
COKER, Sarah. (V-416) Mar. 26, 1844 to James Copeland, housewifery for 6yrs 9 days from this date.
CREIG, William. (V-225) Jan. 11, 1844 to John Perry. Now age 7 yrs 18 days to learn farming–until Dec. 24, 1857.
DAGGETT, John Scott. (C-320) Apr. 25, 1822 son of John Daggett (decd) age 14 yrs 2 mo 3 days with consent of Asahel Douglass, his guardian–to Nicholas D. Grover, saddler for term for 6 yrs 9 mos 27 days.
DARB, Andrew Jackson. (U-380). Feb. 23, 1843, son of a blind woman and without a father to Levi Hunter until he is 21, coopering.
DOWNS, James. (T-288) Nov. 20, 1841 age 3 on Mar. 27th last infant child of James Downs decd & Eliza Ann Downs by overseers of poor of Lancaster Twp. to Jas. Hebner.
DOWNS, Rebecca. (T-288) Nov. 20, 1841. age 5 yrs on 11th November, inf. child of James Downs, decd and Eliza Ann Downs, till she is 18 yrs of age by overseers of poor of Lancaster Twp. to Jas. Hebner.
DUNBLOSE, Jesse. (D-512) June 4, 1827 (colored) age 11 days until 14 yrs of age to Joshua Ragan.
DYER, Harriett W. (H-467) Oct. 7, 1833. Whose mother is dead and father denied said child, now 4 yrs 6 mos to David Sutton until 18 yrs of age.
DYES, James. (G-78) Nov. 13, 1830 Age 5 yrs 7 mos. 5 days to Jacob E. Rom.
EADOR, Marion Francis. (G-203) May 18, 1831, age 9 yrs to Gabriel Woodfill.
EADS, Margaret Mathilda. (L-440) Mar. 3, 1836. Age 7 yrs, 11 mos with consent of her mother Mary Eads until she is 18 yrs of age to Benjamin Grover, domestic duties, release on pg 441.
EASTWOOD, Luther. (H-237) Feb. 2, 1833. Richard C. Talbott, guardian of Luther Eastwood 16 yrs 6 mos 7 days until he is 21, which will be on the 28th day of July 1837 to James C. Patton farming.
ELLIS, Mary Margaret. (X-278) Oct. 28, 1845–Sarah W. Ellis binds her infant daughter age 3 yrs on the 18th day of Sept. until she is 18 yrs to Daniel Stivers.
ELWELL, David Jr. (C-419) Oct. 18, 1822. Son of David Elwell Sr. now age 18 yrs 90 mos with consent of father, to John Marshall, common laborer, for term of 2 yrs 3 mos when he will be age 21.
ESKRIDGE, Ellen. (T-443) Feb. 21, 1842. Age 11 yrs on last day of April until she is 18, housekeeping to George Coleman, cancelled Apr. 29, 1842.
FERREY, Nicholas. (T-537) Apr. 30, 1842. Age 18 on the 1st day of March to Michael Meier. Learn shoe making until 21 years of age. Erasmus Ferry, his father.
FIELDS, Maria Ann. (Q-90) April 12, 1839. (Colored) age 10 yrs for period of 8 yrs from Jan. 1, 1839 until Jan. 1, 1847 to Tllly R. Brown, housekeeping; by overseers of Hanover Twp.
FOLESON, Jane. (U-503) (colored) Dec. 17, 1842 to Eliza Thornton until Dec. 17, 1859, housewifery.
FOLESON, Margaret. (Q-89) Jan. 31 1839 (colored) until Aug. 20, 1843. Now age 4 yrs 6 mos 7 days to Eliza Thornton, housekeeping, by overseers of Hanover Twp.
FOLESON, Ralph. (Q-88) Jan. 31, 1839 (colored) now 12 yrs 3 mos 27 day. 27 days, until he is 21, which would be Nov. 3, 1847 to Eliza Thornton, gardener, by overseers of Hanover Twp.
FOLLIS, William W. (I-4) Sept. 4, 1845 with consent of his father Wm. Follis for 3 yrs 6 mos to Samuel F. Smith, boot and shoe making.
FRAZIER, George Washington (E-488) Jan. 13, 1827. Age 12 yrs to Simeon S. Gilles–rope making. Released Apr. 25, 1833.
FRAZIER, GEORGE. (J-184) May 18, 1835, now age 19 yrs 4 mo. 2 days with consent of James White, his guardian, to Joseph McGee, brick layer and plastering until age 21. Marginal Release July 21, 1835.
GAVIT, M.A. [DAR note adds Marcus A.]. (P-492) Jan. 1, 1839 son of M.A. Gavit, who is blind, is now age 14 yrs 5 mos 3 days to Washington Thomas until he is 21 for confections.
GIFFORD, ROBERT. (F-265) Nov. 7, 1829 with approbation of Jacob Gifford, his father, to John Gorsuch, taylor, until 8 yrs from March 1829 when he will be 21.
GRIFFIN, OLIVER. (O-528) March 5, 1839, age 14 with consent of father to Benjamin W. Grover, farming until April 7, 1845. Second listing gives book as P-528 and also gives consent of Sally Griffin his mother until April 7, 1846.
HERNDON, Daniel. (R-150) Jan. 3, 1840 (colored) now age 17, to stay until Feb. 16, 1843, at which time he will be 21; parents dead, to Robert Marshall, husbandry, by act of Feb. 17,1838 to bind out all orphans, overseers of poor Madison Twp.
HILL, Jefferson. ( L-81) April 4, 1836 to Nathan Gudgell, until he is 21 to learn farming.
HILTON, James. (B-442) Jan. 4, 1820 to Charles W. Basnett, hatter, binds himself until Dec. 25, 1822.
HOLLENBACK, Mary Ann (V-34) Sept. 27, 1843. John Close, guardian of the infant heirs of Andrew Hollenback, late of Scott county, decd, doth bind Mary Ann Hollenback unto George W. Leonard for a term of 9 yrs, that is until she is 18 yrs of age.
HUMES, James Franklin. (P-15) by his father James F. Humes to Wm. Whiteridge, painting, until May 9, 1843, at which time he will be 19 yrs and 2 mos of age.
HUMES, William P. (J-390) Sept. 30, 1835 with consent of his father, James Humes to Mathew Temperly, to be house carpenter until the 1st day of Jan. 1841 when he will be 21.
HUMPHREY, Thomas Dabney (Q-330) June 14, 1839. Now 17 yrs of age with consent of his brother Marshall Humphrey & his mother Rhoda Humphrey to Wm. H. Gray, printer, until the last day of Jan. 1842 when he will be 21.
HUTCHINSON, Elsie (E-87) Nov. 20, 1827. Now age 8 yrs 5 mo. 20 days to James McKee for domestic duties. James McKee deceased Jan. 17, 1833, margin note.
JAQUISH, Anthony. (Q-400) Aug. 27, 1839, age 9, consent of Mary Jaquish, his mother, to John Ferry, tailoring until Feb. 14, 1850. (21 yrs of age.)
JOHN, Mary. (G-19) November 19, 1830. (formerly called Bethany Johns) age 9 yrs 8 mo. 28 days to Wm. G. Wharton until 18–house keeping.
JONES, Eli. (E-62) March 23, 1827. Now age 14 yrs, the 25th day of June 1827 to James White, shoe making.
JONES, Jackson. (D-549) Sept. 5, 1827. Was 11 yrs of age on the 29 day of Sept. 1827 and to stay until he is 21 wagon maker.
JONES, Jackson. (E-527) March 10, 1829 now age 12 yrs. the 29h day of Sept. 1828 and until age 21 to Browning & Taylor. Saddling Business.
JONES, Polly. (D-549) Sept. 6, 1827. Now age 8 yrs on the 2nd day of June last, and until she is 18, to Gabriel Woodfill.
KNIGHT, John. (V-89) Oct. 28, 1843 by and with the consent of his father, James Knight, doth bind himself unto Michael Meyer for 2 y ears from the 27th day of October 1843 to learn the trade of shoe & boot making.
KOPP, George. (T-243) By his father, George C. Kopp to William Whitridge until 20 yrs 6 mos. painting.
LANSBURY, James William. (T-385) January 20, 1842, now age 6 on the 18th day of September 1841 until he is 21 to Wm. L. Stribling, milling. Madison Twp.
LAYTON, (Or Laytor), Noah. (B-451). Feb. 1, 1820, Madison Twp., now age 14 yrs 1 mo. to David Willson, cabinet-maker, until age 12. Noah left his master Sept. 9, 1820, margin release.
LITSON, (Litzson), Richard. (X-392) Jan. 2, 1846. age 16 by Richard Litson, to Patrick Dillon, shoe maker until 21.
LOCHRIDGE, Allen Wiley. (U-176) on June 17, 1842 was 17 yrs 5 mos. 16 days to Enoch Buchanan of Ripley County, Ind., farming, Shelby Twp. Terminated Aug. 17, 1848.
LOCHRIDGE, Eliza. (U-419) March 14, 1843, age 9 yrs 11 mo. 12 days to James M. Storm, house wife for 8 yrs.
LOCHRIDGE, George Henry (U-176) age 7 yrs, May 21, 1842 to Wilson Buchanan of Ripley Co., Ind., farming. Overseers of Shelby Twp.
LOCHRIDGE, George Washington (U-222) Nov. 21, 1842, now age 9 yrs 9 mo. 23 days, parents unable to support child, to John Gans, cooper & farming, overseers of Shelby Twp.
LORING, John. (N-497) Dec. 3,1835. Now 16 yrs 7 mos. 12 days. Consent of David Loring, his father, to Solomon Devenish, tailoring until 21 yrs of age.
MACKEREL, Mary. (T-341) by the consent of her father Robert Macherel, date Dec. 4, 1843 to John Jackson, housewifery, until she is 18 yrs old, th is will be June 9, 1852.
MASON, Mary. (E-107). Oct. 23, 1826 now age 13 until she is 18 yrs of age to Richard C. Talbott, as a housewife.
MCGEE, Frederick N. (O-593) Aug. 2, 1828, a minor 3 yrs on the 21st day of January last passed with consent of Jacob Shuh, his guardian, approved by Probate Court to Wm. Ford & Wm. Johnson till he is 21–tailoring.
MCGEE, Frederick N. (N-442) July 6, 1837, age 12 yrs on the 21st day of January with consent of Jacob Shuh, his guardian to John T. Sanders, art & trade of chair painting and ornamenting, till he is 21 yrs of age. App. released April 2, 1838.
MCNEW, James. (D-403) Nov. 6, 1826 by Alexander Kennedy and Polly, his wife (infant heir of Polly) for term of 10 yrs. 2 mos. 18 days from date, he will be age 21, servant to Jacob Stucker.
MILLER, George Frederick. (X-621) May 16, 1846, now age 17 yrs, has neither parent nor guardian. With consent of Probate Judge of Jefferson Co., Ind., to Samuel J. Smith, tailor, until May 9, 1850, he will be age 21.
MOORE, Martin. (U-380) Jan. 26, 1843 to Abraham Wilson, farming for 8 yrs from the 1st day of Jan. 1845.
NILES, Henry. (N-563) (colored) Sept. 5, 1837 to do term of five yrs. at which time he will have reached age of 21 to Joseph M. Venable, farming. Overseers. Madison Twp.
NOE, Isaac. (T-560) Apr. 18, 1842, now age 13 yrs, 8 mo. 23 days on the 18th day of April 1842. Isaac Noe raised since infant by Elizabeth Riggins, bound to T.D. Young–farming & currier. Overseers Hanover Twp.
OSBORN, Angeline. (C-426) Sept.28, 1822, age 6 yrs on the 9th day of Oct. next, to James & Nancy Helm to be servant until she is 18 yrs of age.
OSBORN, Margaret. (C-425) Sept. 6, 1822, who was borned on the 24th day of July 1821, by her father, Isaac J. Osborn to Frederick and Margaret Redenbaugh to be servant till she is 18 yrs of age.
OSBORN, William. (C-425) Sept. 28, 1822, male child, age 3 yrs on the 13th day of Nov. next; Isaac J. Osborn to James & Nancy Helm, until he is 21 yrs of age, servant.
PARKS, Jane. (K-247) Jan. 21, 1836, now age 11 on last or 1st (?) Day of Jan. 1836 to George W. Leonard, until she is 18 yrs of age; cooking and housewifery.
PASSAGE, Elizabeth. (V-617) June 2, 1844 by Henry Passage, her father, now age 14 to Robert W. Todd, to be servant until she is 18 yrs of age.
POTTER, Christoff. (R-433) May 20, 1840 (colored) age 8, until he reached the age of 21 to John McLean Jr. apprentice overseers of Madison Twp.
RANDALLS, Richard. (B-481) Feb. 19, 1820, son of John Randalls, now age 12 yrs 28 days, with consent of his father, unto John Lodge & Copeland P.J. Arion, printers for a terms of 8 yrs 11 mo. and 3 days
REED, Mary Ellen. (W-483) by her father John Reed to Ephraim V. Plucker for housekeeping until she is age 18, which will be Feb.8, 1861.
RILEY, John. (P-91) Oct. 6, 1838, age 8 yrs 6 mos 6 days, placed by his father Edward Riley, to Terrence Brady until age 21.
ROLAND, George W. (U-559) Dec. 1, 1842, age 14 on March 2 past, to David O. Stites until 21 yrs of age.
RUSSELL, William. (B-325) June 1, 1819 by his own free will, apprenticed himself to Stephen Andrews & Jonathan Fouler for 2 yrs & 6 mos.–plasterer.
SAMPLE, John L. (L-158) May 23, 1836, age 15 yrs, 10 mo. with the consent of Henry Montfort, his guardian, to Mathew Temperly, house carpenter & joiner till 21.
SAMPSON, Nancy. (C-10) July 1820 now age 12 yrs to Wm. Cravens to learn to spin, knit, and household duties.
SELBY, John T. (H-177) Jan. 11, 1832. Now age 6 yrs. 19 days to George Currie, farming till age 21.
SHANNON, William. (T-559) May 14, 1842 (colored) until he reaches age 21, which will be 6 more years. From Jan. 12, 1842 to John W.G. Siverall to be house servant. Overseers, Madison Twp.
SHEPHERD, Samuel Jackson. (N-233) Apr. 5, 1837. Samuel now age 9 with consent of his mother Stucy Ann Ewing to David Cain farming.
SHOOT, Augustus. (J-137) March 24, 1835, age 13 yrs. To James Hebner, farming until 18 yrs of age.
SIMPSON, John. (1-516) Jan. 5, 1847. Hanover Twp. to _______ T. Reid, laborer for 10 years and 2 mos. from date.
SMITH, Charles Wesley. (P-17). By Wm. Watlington, guardian of said Charles Wesley & also son of Wm. Smith who is now deceased, apprentice to Wm. Whiteridge, painting, till May 15, 1844, when he will be 21. Marginal cancellation.
SMITH, John. (R-285) March 1840 (colored) now 9 yrs till he is 21 to Jas. Tilton to be farmer. Overseers Madison Twp.
SPRAGUE, Jerome. (P262) Dec. 13, 1838, now 3 yrs old on Jan. 16 next until he is 21 years old to John Irwin, apprentice steart, overseers, Madison Twp.
SPRAGUE, Jerome. (S-251) Dec. 16, 1840 (Yellow Boy) Now 4 yrs on Jan. 16 next until h e is 21 to Rachel Irwin to be apprentice stewart, overseers of Republican Twp.
SPRAGUE, Mary. (T-181) Aug. 14, 1841 until Feb. 21, 1850 at which time she will be 18 with consent of mother, Harriet Foster and her step-father James Foster to Peter B. Guthrie, housekeeping. Overseers. Republican Twp.
STEWART, Wiley Flood. (C-38) Aug. 6, 1805 by Nancy Flood Stewart of Fayette Co., Ky., her son Wiley Flood Stewart, a boy of color, age 7 yrs, to Stephen Pemberton, farming. [Editor’s note. It seems possible that the original apprenticeship
was in 1805 in Kentucky and that Pemberton moved to Indiana, rather than reading the 1805 date as being incorrect.]
STITES, Charlotte. (U-420) April 4, 1843 now age 17 days to David Stites until she reaches 18 yrs. Lancaster Twp. housewifery.
TAYLOR, Minty. (Q-88) February 15, 1839 for 2 yrs until Feb. 15, 1843, now age 16 yrs. to Jas. H. Graham, housekeeping, knitting, and sewing, overseers Hanover Twp.
TODD, Mary Jane. (U-429) April 6, 1843, age 11 yrs. 1 mo to Gustavus Collins, to learn housewifery for 6 yrs 11 mos.
TUMBLESON, (Tomlinson), Robert. (B-465) Stepson of Rude Daily to Wm. Thom, blacksmith until Feb. 23, 1816 when he will be 21.
VINING, Ashbel Barber. (B-372) Nov. 7, 1818 Madison Twp., age 10 yrs 8 mos., and 7 days to David Wilson, cabinet maker with consent of John Meek and Peter Hemphill, both justices of the peace, until he reaches the age of 21 yrs.
WASHINGTON, George. (O-228) Jan. 31, 1838 until he is 21 yrs old. (Colored) age of 14 yrs and 3 mos to Allen E. Arion. This was a slave of Arion in Kentucky. For farming. Overseers of poor.
WASHINGTON, Richard. (O-228) Jan. 31, 1838. Now 13 yrs of age to stay until 21 yrs of age to Allen Arion for farming. He was a also a slave of Arion in Kentucky. Overseers of poor.
WELLS, George. (C-10) July 1820 now age 10 to William Cravens to learn farming until 21.
WELLS, Joshua. (C-10) July 1820, now age 13 yrs 6 mos 12 days to Wm. Cravens to learn farming until age 21.
WILLIAMSON, Nancy. (D-243) Sept. 7, 1825, now age 16 yrs on Sept. 1, 1825 (colored) and to stay until 18 yrs of age to Felix Brandt by overseers.
WILSON, James. (D-24) March 12, 1820 son of Nancy Wilson, guardian, of his own free will to Asahel Douglass for 7 yrs 2 mos–blacksmith.
WINCHELL, Abner Nelson. (R-394) Apr. 4, 1840, orphan, until July 1, 1848, at which time he will be 21 yrs of age to Levi Hunter to learn cooper trade, overseers of Graham Twp.
Apprentices for whom no last names were given.
Mathilday. (B-507) Aug. 29, 1818. (colored) age 9 to C.P.J. Arion until 18 yrs–housemaid.
Maria. (N-280) April 18, 1837, age 14 on the 12th of Jan. last and until she is 18 yrs to Jeremiah Sullivan as house servant.
Lucy. (N-280) April 18, 1837, age 8 yrs on Jan. 12 last until she reaches 18 yrs. to Jeremiah Sullivan house servant.
Henry. (M-393) Jan. 16, 1837 (colored) who will be 8 yrs old on March 10 next to Copeland P.J. Arion to cook and be house servant until he is 21.
Jacob. A boy of color to Copeland Arion until 21
Lucy. (A-11) Feb. 13, 1813, a black woman, Jeff. Co., Indiana Territory, to Robert Henderson until 1st day of September 1826 to learn the art of weaving. Note before signed, should Lucy, during the term, have a child or children, she is to continue
1 year longer for each child.