Indenture of Reuel Branch, Waterville, Maine, April 11, 1837. Maine State Museum. Gift of George F. Terry, III, 90.99.2.
Indenture of Reuel Branch, Waterville, Maine, April 11, 1837. Maine State Museum. Gift of George F. Terry, III, 90.99.2.
In this legal agreement, called an "indenture," Daniel Branch apprenticed his 14 year-old son, Reuel, to work seven years for a Waterville farmer. The indenture promises that Reuel will work for Mr. Jediah Morrill and will be "obediante and obay all reasonable commands." In return, Reuel will be permitted to attend the local school in the winter and will receive food and clothing. The terms of Reuel's service were set to end when he turned 21 in 1844. At this point, he was to receive "two suits of good decent clothes, ninety dollars in cash & six sheep." Although Reuel was called an apprentice, farming wasn't a trade where a worker moved up in status as his skills improved. Reuel continued to work as a laborer on Mr. Morrill's farm at least until 1850.