Click Here to Return to Milestones
If a boy wanted to learn a trade in the 1830's, the only way he could accomplish his wish was to become an apprentice to a master craftsman. The terms of. that apprentice program would appear very harsh by today's standards.
Imagine a term of sixteen years to learn a trade. Note how much schooling would be included in the contract, and what his payment would be after an apprenticeship of sixteen years.
This is a standard form used for those subjecting themselves, with their father's permission to enter into the apprentice program.
Assignment of an Apprentice Know all men by there Presents
This indenture witness that John Kerr of the Township of Greene in the County of Beaver and with the consent of his father, John Kerr has put himself and that voluntary and of his own free will and accord put himself as apprentice to James Thompson of Ohio Township and Beaver County Cabinet maker to learn the art trade and mystery and after the manner of an apprentice to serve him from this day and date hereof for and during the full and said term of sixteen years next during all which term the apprentice his said master faithfully shall serve his secrets keep his lawful commands every where and readily obey he shall do no damage to his said master or see it done by others without letting or giving notice thereof to his said master he shall not waste his said master goods nor lend them unlawfully to any with his own goods nor the goods of others without leave from his said Master he shall neither buy or sell he shall not absent himself day or night from his Masters service without his leave nor haunt ale houses nor tavern but in all things behave himself as a faithful apprentice to ought to do during the said term and the said Master shall do the upmost of his endeavors to teach or cause to be taught or instructed the said apprentice in the mode or mystery of a cabinet maker and procure for him sufficient meat drink apparel lodging and washing fitting for an apprentice during the said term of sixteen years and give him schooling so as to be capable of reading and writing well and to be taught arithmetic through the rule of three and to have from said Master a horse saddle and bridle and a set of bench tools and one good suit of clothing and for the performance of all and singular of the covenants and agreements affore said the said parties bind themselves each unto the other firmly by their presents in with witness whereof the said parties have sit their hands and seals hereunto dated the 17th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
signed John Kerr and James Thompson