GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL GLEANINGS FROM THE
FREEDMEN'S BUREAU RECORDS WEST TENNESSEE
Compiled by Jonathan Kennon Thompson Smith
Copyright, Jonathan K.T. Smith, 2003
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ORPHAN APPRENTICES
FROM NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICROFILM T-142, ROLL 65, "INDENTURES OF APPRENTICES RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, 1865-l866.
Among the most pitiable conditions experienced among the human population in. Tennessee, because of disruption and devastation wrought by the Civil War, in and the period following the close of this conflict, were those of orphaned black youth. Through deprivation, disease and other causes many adult blacks had died, leaving young children; some of the latter had only been parented by their mothers (who had died) during bondage. Some of the children were abandoned by their parent(s), ostensibly because they had no means to support their offspring.
Through the Freedmen's Bureau many "freed colored ophans" were apprenticed under articles of indenture to whites (and sometimes to fellow blacks), to serve as such until they reached legal age (18 for females and 21 for males); they were to be fed, clothed and given means of a very rudimentary education during these years. Some indentures provided that on release from apprenticeship the youth would be given clothing and money by their employers. The young males almost always were to be taught how to farm and the young females how to house-keep and sometimes in farming.
It may be assumed that many of these apprenticed youth were well treated and not overly burdened with labor but it may also be assumed, judging from reports of some Bureau personnel, that many of them were abused physically, deprived of basic needs and were virtually "slaves" in all but name. Persons with descent from these apprenticed folk should not assume that their ancestors were mistreated unless' there are records or reliable tradition to support such an assumption. Some of the youth were, through such apprenticeship, spared the further horrors of poorhouses and outright destitution and starvation.
Two examples of the apprenticeship forms are reproduced here from this roll of microfilm:
I.
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II.
*
Indentures
Abstracted in the following pages, from the indentures on this roll of microfilm, are the names of the "freed colored orphans", their ages (if given), to whom they were apprenticed, place of residence and date of indenture.
LAVINIA REDDICK (born January 1, 1853) to THOMAS J. REDDICK, Dyer Co., Tenn., Apr. 2, 1866.
JOHN REDDICK (born March 4, 1853) to THOMAS J. REDDICK, Dyer Co., Tenn., Apr. 2, 1866.
FRANCIS WYNNE (female) (born Feb. 9, 1857) to H. V. C. WYNNE, Dyer Co., Tenn., Apr. 7, 1866.
SUSAN WYNNE (born Oct. lO, 1859) to H. V. G. WYNNE, Dyer Co., Tenn., Apr. 7, 1866.
SAMELLER WYNNE (born Mar. 9, 1857) to W. V. C. WYNNE, Dyer Co., Tenn., Apr. 7, 1866.
JOSEPH JONES, aged 11 years, to ALBERT JONES, Dyer Co., Tenn., Apr. 9, 1866.
MONROE JONES, aged 15 years, to ALBERT JONES, Dyer C., Tenn., Apr. 9, 1866.
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ROBERT WOODSON (born Dec. 25, 1855) to LEWIS M. WILLIAMS, Dyer Co., Tenn., Apr. 18, 1866.
MARGARET HOWARD (born Apr. 1, 1856) to Mrs. R. B. TIPTON, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 1, 1866.
JOHN TURPIN (born Mar. 1O, 1856) to RICHARD TURPIN, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 11, 1866.
SARAH WARD (born Nov. 3, 1857) to W. B. HURT, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 20, 1866.
HENRY WARREN (born Apr. 25, 1854) to J. W. TARKINGTON, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 25, 1866.
MARTHA WARREN (born. Dec. 6, 1856) to J. W. TARKINGTON, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 25, 1866.
WYLY HORTON (born May 1, 1861) to P. M. TIPTON, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 25, 1866.
JOSEPHENE HORTON (born Jan. 4, 1860) to P. M. TIPTON, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 25, 1866.
MARY WOODSON (born Mar. 1, 1859) to JOHN R. WIESTBROOK, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 26, 1866.
LEWIS WOODSON (born Oct. 15, 1852) to JOHN R. WESTBROOK, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 26, 1866.
KATY WATKINS (born Mar. 1O, 1859) to C. C. MOSS, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 26, 1866.
JANE WOODSON (born Mar. 4, 1854) to JOHN R. WESTBROOK, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 26, 1866.
JOSEPH WATKINS (born May 1, 1855) to WILLIAM M. WATKINS, Dyer Co., Tenn., May 26, 1866.
MARY ANN HATHWAY (born July 15, 1852) to A. B. BLEDSOE, Dyer Co., Tenn., June. 4, 1866.
BOB WHITE, (born May 1, 1848) to BENJAMIN S. DOLSON, Dyer Co., Tenn., June 5, 1866.
JUDIE PALLIN, aged 12 years, to FAYETTE J. PULLIN, Fayette Co., Tenn., Dec. 12, 1865.
SOPHIA HULL, aged 2 years, to DANIEL C. HULL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Nov. 9, 1865.
SABELL POLK, aged 9 years, to J. J. POLK, Hardetnan Co., Tenn., Dec. 4, 1865.
ELLEN DAVIS, aged 11 years, to FRANCIS DAVIS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 4, 1865.
JOSEPH McCORLEY, aged 8 years, to W. W. McCORLEY, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 8, 1865.
ISABELLAR FERGUSON, aged 12 years, to D. A. FERGUSON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 8, 1865.
SOLOMON WOODS, aged 13 years, to Dr. GEORGE WOODS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 8, 1865.
FOUNTAIN WOODS, aged 7 years, to Dr. GEORGE WOODS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 8, 1865.
EUGENIA BILLS, aged 11 years, to J. R. WOODS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 8, 1865.
GARNER CRADIC, aged 7 years, to R. S. CARTER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1865.
WESLEY CRADIC, aged 5 years, to R. S. CARTER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1865.
SUSAN CRADIC, aged 13 years, to R. S. CARTER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1865.
BENJAMIN BRAY, aged 7 years, to J. H. BRAY, Hardeman Co., Tenn. Dec. 11, 1865.
FRED BOWERS, aged 10 years, to J. W. BOWERS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1865.
ALBERT BOWERS, aged 11 years, to J. W. BOWERS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1865.
HARBERT JARRATT, aged 11 years, to GREGORY JARRATT, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 12, 1865.
LUCY JARRATT, aged 9 years, to GREGORY JARRATT, Hardentan Co., Tenn., Dec. 12, 1865.
ELLEN JONES, aged 9 years, to PUAL F. JONES, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 12, 1865.
LYDIA JONES, aged 11 years, to PAUL F. JONES, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 12, 1865.
HUGH PATRICK, aged 7 years, to GEORGE PATRICK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 13, 1865.
HAM PATRICK, aged 12 years, to GEORGE PATRICK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 13, 1865.
ZENUS SCOTT, aged 8 years, to JOHN D. SCOTT, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 14, 1865.
WILLIAM H. McCLELLEN, aged 12 years, to J. H. McCLELLEN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 14, 1865.
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JEFF RODGERS, aged 10 years, to J. W. WEBB, Hardetnan Co., Tenn., Dec. 15, 1865.
CHANCE RODGERS, aged 8 years, to J. W. WEBB, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 15, 1865. (both Rodgers children were apprenticed agreeably with their mother)
AGGA GROVE (female), aged 10 years, to MARGARET C. GROVE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 16, 1865.
LAURA A. GROVE, aged 7 years, to MARGARET C. GROVE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 16, 1865.
OSKER GROVE, aged 5 years, to MARGARET C. GROVE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 16, 1865.
ALLEN OSKER GROVE, aged 11 years, to MARGARET C. GROVE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 16, 1865.
MATTIE MILLER, aged 15. 5 years, to AUSTIN MILLER, Hardeman Co., Tenn.., Dec. 18, 1865.
BABE MILLER (male), aged 11 years, to AUSTIN MILLER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
BILLY MILLER, aged 15 years, to AUSTIN MILLER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
FRANK MILLER, aged 13 years, to AUSTIN MILLER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
LILLA MILLER, aged 8 years, to AUSTIN MILLER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
RICHARD CHIESHIER, aged 11 years, to W. D. CHESHIER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
LAYTON CHESHIER, aged 8 years, to W. D. CHESHIER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
CHARLES BROGDON, aged 10 years, to GEORGE M. BROGDON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
LAVENIA LUCY BROGDON, aged 4 years, to GEORGE M. BROGDON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
PRUDENCE BROGDON, aged 8 years, to GEORGE M. BROGDON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 18, 1865.
"ANDERSON", aged 11 years, to A. A. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 19, 1865.
NARCISSA McNEAL, aged 10 years, to E. P. McNEAL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
LUCY McNEAL, aged 12 years, to EZEKIEL P. McNEAI, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
LEONIDAS McNEAL, aged 4 years, to EZEKIEL P. McNEAL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
ELLEN McNEAL, aged 6 years, to EZEKIEL P. McNEAL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
NAPOLEON McNEAL, aged 8 years, to EZEKIEL P. McNEAL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
HORACE McNEAL, aged 2 years, to EZEKIEL P. McNEAL, Hard. eman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
EMMA McNEAL, aged 14 years, to EZEKIEL P. McNEAL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
NOAH FORT, abandoned by his father, aged 12 years, to WILEY FORT, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
WEST FORT, abandoned by his father, aged 7 years, to WILEY FORT, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
EVA FORT, abandoned by her father, aged 2 years, to WILEY FORT, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1865.
AMELIA CRISP, aged 14 years, to E. C. CRISP, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 22, 1865.
EDMOND CRISP, aged 11 years, to E. C. CRISP, Hardetnan Co., Tenn., Dec. 22, 1865.
ARCHER DODSON, aged 17 years, to R. M. INGRAM, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 23, 1865.
VIRGINIA INGRAM, aged 12 years, to R. M. INGRAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 23, 1865.
WALKER BLACK, aged 12. 5 years, to AMOS BLAGK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 25, 1865.
HENRY NEWBERN, aged 11 years, to DAVID J. NEWBERN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 25, 1865.
THOMAS NEWBERN, aged 10 years, to DAVID J. NEWBERN, Hardeinan Co., Tenn., Dec. 25, 1865.
WILLIAM HARRIS, aged 12 years, to JAMES B. HARRIS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 25,, 1865.
GREEN HARRIS, aged 11 years, to JAMES B. HARRIS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 25, 1865.
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FANNY McKINEY, aged 10 years, to JAMES M. McKINNIE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 25, 1865.
MOSES THERMOND, aged 13 years, to JAMES H. ROBINSON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 27, 1865.
DANIEL HARRISS, aged 13 years, to THOMAS H. HARRISS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 28, 1865.
HARRIETT WHITE, aged 13 years, to ALEXANDER WHITE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 28. 1865.
FRANK BOYLE, aged 13 yeas, to THOMAS BOYLE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 29, 1865.
FANNY BOYLE, aged 13 years, to THOMAS BOYLE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 29, 1865.
JAMES BOYLE, aged 7 years, to THOMAS BOYLE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 29, 1865.
ELLEN GROVE, aged 13 years, to J. H. GROVE, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 29, 1865.
NERVEY McKINNEY, aged 8 years, to PARTHENIA McKINNEY, Hardeman.. Co., Tenn., Dec. 29, 1865.
ELIZA JANE OATS, aged 11 years, to FANNIE G. OATS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 28, 1865.
WILLIAM SMITH, aged 9 years, to LOUISA COLLIER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 30, 1865.
GEORGE BOWLING, aged 9 years, to J. hI. BOWLING, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
VICY CRADDOCK, aged 12 years, to J. T. CRADDOCK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
ELISHA LAX, aged 11 years, to WILLIAM LAX, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
DAWSON LAX, aged 9 years, to WILLIAM LAX, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
GEORGE LAX, aged 7 years, to WILLIAM LAX, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
THOMAS MILLER, aged 12 years, to JOHN MILLER, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
'CARSA FORT (female), aged 10 years, to T. J. RUFFIN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866 (with consent of her mother).
WILLIAM FORT, aged 8 years, to T. J. RUFFIN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866 (with consent of his mother).
HENRY SAIN, aged 4 years, to E. SAIN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
ELIN SHIVERS, aged 13 years,. to ROBERT SCOTT, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
MARTHA S. SHAW, aged 8 years, to SUSAN SHAW, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 2, 1866.
POLLY MOORMAN, aged 14 years, to R. A. MOORMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 2, l866.
PARTHEA BOYD (female), aged 9 years, to ROBERT A. BOYD, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 5, 1866.
LOUIS CROSS, aged 10 years, to E. G. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866.
FILLIS CROSS, aged 8 years, to E. G. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866.
AARON CROSS, aged 6 years, to E. G. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866.
ISHAM CROSS, aged 4 years, to E. G. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866.
MARGARET CROSS, aged 5 years, to E. G. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866. (abandoned by her mother in 1862)
JANE CROSS, aged 8 years, to E. G. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866. (abandoned by her mother in 1862)
ALICE CROSS, aged 10 years, to E. G. COLEMAN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866.
(LOUIS CROSS born Mar. 5, 1855; FILLIS CROSS born Apr. 26, 1857; AARON CROSS born Aug. 20, 1859; ISHAM CROSS born Sept. 24, 1861; MARGARET CROSS born Oct. 28, 1860; JANE CROSS born Apr. 6, 1857; ALICE CROSS born Feb. 15, 1856)
ELLEN CLINTON, aged 13 years, to M. L. CLINTON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 6, 1866.
JAKE RODGERS, aged 11 years, to RICHARD RODGERS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 16, 1866.
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MILTON McKINIE, aged 3 years, to THOMAS BAILEY, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 12, 1865.
JUDOR McCOMMONS, aged 11 years, to J. M. McCOMMONS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 4, 1866.
HESTER MACON, aged 9 years, to THOMAS G. PATRICK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 8, 1866.
DELIA SMITH, aged 5 years, to CANNON SMITH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 4, 1866.
CAROLINE HICKS, aged 10 years, to N. C. WHITLOW, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 4, 1866.
MORIAR HIX [HICKS], aged 6 years, to N. C. WHITLOW, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 4, 1866.
CHARLES BLACK, aged 6 years, to CHARLES BLACK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 25, 1865.
ANNA NEWBERN, aged 15 years, to H. BLACK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 28, 1865.
SUSAN PUCKET, aged 10 years, to WINNEFORD PUCKET, Hardernan Co., Tenn., Jan. 12, 1866.
COLUMBUS PUCKET, aged 8 years, to WINNEFORD PUCKET, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 12, 1866.
ROSE PUGH, aged 12 years, to ELIZA B. PUGH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 11, 1866.
ANN PUGH, aged 10 years, to ELIZA B. PUGH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 11, 1866.
LOUIS SMITH, aged 11 years, to GUY SMITH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 11, 1866.
HANNAH POWELL, aged 6 years, to N. J. POWELL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 22, 1866.
DAVY POWELL, aged 8 years, to N. J. POWELL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 22, 1866.
EASTER POWELL, aged 10 years, to N. J. POWELL, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 22, 1866.
NELUS SMITH, aged 13 years, to W. M. SMITH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 5, 1866.
TOM SMITH, aged 9 years, TO W. M. SMITH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 5, 1866.
JACK SMITH, aged 10 years, to W. M. SMITH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 5, l866.
FANNY SMITH, aged 10 years, to W. M. SMITH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 5, 1866.
JOHN SWINEBROOD, aged 2 years, to G. W. SWINEBROOD, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 6, 1866.
VINEY SWINEBROOD, aged 5 years, to G. W. SWINEBROOD, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 6, 1866.
ABE LINCOLN, aged 6 years, to G. W. SWINEBROOD, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 6, 1866. (with his mother's permission)
CALVIN SWINEBROOD, aged 6 years, to G. W. SWINEBROOD, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 6, 1866.
GINNY COBURN, aged 10 years, to JAMES L. COBURN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 10, 1866.
LUENDA ELLIOTT, aged 6 years, to W. W. R. ELLIOTT, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 11, 1866.
FANNY SMITH, aged 10 years, to M. K. HAMILTON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 12, 1866.
JACK SMITH, aged 10 years, to M. K. HAMILTON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 12, 1866.
SALLIE SMITH, aged 10 years, to J. L. SMITH, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 5, 1866.
CORA DICKERSON, aged 7 years, to THOMAS G. PATRICK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Feb. 9, 1866.
JIM MASK, aged 12 years, to W. A. MASK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Mar. 5, 1866.
PATTIE GYWN, aged 10 years, to S. D. Gwyn, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Mar. 2, 1866.
CHARLES JONES, aged 12 years, to BILL JONES, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Mar. 30, 1866.
GEORGE ALLIN, aged 13 years, to GEORGE DODSON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Jan. 10, 1866.
JESSE DICKERSON, aged 11 years, to JACK DICKERSON, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Mar. 30, 1866.
ENOC MASK, aged 6 years, whose mother was "not able to support him", to JAMES PYBASS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., May 15, 1866.
NANCY JANE MASK, aged 4 years, whose mother was "not able to support her", to JAMES PYBASS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., May 25, 1866.
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EPHRAIM JONES, aged 13. 5 years, to E. JONES, Hardeman Co., Tenn., May 28, 1866.
JESSE WOOD, aged 11 years, to MARSHALL T. POLK, Hardeman Co., Tenn., July 16, 1866.
SOPHIA HIGGS, aged 6 years, to ANDREW ORLFORD [sic], Hardeman Co., Tenn., Oct. 1, 1866.
CLARA GIBBON, aged 5 years, to L. J. DAVIS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Oct. 16, 1866.
HENRY GIBBON, aged 3 years, to L. J. DAVIS, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Oct. 16, 1866.
JACK HARDIN, aged 11 years, to G. W. HARDIN, Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 4, 1866.
"CHURCH", aged 10 years, to HIRAM PARTEE, Lauderdale Co., Tenn., Dec. 28, 1865.
"MONROE", aged 10 years, to HIRAM PARTEE, Lauderdale Co., Tenn., Dec. 28, 1865.
"NED", aged 13 years, to HIRAM PARTEE, Lauderdale Co., Tenn., Dec. 28. 1865.
"GILLY", aged 6 years, to HIRAM PARTEE, Lauderdale Co., Tenn., Dec. 28, 1865.
"ROBERT", aged 13 years, to HIRAM PARTEE, Lauderdale Co., Tenn., Dec. 28, 1865.
MARTIN MEREWETHER, aged 9 years, to H. A. MERIWETHER, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 9, 1865.
EMMA CAMPBELL, aged 9 years, to F. W. CAMPBELL, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 9, 1865.
SPENCER ROBINSON, aged 10 years, to J. C. ROBINSON, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1865.
CATHARINE SHELTON, aged 10 years, to HENRY W. SHELTON, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1865. [B. R. PERSON, Madison Co., wrote of Shelton, that he would "treat servants well and with humanity."]
CORA WOMACK, aged 13 years, to Dr. J. C. WOMACK, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 19, 1865.
BETTY BOMAR, aged 8 years, to CALVIN C. BOMAR, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 21, 1865.
PHILLIP BOMAR, aged 10 years, to CALVIN C. BOMAR, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 21, 1865.
CORTER PYLES, aged 10 years, to JAMES M. PYLES, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 21, 1865.
BEDFORD PYLES, aged 12 years, to JAMES M. PYLES, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 21, 1865.
RINS BOMAR, aged 10 years, to CALVIN C. BOMAR, Madison Co., Tenn., Dec. 21, 1865.
PARLEE, an abandoned child, aged 6 years, to JULIUS JOHNSON, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
LOAN BIRDSONG, aged 8 years, to J. J. C. BIRDSONG, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
PETER BIRDSONG, aged 6 years, to WILLIAM BIRDSONG, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
WILLIAM BARNETT, aged 9 years, to WILLIAM BARNETT, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
MADISON SIMS, aged 11 years, to R. W. SIMS, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 1, 1866.
"LISH" (female), 13 years, to J. B. LONG, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 5, 1866.
"ANN", aged 8 years, to JOHN H. LANIER, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 5, 1866.
"WESLEY", aged 5 years, to JOHN H. LANIER, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 5, 1866.
"HIRAM", aged 12 years, to J. B. LONG, Madison Co., Tenri., Jan. 5, 1866.
BELLE HOWLETT, aged 6 years, to W. R. HOWLETT, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 5, 1866.
"GRANVILLE", aged 11 years, to JOHN H. LANIER, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 5, 1866.
"DEE" (male), aged 12 years, to J. B. LONG, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 5, 1866.
PATSY CUNNINGHAM, aged 7 years, to MrS. E. F. CUNNINGHAM, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 10, 1866.
BILLY CUNNINGHAM, aged 9 years, to Mrs. E. F. CUNNINGHAM, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 10, 1866.
WILLIAM LAMBERT, aged 11 years, to Mrs. DELILA LAMBERT, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 13, 1866.
SUSAN CAMPBELL, aged 8 years, to JAMES G. WOMACK, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 25, 1866.
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CHARLES CHESTER, aged 5 years, to JOHN CHESTER, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 26, 1866.
CHARLOTTE CHESTER, aged 9 years, to JOHN CHESTER, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 26, 1866.
MARIA CHESTER, aged 7 years, to JOHN CHESTER, Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 26, 1866.
AMA BUCHANAN, aged 15 years, to THOMAS N. BUCHANAN, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 7, 1866.
HANDY WEAVER, aged 14 or 15 years, to JOSIAH H. WEAVER, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 5, 1866.
FRANKLIN WEAVER, aged 11 years, to JOSIAH H. WEAVER, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 8, 1866.
DAVY LUCY, aged 16 years, to DAVID LUCY, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 12, 1866.
MARGARET LUCY, aged 5 years, to DAVID LUCY, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 12, 1866.
ESSEX LONG, aged 12 years, to DAVID LUCY, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 12, 1866.
AUGUSTUS LYON, aged 6 years, to WADE W. LYON, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 15, 1866.
JAMES K. P. LUCY, aged 16 years to DAVID LUCY, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 12, 1866.
GEORGE KENT, aged 8 years, to WADE W. LYON, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 15, 1866.
LEWIS RICKETS, aged 10 years, to WILLIAM F. JONES, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 19, 1866.
FRANCES RICKETS, aged 14 years, to WILLIAM F. JONES, Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 19, 1866.
KATE HUNT, aged 14 years, to ROBERT HUNT, Madison Co., Tenn., May 1, 1866.
WESLEY WINCHESTER, aged 6 years, to WILLIAM D. WINCHESTER, Madison Co., Tenn., May 24, 1866.
SAMBO WINCHESTER, aged 4 years, to WILLIAM D. WINCHESTER, Madison Co., Tenn., May 24, 1866.
HENRY WINCHESTER, aged 8 years, to WILLIAM D. WINCHESTER, Madison Co., Tenn., May 24, 1866.
HARRIETT GREEN, Memphis, Tenn., apprenticed her daughter, VIRGINIA ANN GREEN, until the age of 18 years, to JOHN T. SHIRLEY and wife, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 16, 1865. HARRIETT GREEN, Memphis, Tenn., apprenticed her son, PETER McFARLAND, until the age of 21 years to Mrs. T. HARDING, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 8, 1865.
JULIA HARDING, aged 8 years, to Mrs. T. HARDING, Shelby Co.,. Tenn., Nov. 8, 1865.
LYDIA HARDING, aged 7 years, to Mrs. T. HARDING, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 8, 1865.
BEN HARDING, aged 12 years, to Mrs. T. HARDING, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 8, 1865.
NISA HARDING, aged 9 years, to Mrs. T. HARDING, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 8, 1865.
JOSEPH JONES, aged 9 years, to Mrs. MARTHA A. JONES, Fayette Co., Tenn., Nov. 14, 1865.
LEWIS JOHNSON, age not given, to JOHN GRAY, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 1O, 1865.
RANDALL JOHNSON, aged 7 years, to JOHN GRAY, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 10, 1865.
MAGGIE CARRAWAY, aged 6 years, to G. G. BUCKINGHAM, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 11, 1865.
ROBERT THEASUS, aged 11 years, to H. G. BUCKINGHAM, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 11, 1865.
BETSY CARAWAY, aged 10 years, to H. G. BUCKINGHAM, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 11, 1865.
MARY BROWN, aged 8 years, to F. Y. BACHEL, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 15, 1865.
FRANK EDDINS, aged 8 years, to W. T. CLARK, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 15, 1865.
LUCINDA RODGERS, aged 10 years, to W. T. CLARX, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 15, 1865.
BIDWELL SHARP, aged 5 years, to H. M. STEWART, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 14, 1865.
HORACE SHARP, aged 7 years, to H. M. STEWART, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 14, 1865.
SAMUEL JONES, aged 11 years, to Mrs. MARTHA A. JONES, Fayette Co., Tenn., Nov. 14, 1865.
JOSEPH JONES, aged 9 years, to Mrs. MARTHA A. JONES, Fayette Co., Tenn., Nov. 14, 1865.
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RICHARD JONES, aged 11 years, to Mrs. MARTHA A. JONES, Fayette Co., Tenn., Nov. 14, 1865.
DORA SELBY, aged 4 years, to Mrs. M. A. ANDERSON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 16, 1865.
PARTHENIA SELBY, aged 10 years, to Mrs. M. A. ANDERSON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 16, 1865.
ELIZA SHELTON, aged 7 years, to ELIZA SHELTON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 17, 1865.
LAURA HAMLIN, aged 13 years, to WILLIAM B. HAMLIN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 20, 1865.
EMMA POWERS, aged 11 years, to JOHN POWERS, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 22, 1865.
PETER JONES, aged 8 years, to WILLIAM T. AVERY, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 22, 1865.
JACOB GREEN, aged 7. years, to Mrs. FANNIE GREEN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 23, 1865.
EMMA LYNCH, aged 6 years, to EDWARD M. HOLMAN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 23, 1865.
BENJAMIN LYNCH, aged 8 years, to EDWARD M. HOLMAN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 23, 1865.
ANN LYNCH, aged 10 years, to EDWARD M. HOLMAN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 23, 1865.
MARGARET GREEN, aged 11 years, to Mrs. FANNIE GREEN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 23, 1865.
JAMES STEWART, aged 8 years, to ANDREW STEWART, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 24, 1865.
GEORGIANA STEWART, aged 7 years, to ANDREW STEWART, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 24, 1865.
ALEX. STEWART, zged 10 years, to ANDREW STEWART, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 24, 1865.
LEMUEL FARROW, aged 13 years, to LEMUEL FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 25, 1865.
JOSEPHINE FARROW, aged 8 years, to LEMUEL FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 25, 1865.
ALICE FARROW, aged 9 years, to LEMUEL FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 25, 1865.
FAYETTE DIX, aged 12 years, to E. J. MARINER, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
MELVINA FARROW, aged 10 years, to Mrs. E. D. FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
RODGERS FARROW, aged 2 years, to Mrs. E. D. FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
RHODA FARROW, aged 10 years, to Mrs. E. D. FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
AMANDA FARROW, aged 11 years, to Mrs. E. D. FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
JACOB GREEN, aged 7 years, to Mrs. FRANCES GREEN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 30, 1865.
MARGARET GREEN, aged 11 years, to Mrs. FRANCES GREEN, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 30, 1865.
"BETTIE", aged 14 years, to Mrs. SARAH A. HICKS, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 24, 1865.
ALEXANDER WILLIAMS, aged 7 years, to ENOCH TAYLOR, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
CHARLES JOHNSON, aged 12 years, to DUDLEY G. JOHNSON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 29, 1865.
DELIA FARROW, aged 9 years, to Mrs. E. D. FARROW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS, aged 9 years, to SARAH TAYLOR, Shelby Co., Tenn., Nov. 27, 1865.
JESSE CARREL, aged 7 years, to JAMES CARREL, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 2, l865.
BENJAMIN CARREL, aged 11 years, to JAMES CARREL, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 2, 1865.
OSCAR KENNEDY, son of PETER KENNEDY, was apprenticed by him to H. A. PARTEE, Shelby Co., Tenn.
TRENTON KENNEDY, son of PETER KENNEDY, was apprenticed by him to H. A. PARTEE, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 2, 1865.
BETSY DIXON, aged 14 years, to GEORGE DIXON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 4, 1865.
KATE DIXON, aged 12 years, to GEORGE DIXON, Shelby co., Tenn., Dec. 4, 1865.
ROSE RAYNER, dau. of JANE RAYNER, was apprenticed by her to Mrs. MARY A. RAYNER, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 13, 1865.
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MILLIE DIXON, aged 10 years, to GEORGE DIXON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 4, 1865.
"MARY ENMA", aged 7 years, to Mrs. L. E. MONROE, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 12, 1865.
KATE CRENSHAW, aged 6 years, to F. B. CRENSHAW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 21, 1865.
MARTIN CRENSHAW, aged 12 years, to F. B. CRENSHAW, Shelby Co., Tenn., Dec. 21, 1865.
MITTIE COLE, aged 7 years, to Miss SUE COLE, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 4, 1866.
JOSEPH MUNSON, aged 9 years, to AMOS MUNSON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 8, 1866.
GEORGIA MANSFIELD, aged 11 years, to SAMUEL MANSFIELD, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 8, 1866.
EARNEST MALTRAVERS, aged 10 years, to Dr. C. M. MALTRAVERS, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 10, 1866.
ANDERSON THOMPSON, aged 6 years, to F. C. THOMPSON, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 12, 1866.
EVALINE FELTS, &ged 9 years, to J. G. FELTS, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 24, 1866.
PATSY WATSON, aged 10 years, to JAMES R. CHALMERS, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 27, 1866.
FLORENCE NEWALL, aged 10 years, to Mrs. JANE NEWALL, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 29, 1866.
BUCK HOUSE, aged 13 years, to C. WILLIAMS, Fayette Co., Tenn., Jan. 17, 1866.
"MARY", aged 12 years, to Mrs. P. B. CARAWAY, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 17, 1866.
"EMALINE", aged 10 years, to Mrs. P. B. CARAWAY, Shelby Co., Tenn., Jan. 17, 1866.
ELISA SMITH, aged 10 years, to PHILLIP CUNINGHAM, Shelby Co., Tenn., Feb. 7, 1866.
"ELIZA", aged 9 years, to G. W. L. CROOK, Shelby Co., Tenn., Feb. _, 1866.
WILLIAM HUNT, aged 6 years, to Mrs. T. W. HUNT, Shelby Co., Tenn., Mar. 10, 1866.
ANNA HUNT, aged 8 years, to Mrs. T. W. HUNT, Shelby Co., Tenn., Mar. 10, 1866.
HENRY CLAY TANNER, son of MARY LOUISA TANNER, appr. enticed him to GEORGE R. RUTTER, Shelby Co., Tenn., April 11, 1866.
JACOB RICE, aged 12 years, to PINCKNEY C. BETHEL, Shelby Co., Tenn., Apr. 17, 1866.
JINSEY RICE, aged 10 years, to PINCKNEY C. BETHEL, Shelby Co., Tenn., Apr. 18, 1866.
ADALINE DICKSON, aged 9 years, to W. R. HUNT, Shelby Co., Tenn., Apr. 25, 1866.
ELLA DICKSON, aged 6 years, to W. R. HUNT, Shelby Co., Tenn., Apr. 26, 1866.
DILSEY ALLEN, aged 11 years, to J. R. ALLEN, Shelby Co., Tenn., May 16, 1866.
JOHN COCKEWELL, aged 8 years, to A. M. COCKEWELL, Shelby Co., Tenn., June 1, 1866.
Mixed in with these apprentice indentures was a labor contract regarding ABRAM KNUCKLES, aged 63 years and FANNY MILLER, aged 50 years; they agreed to work for R. L. LIGHTFOOT, Jan. 1, 1866-Dec. 25, 1866; he to earn $9 a month; she, $3.50 a month and they were to clothe themselves and pay their medical bills. Hardeman Co., Tenn., Dec. 15, 1865.
Labor contract. BALAAM FENTRESS and FRANCES MARIA [wife] and children, MILLY and RACHEL; LEVI CHESHIER and wife, ADELIA and their three children agreed to work on and make needed repairs on the farm of the FENTRESS heirs, Hardeman Co., Tenn., for 1/3 part of the wheat they would raise on this farm in 1866 and BALAAM was to have his own potato patch and garden; LEVI was to have the right torraise fowls and to raise vegetables on the farm, and to keep a cow. Agreed, at Bolivar, Tenn., approved by John D. USSERY, December 27, 1865.
On Jan. 11, 1866, JANE PARISH, mother of FRANK, aged 13 years; DICK, aged 11 years; ANDY, aged 9 years; SARAH, aged 9 years; PORTER, aged 5 years; agreed to apprentice them to JAMES M. WOOLLARD, Madison Co., Tenn. until they were of legal age; at termination of apprenticeship the boys would receive $75 each and the girl $50.
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On January 5, 1866, J. B. LONG, Madison County filed papers for an apprenticeship on HANSONE/HANCE LONG, a freed black orphan, aged 12 years, but the Bureau official turned him down as the boy's mother was still living with the rights of parentage.
A Comprehensive Labor Contract Mixed In
with the Orphan Apprentice Indentures
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This indenture of bargain and agreement made and entered into in the year of our Lord one thousand eight and sixty five (1865), Dec. 23, by and between Thomas J. Ross of the County of Shelby & State of Tennessee of the first part and the freedmen on the Rosstown plantation in county & state aforesaid, whose names will appear below, of the second part. Witnesseth, that whereon the said Thomas J. Ross agrees to employ the said freedmen to plant and raise a crop on his Rosstown plantation for the year 1866 in Shelby Co., Tenn. On the following rules, regulations and remunerations. To wit — the said Ross agrees to furnish the land to cultivate and a sufficient number of mules and horses and feed them to make and house said crop and all necessary farming utensils to carry on the same and to give unto said freedmen, whose names appear below, one half of all the cotton, corn & wheat that is raised on said place for the year 1866, after all the necessary expenses are deducted out that accrues on said crop outside of the freedmens labor, in harvesting, carrying to market and selling the same and the said freedmen whose names appear below, covenant and agrees to and with said Thomas J. Ross that for and in consideration of one half of the crop before mentioned, that they will plant, cultivate and raise under the management and control and superintendence of said Ross, in good faith, a cotton, corn, wheat and oat crop, under his management for the year 1866 and we the said freedmen agrees to furnish ourselves & families in provisions, clothing, medicine and medical bills and all and every kind of other expenses that we may incur on said plantation for the year 1866, free of charge to said Ross. Should the said Ross furnish any of the above supplies or any kind of expenses during said year, we are to settle and pay him out of the nett proceeds of our part of the crop, the retail price of the county at the time of sale or any price we may agree upon. The said Ross shall keep a regular book account against each and every one or the head of every family to be adjusted and settled at the end of the year. We furthermore bind ourselves to and with said Ross that we will do good work and labour ten hours a day on an average, winter and summer, the time to be from the time we commence to the time we quit. The time we are going to and from our work shall not be computed or counted in the time. We further agree that we will loose [lose] all lost time or pay at the rate of one dollar per day, rainy days excepted. In sickness and women lying in childbed are to loose [lose] the time and account for it to the other hands out of his or her part of the crop at the same rates that she or they may receive per annum. We furthemore bind ourselves that we will obey the orders of said Ross in all things in carrying out & managing said crop for said year and further bind ourselves that we said freedmen will keep up the fences around the enclosures and lots especially and if any rails be missing, by being or otherwise destroyed by said freedmen, we will pay for the same or otherwise rReconstruct the fence anew at our expense. We furthermore agree and bind ourselves that the freedmen's half of the crop shall be divided among the laborers as follows. The nett sum told shall be added together and divided by the number of hands that raise it and find out what on average shall/will be then divided among the hands as follows. First class working men 1/10 more than second [class] working men or non breeding women with no children. Second class working men and non breeding women shall have 1/10 more than second class of women and boys and girls from 14 to 18 years, same ratio — all first class. Single women with children and second class of same |
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description shall rave the sum prorati, as the first and second class of women with children, provided they work 10 hours a day as the others or make their time good up to 10 hours a day out of their wages or part of their crop. Boys and girls from 12 to 14 years of age is to be graded the same ratio — all is responsible for all farming utensils that is on hand or may be placed in care of said freedmen for the year 1866 to said Ross and are also responsible to said Ross if we carelessly, maliciously and maltreat any of his stock for said year to said Ross for damages, to be assessed out of our wages for said year; all of which is understood by us as freedmen in the foregoing compact or agreement, the said Rross assigning his name and ours following. It is further agreed by us whose names appear below that we will keep a sufficiency of fFirewood hawled up at all times and make fires in the rooms of said Ross when desired, attend to all stock properly under direction of said Ross. It is further agreed by a special agreement with Herod & his wife, Linda, whose names appear below, that the said Ross furnishes one fourth of provisions consisting of meal and meat for said year. Furnish medicine and attention whilst in sickness to himself, wife & four children, Ralp, Rinda, Osborn and Zackary. Rinda is to act as nurse and have her meals & clothing free for her service to said Ross. Osborn & Zackary to wait in minor matters. Ralp to work on the farm. The foregoing obligation are [sic] sufficiently understood by us, as freedmen, and hereby assign our marks with names attached, with a witness, the said Ross |
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Assigning First |
Thomas J. Ross |
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The Special Agreement with Herod & his wife Linda applies to all below. |
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Thomas J. Ross |
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Witnesses to last five names |
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Approved Jno. A. Staley, Capt. 3rd U.S.C. [snd] Supt. RN & AL |
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