Description: This is an indentured servant contract signed and witnessed on September, 22, 1824 in East Hampton, CT. One large piece of paper, written, witnessed and signed in three different areas. Maltby Pataguam, the said, indentured servant was 6 years and 10 months old at this time. He was given by his mother, Nancy, to Theophilus Smith until his 21st birthday, which would be September 22, 1838. The document is specific and was signed before a Justice of the Peace.

History: Colonial Americans engaged in many forms of unfree labor, with great numbers of youths moving away from their families to become servants or apprentices. The terms of their service were spelled out in contracts called indentures, legal agreements that were entered into by the child’s parent(s) and the child’s new master. These agreements varied, but certain terms were standardized enough that pre-printed forms were often used.

Provenance:

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 0.125 | Height(in) = 8 | Width(in) = 12 | Depth(in) = 0.125

Size of Artwork(in): 16 x 24 x .0625"

Artist Name: Theophilus Smith

Medium: Paper, ink.

Circa: -27492

Paper has some fold lines and aging. The document is legible. Appears to be bloody finger impressions by several X signatures.