The institution of apprenticeship was widespread throughout colonial and later eighteenth-century America. Young boys, typically around the age of fourteen, were sent off to train under the charge of a master craftsman until they were able to strike out on their own. To facilitate these arrangements, a legal contract between an apprentice and the master craftsman, known as an indenture of apprenticeship, was drawn up. These contracts expressed the obligations of both parties. For the young apprentice, this generally included: keeping trade secrets, and abstaining from vices such as drinking and theater-going. In turn, the master was responsible for providing his ward with education (reading, writing, and arithmetic), training in the craft, and room and board.

This collection contains the indenture of Ephraim Richardson, a fourteen year-old boy in Warner New Hampshire. The contract binds Richardson to service for seven years, until he reached the age twenty-one, which was a fairly common arrangement.

The Library holds several items related to apprenticeship in eighteenth and nineteenth century New England, including a pamphlet offering advice to young men on the advent of their departure from service as well as a children’s story about a dutiful apprentice. This collection, however, is the only archival collection.