American Historical Ephemera & Photography

1p, 8 x 13 3/4 in. (light soil, chipping at edges, creases at folds). 

Agreement binds "William Turner of the age of Eleven years old this month to be an apprentice with the said Jesse V. Hagy" to learn the "art, trade or business of Farming." Arranged by overseers of the poor, the agreement provides for Turner to be released at the age of twenty-one, and for Hagy to "pay the apprentice the sum of $30.00 in cash and good suit of freedom clothes" at the expiration of his indenture. 

Jesse Viney Hagy (1814-1862) of Washington County, Virginia, is listed in the 1850 and 1860 US Federal Censuses as a farmer. William Turner (ca 1841-?) may have remained in Virginia following his indenture and the Civil War. The 1880 US Census identifies a "mulatto" laborer named William Turner residing in Washington, DC, and indicates he was born in Virginia about 1841, though it cannot be definitively determined that this is the same Turner as appears on the indenture. 

Docketed on verso "William Foran / Indentures / 1852 August 30th Deposited in the clerks office" then "1857 Augt 25th cancelled." A "Wm Ferrin" is identified on the document as being apprenticed to Hagy along with Turner. Records indicate a complaint was filed against Hagy by Foran ("Ferrin") in 1857 due to ill treatment. Foran's indenture was ultimately cancelled as indicated on the docket while the duration of Turner's indenture is unclear.