Emma Nickerson was again put out as an apprentice by the Overseers of the Poor. Emma was only 2 years of age when this document was written and served as an apprentice seamstress until 1868. Of interest are the crossed out sections pertaining to male military service and the fact that unlike the above indentures, Emma was able to attend the local school to learn her reading and writing skills.
“
THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH,
THIS, indenture, made on the tenth day of September 1852 by and between Elbridge G. Friend, George Norwood and Aaron D. Wells, overseers of the poor of the town of Gloucester in the county of Essex on the one part, and Edward Walters of said Gloucester on the other part, WITNESSETH,
That the overseers of the poor have bound and do hereby bind Emma Nickerson a minor1 daughter of Mrs. Nickerson a poor person residing in said town, lawfully settled therein, and having become actually chargeable thereto or whose parents in the opinion of said overseers to be unable to maintain said child; unto Edward Walters as an apprentice, to learn the art, trade or calling of a Seamstress to be employed in any lawful work or labor, and with him the said Edward Walters to serve from the day of the date hereof, until the tenth day of May , 1868 when the said minor will be the age of Eighteen years; during all which time the said apprentice his said master shall faithfully serve.
That the overseers of the poor have bound and do hereby bind Emma Nickerson a minor1 daughter of Mrs. Nickerson a poor person residing in said town, lawfully settled therein, and having become actually chargeable thereto or whose parents in the opinion of said overseers to be unable to maintain said child; unto Edward Walters as an apprentice, to learn the art, trade or calling of a Seamstress to be employed in any lawful work or labor, and with him the said Edward Walters to serve from the day of the date hereof, until the tenth day of May , 1868 when the said minor will be the age of Eighteen years; during all which time the said apprentice his said master shall faithfully serve.
And the said. Edward Walters covenants2 on his behalf, to teach and instruct, or cause the said Emma Nickerson or servant to be taught or instructed in the aforesaid trade or calling, by the best means in his power. And during said term to provide for said apprentice or servant , suitable boarding3, lodging, clothing, nursing, attendance, and other necessaries, for her comfortable support in sickness and in health. And further shall cause him, her to be taught to read, write, and cipher;4 and to this end shall allow him, her to attend the town school in his school district, at least six months weeks in every year during the term, with suitable books and stationary5; together with such other instruction as is suitable to his, her degree; and shall also furnish him with the military uniform and equipments required by law. And at the end of the term the said Edward Walters shall deliver up said Emma Nickerson to the overseers of the poor of said town, for the time being, furnished with two good suits of clothes. And will also pay the said the sum of for his faithful services at which time these indentures shall be cancelled.
In Testimony whereof, the parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals6.
Overseers of Poor
Edward Walters
Elbridge G. Friend
Aaron D. Wells
Geo. Norwood
—
1 Minor = child
2 Covenants = agrees
3 Boarding = a place to live
4 Cipher = to do math
5 Stationary = paper supplies
6 “Interchangeably set their hands and seals” = signed their names
Citation
Emma Nickerson, Indenture (Gloucester, 1852). Gloucester Archives, Gloucester, MA.
Using Essex History 
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