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I found this in the Halifax County Deeds,
which is not where I expected to find such a document. But this is great
information since it confirms what I have been telling people for years,
that Martha Copeland was the mother of Benjamin and Joseph Copeland, as well
as giving their actual birthdates. It surprised me too, because it shows
that Benjamin was the oldest, and not Joseph, whose one & only census record
in 1860 had indicated that he was born in 1802. Also of interest is the
revelation that "Benford" was the name that Benjamin was called by his
mother in that document; that was the name that was used in one of his
census records. What follows is my transcription of the Apprenticeship
document, along with the image below that.
MARTHA COPELAND to ALLEN DAMERON-1825
Apprenticeship of Children
Halifax County Deeds
Deed Book 26, Page 192
North Carolina, Halifax County:
This Indenture made this 20th day of February A.D. 1825 Between MARTHA
COPELAND of the County & State aforesaid of the one part & ALLEN DAMERON of
the same County & State afores'd witnesseth that the said MARTHA COPELAND of
her own full will & accord hath put & bound her sons BENFORD & JOSEPH
COPELAND, apprentices to him the said ALLEN DAMERON for & during the term of
their minority or until they become 21 years of age all which time the said
apprentices shall faithfully serve & obey their said Master in all lawfull
commands the shall not abscond themselves without their Masters leave nor
contract matrimony within the said term but in all things behave themselves
towards their said Masters as good & faithfull apprentices ought to do & the
said ALLEN DAMERON doth covenant promise and agree to & with the said MARTHA
COPELAND that he will exert his utmost endeavor to teach or cause to be
taught the said apprentices the act trade and mystery of a farmer & furnish
them with sufficient cloth washing & mending lodging & apparel fitting for
apprentices as well in sickness as in health during their said term and at
the expiration thereof furnish them with a new suit of wearing apparel each
to the value of five pounds currency &c each. In witness whereof we have
hereunto set our hands & seals this 28th day of February 1825 as above &c.
MARTHA COPELAND ("X" her mark) {seal}
ALLEN DAMERON ("X" his mark) {seal}
Witness ROBT BRINKLEY
P.S. The children hereby bound &c is of the age following Viz, BENFORD
COPELAND born 4th day of October 1814 & JOSEPH COPELAND born the 19th day of
August 1818.
Halifax County, Feby Sessions 1825
Then this Indenture was exhibited in Open Court & duly proved by oathof
ROBERT BRINKLEY a witness thereto & on motion ordered to be registered.
Witness R. EPPES Clk, pr M.T. PONTON P.R. |
