Robert Frasier's Indenture Contract with Charles Phelps

Robert Frasier's Indenture Contract with Charles Phelps

Robert Fraiser was born in 1794 and brought on as an apprentice for Charles Phelps in January of 1807 at the age of 13. He was contracted to serve for a term of seven years, seven months, and twelve days. Robert’s indenture reads: “I Henry Frasier of Hatfield… do of my own free and accord part and bind my son Robert Frasier…[as] an apprentice to Charles Phelps Esq. of Hadley… to learn and be instructed in the art or mystery of Husbandry.” 

Robert’s father, Henry Fraiser, may have indentured him so that he could access education, but there is no evidence to confirm whether he received a rudimentary education during his time at Forty Acres. In exchange for his labor, Phelps promised to provide Robert with food, lodging, and care in sickness during his term, after which he would furnish the young man with two decent suits “proper for his station in life” and pay him one hundred dollars.