“But to prevent their apprentices from doing so (running away),” continued Ebenezer, “the masters generally bind them by an indenture to stay a certain time. An indenture is a contract in writing. The reason it is called an indenture is, because it is, or at least it used to be, made in two parts, one for the master and one for the apprentice, and these two parts are written on the same sheet of paper and then cut apart in a waving line, so that the edges of both papers are indented in exactly the same way, and thus they will fit each other precisely.”
“What good did that do?” asked John.
“I don’t know exactly,” said Ebenezer. “They thought they could put them together again, and if the two parts fitted, that would show that it was all right. But now I am going to indenture you, or else I might expect, that, after you have sawed here three or four times, and I had had all the trouble of teaching you how to do it, you’ll get tired and so not come any more. I’m not willing to begin unless you agree to come seven days – and saw for me one hour each day.”
“And how about planing?” asked John.
“That will be a separate apprenticeship,” said Ebenezer.
“Well,” said John, “I will agree to it.”
“This indenture witnesseth that John Gay binds himself to Ebenezer Greenwood as an apprentice for seven days, an hour each day, not less than three days each week, and that Ebenezer Greenwood promises to teach him the art and mystery of sawing.”
— from “John Gay; Or, Work for Boys: Work for Spring” by Jacob Abbott, 1864
That is a particularly interesting volume, as it has some more detailed information on the creation of a Bradawl that I found particularly illuminating.
Actually, I’m mistaken, the book I was referring to from the same author is “The boy’s own workshop; or, The young carpenters.” By Jacob Abbott.
http://books.google.com/books?id=naIDAAAAQAAJ&dq=THE%20BOY'S%20OWN%20WORKSHOP&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false
There is a number of interesting discussions that are relevant to today’s woodworkers.
Badger
Are you looking for an indentured servant?
Yes, a very enjoyable read. It bogs down a little with some of the descriptions, but I did enjoy the prospect of making the tools listed as the boy John did.
did you notice the leg vise in the pic accompanying this post has it’s jaws significantly above the benchtop? Or is it not a “vise” but a clamp attached to the bench? (leg appears to be to the left of the vise).
False teeth with braces?
…sorry…