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(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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This indenture of September 6, 1797, served to "place and bind out" Rhoda Ballard, age 12, to the care of Samuel Wells of Deerfield, Massachusetts. She agrees to be a good servant and to honor her master's wishes. Mr. Wells agrees to provide for her food, washing, housing, and clothing and he will make sure she is taught needlework, housewife skills, reading and writing. The end of the indenture is set for March 26, 1803, when Rhoda will be 18. Mr. Ballard, his daughter, and Mr. Wells agreed to the terms.

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