In my genealogical research, I learned that
...an INDENTURED SERVANT was one who was voluntarily or
involuntarily committed to working for someone for a fixed number
of years ...usually 4 to 7...in exchange for passage to America,
or some other financial advantage.
As the lowest person on the totem pole, an indentured servant had
few, if any rights, but people without skills or money accepted
this position in order to emigrate.
After the period of work was over, the servant usually became a freeman.
...NOTE from BJ...
In my own genealogical research, I discovered that my 5 Great
Grandmother Elizabeth BUSSARD came over from GERMANY in 1745.
She was first married in Germany to a man by the name of
Mr. OVERHOLTZER.
As she and Mr. Overholtzer were members of the Church of the
Brethren and their religious beliefs were being persecuted
in Germany, they decided to come to America...the home of
religious freedom.
They took passage for America, but on the way over both
Mr. Overholtzer and their only child died, and were buried at sea.
On arriving in America, the ship's Captain sold Elizabeth as a
bond woman for three years, to pay for her passage over. The man
to whom she was sold was Colonel George Welton, in the State of
Virginia. This was during the years 1745 to 1749. She was sent to the
fields to cultivate corn and tobacco. But at the end of the year, she was
released because of her industry.
Elizabeth then married John STINGLEY who was my 5 Great
Grandfather. They had seven children. Their first born, Jacob
STINGLEY, was the key ancestor on my family tree. It has taken me
YEARS to learn that I tied into this lineage. It was big time celebration
...as all of this finally came together.
When 5 Great Grandfather STINGLEY died, Elizabeth married a
third time to Solomon MICHAEL...and another 10 children are listed
for them. It isn't clear, in the records, whether all those children are
hers and his, or all of his and maybe she is the stepmother.
Because of Elizabeth BUSSARD's appearance in my genealogy
research, I had to scurry around and learn all about INDENTURED
SERVANTS. Elizabeth was one....and I had to become educated
on this terminology.
Genealogy IS education...and am I ever getting a degree.
...Chasing my own tale...
Researching...
17 Generations of HENCKEL aka HENKLE
11 Generations of STINGLEY, to include BUSH
11 Generations of SCHREIBER aka SCHRYVER
8 Generations of MARTINDALE
8 Generations of SHEETS
6 Generations of BAUMASTER
4 Generations of REYNOLDS
Barbara Jean (SCHRYVER) Reynolds-Green
The Family's Genealogist
...in Dayton, OH, USA
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