Collections of Prince Memorial Library, item #33426. Order a copy at vintagemaineimages.com.
In 1826, the Cumberland Overseers of the Poor – William Buxton, James Prince and Nicholas Rideout Jr. – signed an indenture that placed Benjamin Esters, son of Jesse Esters of Cumberland, into an apprenticeship with Alexander Barr of Cumberland, who was to teach Benjamin “the art, trade, or mystery of Farmer,” as well as teach and instruct him or cause him to be taught and instructed to read, write and perform arithmetic. Benjamin Esters was 15 years old in 1826, and was put into Barr’s care until April 12, 1832, when he turned 21. At the end of the indenture, Benjamin was to receive “two suits of new wearing apparel, one suitable for Lord’s Day, and the other for working days. Also one yoke of oxen valued at forty Dollars of that sum in cash …”
Also in 1826, the Cumberland Overseers of the Poor bound out for indenture Samuel and Jacob Easters, the sons of Jesse Easters of Cumberland. Cumberland Overseers of the Poor documents in the town of Cumberland archives list the family name as Easters, Esters and Estes.
In commemoration of Maine’s bicentennial this year, The Forecaster is featuring historical highlights and artifacts from our communities’ past 200 years. This feature can be found in print and online every other week.
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