On 7 February 1893, a Wilson County Probate Court judge ordered 8 year-old Mary Simms bound as an apprentice to Crocket Best until she reached 18 years of age.
——
- Mary Simms
- Crocket Best
In the 1870 census of Saulston township, Wayne County: farm laborer Crocket Best, 35; wife Caroline, 30; children Hilry, 12, Dennis, 10, Frank, 8, Anjaline, 6, John, 4, and Richard, 6 months; plus Milley, 20, and Bedy Best, 17.
In the 1880 census of New Hope township, Wayne County: farmer Crocket Best, 44; wife Caroline, 42; children Dennis, 20, Franklin, 18, Angeline, 15, John, 12, Richard, 9, Rachel, 6, Mary, 4, and Jamimie, 1; and aunt Rachel Best, 80.
In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: carpenter Crocket Best, 64; wife Caroline, 62; daughter Mary, 23; and granddaughters Elizabeth, 2, and Loretta, 8.
In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widower Crocket Best, 87; daughter Mamie, 30, cook; grandson Buster B., 5; and Bennett Stanton, 47.
Apprentice, eh?
The “word” used after the first word- same thing, different name?
Something to ponder.
These very definitely could be exploitative relationships, especially in the decade after Emancipation. I am hopeful that Rev. Best, who was African-American, had more benevolent plans for little Mary. This system could be thought of as the era’s foster care.