2 March, 2011
Indentured servants were probably the first European settlers in the Hopkinton area. An indentured servant was typically a young, unskilled laborer who came to America under contract to work for an employer for a fixed period of time, in exchange for their ocean transportation, food, clothing, lodging and other necessities during the term of their indenture. They included men and women; most were under age 21, and most became helpers on farms or house servants. They were not paid wages.
When their contract was completed many wanted to own their own land. However, since they did not have funds to reach America they probably did not have funds at the end of their contract. But, it was possible in the area now known as Hopkinton & Ashland to possess land -- as it could be 'rented' only here (99 year lease) from Harvard University.
M.P. Barker, an historical costumed interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village and author of A Difficult Boy, a fictional account of indentured servants in Massachusetts, will speak to a joint meeting of the Ashland and Hopkinton Historical Societies at the Ashland Historical Society at 2 Myrtle Street in Ashland on Sunday March 13, 2-4pm. Our program is free and is open to all. Refreshments will be served.
Set in western Massachusetts in 1839, A Difficult Boy tells the story of two young indentured servants who must overcome their differences to outwit their abusive master and win their freedom. Barker will talk about her research on indentured servitude and her presentation will include images of some of the documents she used in her research as well as period illustrations portraying some of the locations and characters in the novel. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
For additional information contact Ray Gendreau at 508-577-3761
