Freedman's Contract for a Mule and Land, January 1, 1868

Summary

After the Civil War, white landowners contracted with black freed persons to work their land and grow crops. In this 1868 contract, R. Hart agreed to furnish Henry Mathew with 35 acres, a mule, and, after harvest, 1/3 of his crop in compensation for his labor. While seemingly straightforward many contracts trapped black laborers into a lifetime of poverty.

After the Civil War, white landowners contracted with black freed persons to work their land and grow crops. In this 1868 contract, R. Hart agreed to furnish Henry Mathew with 35 acres, a mule, and, after harvest, 1/3 of his crop in compensation for his labor. While seemingly straightforward many contracts trapped black laborers into a lifetime of poverty.

Artifact

Document

Date Made

01 January 1868

Subject Date

01 January 1868

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States, Georgia, Schley County 

With Liberty & Justice For All
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

2005.16.14

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Handwriting

Dimensions

Height: 12.5 in

Width: 8 in

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