Lawrence, John Edward

(submitted by Sue McKay)

At the age of 19, John Edward Lawrence, son of Ellen Lawrence, contacted the pastor at St. John’s Rectory, Sarnia to locate a copy of his indenture to Alfred George Sparling, made out in 1903 when he was four years old. Pastor Newton found the document, which follows.

The letter raises questions. Did John’s brother go to the same farmer? Did his mother and siblings keep in touch? Did Alfred Sparling keep his end of the bargain and have $200 for John when he reached the age of 21?

St. John’s Rectory

Sarnia

June 7, 1918

Dear John,

After turning over thousands of Books and papers spending hours looking for it, I have at last found your “Indenture” among some letters in my office desk and I send it herewith by registered letter. You will see you are entitled to $200 when you are 21 years old. I remember the hard work I had getting help for your mother when your father died and what pleasure it gave me. Take care of the Indenture; I also have your brother’s here. Trust in the Lord Jesus. Do your duty like a man and things will go well with you.

Your old friend,

F.G. Newton

P.S. Let me know if you get this.

This indenture made the Sixth day of April 1903

Between John Edward Lawrence, a male of the age of four years of the township of Warwick in the County of Lambton, the son of Ellen Lawrence of the same place, widow of the first part,

And

Alfred George Sparling of the Township of Plympton, farmer, for the second part

Witnesseth, that the said John Edward Lawrence hath of his own free will and by and with the consent of the said Ellen Lawrence his mother, placed  and bound himself to the said Alfred George Sparling, to continue from the day of the date hereof until after said John Edward Lawrence shall have attained the age of twenty one years, during all of which term the said John Edward Lawrence shall, will, and faithfully obey the said Alfred George Sparling, in all such lawful matters as the said John Edward Lawrence shall be put into by the command of the said Alfred George Sparling, and honestly and obediently in all things shall behave himself towards the said Alfred George Sparling and honestly and orderly towards the rest of his family.

And the said Alfred George Sparling ———and agrees to and with the said John Edward Lawrence that he will teach and instruct him as cause him to be taught and instructed in the employments and affairs of farm life, that he will find and allow him meat, drink, washing, lodging, suitable apparel and other necessaries, fit and convenient for the said John Edward Lawrence during the term aforesaid and that he will cause him the said John Edward Lawrence during the term aforesaid to be educated and at the end of the aforesaid term the said Alfred George Sparling agrees to pay to him the said John Edward Lawrence the sum of Two hundred dollars.

In witness where of the said parties have herewith set their hands and seals

Signed sealed and delivered.    > Alfred Geo. Sparling

In the presence of                      >     F.G. Newton

The above named Ellen Lawrence the mother of John Edward Lawrence named in the above indenture having consented that he should bind himself as therein stated do hereby signify my consent thereto accordingly

Signed Ellen Lawrence

Dated this the Sixth Day of April 1903

Chapter 24 of 25 - Lawrence, John

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