The mystery of farming??

[James A. Landau]

>From URL http://fly.hiwaay.net/~woliver/FreeMenofColor.html

(emphasis added)

<begin quote>
KIRBY, Martha Jane, Henry, Josiah and Samuel,

free persons of color,

bound as apprentices to John BAKER to learn the

art, trade and mystery of farming.

Martha Jane is age 13 next May, Henry will be age 11 the 11th of March next,
Josiah will be age 9 August next and Samuel will be age 7 in May next and all
are bound until they reach the age of 21 years. [Indenture of Apprenticeship
Book 1845 - 1886, pp. 64-65, 20 Apr 1857]


 LEECH, William,

a free boy of color,

apprenticed to Mrs. Cassandra WEBB to learn the

art, trade and mystery of a farmer

until 1 November 1850, at which time the apprentice, if living, shall be 21
years of age. William is to be taught to spell and read, so as to read the
New Testament with facility. [Indentures of Apprenticeship Book 1811-1845,
pp. 164-165, 10 Feb 1845]

<end quote>

       - James A. Landau