Freedman's Contract for a Mule and Land, January 1, 1868
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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
Place of Creation
Collection Title
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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