Mmkay, I know this isn't really specific to the site, but I was wondering if anyone knew resources where I might be able to find information about indentured servitude. Or, if anyone here knows anything about it. I have an idea for a character that was an indentured servant and was turned by her master(s). As for the timing, I'm thinking somewhere in the 1600s. I don't know much about that time period and my most comprehensive history text deals mainly with ancient history.

So, if anyone could help me out here, I will shower you with cookies. :D

Well I could probably help!

I'm not a history expert or anything, but I do love it enough that I’m a total nerd with the history trivia. As for indentured servitude, just ask me anything and I’ll try my best to answer your questions or find someone that can.

:)

Well, okay. I was just wondering about some generalities. Mostly, when it started and some finer detailes. Like, did indentured servants come over with their masters if their masters came to the Americas? Did the first European settlers have indentured servants with them when they came over here or did the servants start coming later, after colonies and such had pretty much been established.

O.O

-scratches head-

Okay, this first answer I can't say I'm sure on. But so far as I can remember I think the first indentured servants were around about 1617 or so. Don't quote me on that date exactly, but anywhere around or after that point is probably good enough for a profile.

Secondly about indentures and their masters, well the tricky thing about that is that both parts of your question are the answer.

For some, they came to the colonies with those they were indentured to, others their masters were back in England (technically your 'master' could even be a company that wanted stock in the new world), so yeah you could be one place and they the other. You would simply have a foreman over you in the colonies. So either actually, it all depends on your circumstances. But usually more often than not the only constant was that indenture ended with you working for someone or a company, usually as an apprentice.

Thirdly, nope when the settlers first came no indentured servants, at least formally as we know the term that is. No one had signed formal contracts to be indentured, but I can’t imagine that everyone that went did so out of their own pockets…so yeah.

I guess that’s the best I can give you Romax. I hope it helped.