Indentured Certificate
Colonial Life-1700's
Harsh Times for Settler's
We generally know the date of birth of George Phillip Geller as around 1733. That in itself, gives us optimism, that he was born in America. On the other hand, we have received one tidbit of information, that he may have came to the new world as an indentured servant. It is the latter, which we will assume.
Unless one was wealthy, most white settlers to the new world, came here as indentured servants. In many cases, the father of a young man or women, signed a contract with the captain of a ship to transport their child to America, without charge. Upon reaching the new world, the Captain would sell the legal contract to a shopkeeper or anyone else, looking for workers. In exchange, the typical young, unskilled servant, would provide much needed labor, in exchange for passage and necessities, such as food, clothing and lodging.
Typical servitude lasted from 3-7 years, at the end of which the person was free to leave. If one had worked on a farm, they typically left to start their own farms. If on the other hand, if they had gained a skill, they may have left to pursue a trade such as shopkeeper, iron worker or hat maker.
As far as is known, the Geller's were farmers. (There is some fleeting information, that they may have owned a tavern or two in the latter days, which was not uncommon. As settlements grew, old Indian trails became wagon roads. As travel increased, so did the need for place to stay overnight, on their way to some other place. Many a settler with a homestead near a road, converted all or part of their humble homes to taverns or wagon stops, in order to reap some of the rewards).
Individual homesteads and farms were frowned upon. It was recommended, that settlers build their homes in a settlement-usually around a central meeting-place. This structure was used for the community business and church services, amongst others. For protection against the threat of wild animals and threatening Indians, settlements were surrounded by a stockade or palisado of heavy well-placed logs. These structures, provided a garrison against any intruders. When threat of danger ceased to be a major factor, stockades were replaced, first with long wood fences, then with stone.
George Geller's first dwelling was most likely typical of the period. Timber chopped down with a broad axe and lots of sweat were used to build walls and roof's. Walls were chinked,
with wood chips and clay to block out the cold and roofs covered with birch bark or thatch.
A door would be hung with wooden hinges or hide from an animal. Windows were covered with oil-paper and had large wooden shutters on the exterior.. The fire-room, contained a massive chimney for cooking and heating. A raised platform along one wall provided space for sleeping, covered with tree boughs for comfort. Some had lofts with a simple ladder for access.
Farmers were poorer souls, then other skilled settlers and made little money. But the one thing they had over their wealthy friends, was food. Whatever a farmer could grow or raise, he could also eat or sell for profit. Pennsylvania farmers of the period, had richer soil, than their New England counterparts. Wheat and corn were staples, as well as hogs.
Sources/Credits:
Geller Family Geneology, by Virginia Vincent © Copyright 2004-2011Indentured Servant: WP: CC-BY-SA
Home Life in Colonial Days, By Alice Morse Earle
Indenture Certificate: WP: PD
Valley Forge Cabin
Conner Prairie Log Cabin Interior
