In a message dated 9/6/98 7:23:50 PM Central Daylight Time, dan_cambridge@cmfz.com writes: << I have always heard the term as "bound boy." It applied to girls as well. Before there were orphanages or social service agencies, children who were orphaned or whose parents or relatives were otherwise unable to take care of them were usually "bound out." >> Dan, Thank you for the reply and explanation of Bound Boys. I had not heard of it before. I wonder if any paper was recorded or anything or if there are records that were kept of such transactions. Probably not. Thanks again. Really appreciate it. Pat W