I found on the Ellis Island web site that my great uncle John F McCourt, in one of his trips between the US and Panama, did not have a birth certificate to prove he was an American citizen, but he had a certificate of indenture that proved he was born in Paterson, NJ. He worked on the Panama Canal from at least 1908 to 1926. I would like to find out to whom he was indentured. I wrote to Washington, the National Archives, and this very kind volunteer searched all their records and he could not find anything about his indenture, stating he may have been privately indentured.

Does anyone have any idea how I can find out anything more about this indenture? His father and siblings were all there with him.

I just wanted to mention because it occurred to me, it might be a good idea to see if there where any calls to work in the canal in New Jersey and where and why. Maybe someone who was looking for people to go work for them in the canal called them indentured slaves and not workers until they worked off their transport fees...

Maybe they charged then their fee to work against the cost to transport them to the work area in case they bailed before or during work.

Good luck!! My family was military that was in the canal zone AND part of the military that settled Panama. If I can ever help you, let me know. I should be going to Panama this winter.

Let me know if I can help you!!

Whitney

Thank you for the tip! and for the offer of help! My 1st cousin once removed was born in Gatun, Canal Zone, Panama on
14 Oct 1912! Of course, like many Irish families the family is filled with secrets and 1/2 truths so it's been an experience trying to find out the reality! The only reason I found out my uncle was indentured was thru the Ellis Island records!and of course my great grandfather had several dates of birth! Did you ever hear of Christopher George Jones? He was my great aunt's husband and his daughter was born in Gatun!

I have not heard of him. I will keep the name in my mind and let you know if any Jones come up. I am looking for Greenes... so maybe in my searches I will find something interesting.

Ill let you know!! Keep us updated of how your search goes!!

I would be grateful if you could find my ancester Noah Botwright, who seemed to make a few journeys to Panama and had some children there with, I believe a native girl whom he married,Berthia. I think he would have gone there by boat, butbefore passenger lists were available, perhaps a clipper ship. Also, he was a bricklayer, which makes me think perhaps he worked on the canal. Her maiden name was Lunn George, prviousley married to Thomas George with 1 child, a daughter.
Berthia was born 20/12/1842 m. 1863 to Noah, and died 1893. Noah was born abt 1840, and I think died 1893.