Indenture During Industiralization
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Samuel Dixon was deputized in an attempt to keep his camps under control. Coal companies would use labor contractors to persuade immigrants and newly-freed slaves to move to the booming coalfields with the promise of work. Providing transportation, room & board to newly-freed slaves, Polish, Italian, German, and Swedish immigrants, the men became indebted to the company. Unaware of WV's harsh conditions, many would attempt to leave. Only to be arrested and returned to ensure reimbursement of the company's expenses.
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