Minors.
Any minor child may be bound to service until the attainment of the age of legal majority as hereinafter described. [§3471.]
Indenture.
Such binding must be by written indenture, specifying the age of the minor and the terms of agreement. If the minor is more than twelve years of age and not a pauper, the indenture must be signed by him of his own free will. [§3472.]
Consent of parent or guardian.
A written consent must be appended to or endorsed upon such agreement, and signed by one of the following persons, to-wit:
- By the father of the minor; but if he is dead or has abandoned his family, or is for any cause incapacitated from giving his assent, then
- By the mother; and if she be dead or unable, or incapacitated for giving such assent, then,
- By the guardian; and if there be no guardian, then by the clerk of the district court. [§3473.]
Natural guardian removed.
Upon complaint being made to the district court of the proper county, verified by affidavit, that the father or mother of a minor child is from habitual intemperance and vicious and brutal conduct, or from vicious, brutal and criminal conduct toward said minor child, an unsuitable person to retain the guardianship and control the education of such child, the court may, if it find the allegations in the complaint manifestly true, appoint a proper guardian for the child, and may if expedient, also direct that said child be bound as an apprentice to some suitable person until he attains his majority. But nothing herein shall be so construed as to take such minor child if the mother be a proper guardian. [§3492.]
The same proceedings may take place and a like order be made, when the mother, who for any cause became the guardian of her minor child, is in like manner found to be manifestly an improper person to retain such guardianship. [§3493.]