Martin was born in 1748. His father, Larance, was enslaved
by Waterbury' Captain Samuel Hickcox. His mother, Judah,
a Native American, appears to have been free. Martin, “servant
of Capt. Hickcox,” was baptized in Waterbury's Episcopal
church on May 28, 1749.
In 1752, Martin became an indentured servant to Hickcox;
the contract promised his freedom upon reaching the age
of 24, in January of 1772. The contract also described the
transaction as a sale and stated that Martin's mother had
given Martin to Hickcox before her death.
As part of the contract, Samuel Hickcox was required to
teach Martin to read, instruct him in the catechism, and
provide him with good food, drink, shelter and clothing.
The contract also obligated Hickcox to provide Martin
with two good outfits, suitable for Sabbath days and for
working days, when Martin was freed.
Because he was of mixed race, Martin was given the last
name of Molotts, a variant of mulatto.
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