John Milton and Mary Ann Laswell’s marriage bond was signed by Moses Rice, December 22, 1804, in Washington County, Kentucky.  The bondsman was Charles Milton, who I believe was the father of John.  He was a Revolutionary War  soldier.  The parental consent was for Mary Ann, and is signed by her father, Benjamin Laswell, December 15, 1800 (which was probably mistakenly written, rather than 1804).  It is very likely Benjamin was also a Revolutionary War soldier.  The families moved to Hardin County, Kentucky, after the marriage.

Know all men by these presents that we, John Milton and Charles Milton, are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency, the Governor of Kentucky, the sum of fifty pounds current money to the payment of which well and truly to be made to the said Governor and his successors.  We bind ourselves, our heirs, jointly and severally, firmly by these presented, sealed with our seals and dated this 22nd day of December, 1804.  The condition of this obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended between the above bound John Milton and Mary Ann Laswell, for which a license has issued.  Now if there be no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue.

John Milton, Charles Milton

Witness, Moses Rice

This is hereby to certify that John Milton has established leave of me to marry Mary Ann Laswell, given under my hand this 15 of December 1800.

Benjamin Laswell

Teste. Charles Milton