This marriage bond looks a little different from the very early ones.  In 1881 it was a ‘fill in the blank’ form compared to the beautiful handwritten bonds from the beginning of the state in 1792.  And the penal sum has doubled from 50 pounds current money to one hundred dollars.

Francis Gillis married Mary Huldah Searcy, July 9, 1850.  Her father was Bartlett Searcy, his father was Hugh Gillis, and the marriage was witnessed by James H. Spoonamore.  The bride must have died very quickly after the marriage, because Francis married Louisa Redman November 5, 1851.  On January 12, 1850, James H. Spoonamore married Mary J. Gillis.  The consent was given by William Gillis, probably her father.  Francis and Mary J. were most likely cousins that married each other later in life.

Francis and Mary are buried at Fairview Christian Cemetery in the little area known as Fairview, at the northernmost point of Washington County, on the Anderson County line.

Marriage Bond

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

Be it known, that we, Francis Gillis as principal, and . W. McKee, as surety, are jointly and severally bound to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, in the sum of One Hundred Dollars.

The Condition of this Bond is as follows:

That, whereas Marriage is intended to be solemnized between the above bound Francis Willis and Mrs. Mary Spoonamore.  Now, if there is no lawful cause to obstruct said Marriage, this Bond shall be void, otherwise it shall remain in full force and effect.

Dated at Lawrenceburg, Anderson County, this 10th day of September 1881.

Francis Gillis, L. W. McKee

Attest:  F. M. Robinson, Clerk, Anderson County Court

Male

• Date of Marriage – September 14th 1881
• Name of Groom – Francis Gillis
• Residence of Groom – Anderson County
• Age of Groom – 49 years
• Number of Marriage of Groom – third
• Occupation – Farmer
• Birthplace of Groom – Anderson County, Kentucky
• Birthplace of Groom’s Father – Anderson County, Kentucky
• Birthplace of Groom’s Mother – Anderson County, Kentucky

Female

• Name of Bride – Mary J. Spoonamore
• Residence of Bride – Anderson County, Kentucky
• Age of Bride – 45 years
• Number of Marriage of Bride – second
• Birthplace of Bride – Anderson County, Kentucky
• Birthplace of Bride’s Father – Anderson County, Kentucky
• Birthplace of Bride’s Mother – Anderson County, Kentucky

To be married at the residence of J. T. Gillis on the 14th day of September 1881.

I Certify that the above is correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Witness my hand this day of 187_

Francis Gillis

Attest:  F. M. Robinson, Clerk Anderson County Court

Marriage Certificate

This is to Certify, that on the 14th day of September 1881, the rites of Matrimony were legally solemnized by me between Francis Gillis and Mrs. Mary J. Spoonamore, at James T. Gillis’ in the County of Anderson, in the presence of Ed DeWitt and Stephen Houchin.

Signed A. S. Mountjoy, M. G.

Filed and recorded October 10th 1881

Attest F. M. Robinson, Clerk Anderson County Court