Marion County was formed from Washington County in 1834, so earlier records will be found there. During the Civil War, John Hunt Morgan and his raiders came through Marion County in 1863, and during the Battle of Lebanon, his brother, Lt. Tom Morgan was killed. In retribution much of the town of Lebanon was torched, including the courthouse where the historical records went up in flames. This occurred July 5, 1863. This marriage bond is one of the first recorded after that date.
Marriage Bond
The Commonwealth of Kentucky
Be it known, that we, Fletcher Wilson as principal, and John R. Thomas 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 Fletcher Wilson and Catherine H. Lindsey. 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 Lebanon, Marion County, this 22nd day of September 1863.
Fletcher Wilson, J. R. Thomas
Attest: John R. Wheat, Deputy Clerk, Marion County Court
- Date of marriage – Wednesday, September 23rd
- Name of groom – Fletcher Wilson
- Residence of groom – Marion County
- Age of groom – thirty-seven years
- No. of marriage of groom – second time
- Occupation – farmer
- Birth-place of groom – Washington County, Kentucky
- Birth-place of groom’s father – Washington County, Kentucky
- Birth-place of groom’s mother – Washington County, Kentucky
- Name of bride – Catherine H. Lindsey
- Residence of bride – Marion County
- Age of bride – thirty-eight years
- No. of marriage of bride – first time
- Birth-place of bride – Washington County, Kentucky
- Birth-place of bride’s father – U.S.
- Birth-place of bride’s mother – Washington County, Kentucky
- Remarks, bride’s consent proven by oath of J. R. Thomas
To be married at the residence of the bride on 23rd day of September 1863.
I certify that the above is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Witness my hand, this 22nd day of September 1863.
Fletcher Wilson
Attest: John R. Wheat, Deputy Clerk
Categories: Marriage Records
Kentucky Kindred Genealogy 
Were you aware that these people were the namesake of Lindsey Wilson College?
Please visit this page for her picture
http://www.lindsey.edu/about-lwc/History.cfm
Catherine Wilson
The Early Years
Lindsey Wilson College was founded in January 1903 as Lindsey Wilson Training School. The school was named in memory of Lindsey Wilson, the deceased nephew and stepson of Mrs. Catherine Wilson of Louisville, Ky. Mrs. Wilson contributed $6,000 toward construction of one of the school’s first buildings, which now serves as the L.R. McDonald Administration Building. Funding also came from the citizens of Columbia and Mrs. James Phillips of Lebanon, Ky., for whom Phillips Hall, the women’s residence hall, is named. Mrs. Kizzie Russell of Columbia also made substantial gifts, leaving in her will a $1,000 gift for the school.
The training school opened for classes in January 1904. According to the minutes of the Louisville Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the new school enjoyed early success:
“The opening of (Lindsey Wilson Training School) on the 4th of January was rather phenomenal. Before the carpenters and painters could make their departure, in the rush to have the building in readiness for the opening, pupils began to pour into the dormitory and into the town, in numbers, until 222 had matriculated the first session.”
In its early years, LWC educated grades one through 12. Concentration was on “normal work” to prepare students to be teachers; many continued their education at Vanderbilt University.
I did not know! How interesting! Thank you!