Know all men by these presents that we, Thomas Pittman and John Boyd, are held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Harrison, Esq., Governor or chief magistrate of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the sum of fifty pounds current money of Virginia, to be paid to the said Benjamin Harrison and his successors and for payment of which we bind ourselves, jointly and severally, our search of our joint and several heirs, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this thirteenth day of March 1782.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized between the said Thomas Pittman and Rachel Berry, both of this parish, if there shall appear no
lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage then this obligation is to be void, otherwise to remain in full force.
Thomas PIttman, John Boyd
Teste. William May
Categories: Marriage Records
Do you know why there were marriage bonds made? Did people not marry once they were betrothed and that is why they had to pay money to insure that they would marry? Some bonds I have seen have been very high.