I found this amusing tale of marriage woes in the Pioneer History of Washington County, Kentucky, by Orval Baylor:

‘Wilfred and Elizabeth were agreed but mother wouldn’t approve, and as Elizabeth was under legal age, mother’s attitude was as a monkey-wrench in the machinery.  It all plainly shows in mamma’s note which follows:

Mr. John Reed, Clerk

Sir:  This is to forewarn you from granting a license to a certain Wilfred Norris and my daughter Elizabeth Jarboe.  As she is under age, and I am determined to prevent their marriage until she is of age.  Also, you may know if the said Norris or any other person should apply in my name for such a think it is forgery, except Mr. John Brothers should come himself with him.  Your compliance will greatly oblige your obedient servant, Ann Jarboe

If it should be done in any other way than what I have wrote I will use every stratagem of the law.  A. J.  April 4th 1796

But the night is always darkest before the dawn.  The would-be bride and groom kept ‘pecking’ away until mother finally capitulated, and on the 19th instant, or fifteen days after mamma said ‘No’ in her letter to John Reed, the happy Wilfred went triumphantly forth with the following note:’

Sir, Mrs. Ann Jarboe has consented at last that you may grant a license to Wilfred Norris and her daughter, Elizabeth Jarboe.  You may pay no regard to the certificate she sent you and Mr. James Brewer will answer the purpose as well as if I was to come my self.  I am with every respect your most obedient and humble servant, John Brothers, April 19, 1796.

Mr. John Reed, County Clerk

Know all men by these presents that we, Wilfred Norris and James Brewer, are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency, the governor of Kentucky, in 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 presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 20th day of April 1796.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended between the above bound Wilfred Norris and Elizabeth Jarboe, 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.

Wilfred Norris, James Brewer

Washington County, Kentucky