While convening with the Dutch Cousins at their Frankfort/Harrodsburg gathering September 13-16, we visited the Old Mud Cemetery in Mercer County.  Here are two photos I snapped before the worship and communion service.  Peter Bonta and Rachel Bonta’s marriage bond was issued January 9, 1802.  Consent was given by Henry Bonta, testified to by David Dunlap and Rachel Bonta.  Henry and Rachel, I believe, were Rachel Bonta’s parents.  I have seen the last name also written as Banta.

Know all men by these presents that we, Peter Bonta and David Dunlap, are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency, James Garrard, Esq., Governor of Kentucky, the payment of which well and truly to be made unto the said governor and his successors.  We bind ourselves, our heirs, jointly, severally and firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 9th day of January 1802.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be solemnized between the above bound Peter Bonta and Rachel Bonta, for which a license has issued.  Now if there be no unlawful cause to obstruct the said marriage then the above obligation to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue.

                                              Peter Bonta, David Dunlap

Teste.  Benjamin W. Casey, D.C.

Peter Bonta, born November 1, 1780, died October 18, 1827.  Old Mud Cemetery, Mercer County, Kentucky.

Rachel, wife of P. Bonta, born November 4, 1784, died September 10, 1860.