Many interesting items in this marriage bond. Benjamin Harrison, Governor of Virginia, is named, and it also calls him the ‘High Magistrate’ of Virginia. This was the first time for me to see that. Thomas and Elizabeth are ‘both of this Parish’. Did they mean Lincoln County? It could be since parish was an early term for county. The wording of the consent is quite beautiful.
Know all men by these presents that we, Thomas Moore and William Talley, are held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Harrison, Esq., Governor, High 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, and each of our joint and several heirs, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this twenty-first day of March 1783. 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 Moore and Elizabeth Harbison, both of this Parish. If there shall appear no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force.
Thomas Moore, William Talley
This may certify that the intention of marriage between Thomas Moore and Elizabeth Harbison is not objected against. Therefore your issuing a license for that purpose will not offend, Sir.
Anne Harbison
March 7th, 1783
Categories: Marriage Records