I could not give Samuel Woods, Jessamine County Clerk, an award for penmanship – perhaps he just needed a larger piece of paper!  But we are still thankful to have these early records.  The hand of Nathaniel Harris, father of Ginnet Harris, the bride, is more refined, as is the language he uses.  I feel he is the Rev. Nathaniel Harris who was born in Powhattan County, Virginia, in 1759.  He served in the Revolutionary War and was at the battle of Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina.  In August 1783 he was converted and joined the Methodist church.  In 1790 he settled in Jessamine County and was principal of the English department at Bethel Academy.  In addition to preaching the gospel, he administered to the afflicted and sick and none ever excelled him.  It was said at marriages and funerals his presence was always sought because of his tender sympathy.  It is quite likely that he performed the marriage of his daughter Ginnet and Elijah Wright.

Know all men by these presents that we, Elijah Wright and John Gates are held and firmly bound unto James Garrard, Esquire, Governor of Kentucky, and his successors, in the sum of fifty pounds current money, to which payment well and truly to be paid unto the said Governor or his successors.  We bind ourselves, our heirs, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this ? day of October 1799.

The condition of the above obligation is that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be solemnized between the above bound Elijah Wright and Ginnet Harris.  Now if there be no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage than the above obligation is void, else to remain in full force.

Elijah Wright, John Gates

Teste. Samuel H. Woods (?)

This is to certify that I have given consent for a marriage to be solemnized between my daughter, Ginnet Harris, and Elijah Wright, as witness my hand.

Nathaniel Harris

4th November 1799

John Gates, William Caldwell