Know all men by these presents that we, Ebenezer Briggs and Samuel Grundy, 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, severally and firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 6th day of May 1793.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended between the above bound Ebenezer Briggs and Phebe Gilkey, for which a license has issued. Now if there be no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Ebenezer Briggs, Samuel Grundy
I do hereby certify that I am willing that Ebenezer Briggs should have my daughter, Pheby, to wife, given under my hand this the 4 day of May 1793.
David Gilkey
To Mr. John Reed
Samuel Grundy
Categories: Marriage Records
Besides putting his credit on the line, what do you believe was the connection of Samuel Grundy to the bride to be, Phebe Gilkey? Was her father, David Gilkey, unable to post the 50 pounds and Sam Grundy stepped in to post the bond for him? Do you think that there are family ties between Grundy and Gilkey?
I have a similar question relating to my 3rd Great-Grandfather, James Dowling, who essentially did the same in Washington Co., KY on 15 Oct 1798 for a marriage between Edward B Smith & Jane McIntire. I’ve never found a connection between Jame Dowling and the McIntire family. From my notes: Bond for Edward B Smith & Jane McIntire by Edw. B Smith & James Dowling. Witness: John Reed. Record for Washington Co., marriage on that same date.
Would you be able to provide some background, if possible, on Kentucky’s early use of the marriage permission ‘note’ from the father of the bride? Appreciate knowing if this practice was KY-wide at one time, and about when did it fall from favor or was it removed as a requirement to get a county marriage license/file a bond? TY
Cathy, this was a practice not only for Kentucky, but other states, at least pre-1900. If the groom was under age, he would also have permission from his parent(s). The county clerk’s office did not always save these notes. Some can be found in a place other than with the marriage bond. I think it extremely lucky to find parental permissions with marriage bonds. For a genealogist they are worth more than gold! I have seen them signed by guardians also.