Today I am sharing three very early marriage bonds from Jefferson County, Virginia – to become Jefferson County, Kentucky in 1792.

Breckinridge – Floyd Alexander Breckinridge, groom.  Jenny Floyd, bride.  William Fitzhugh, bondsman.  Dated December 9, 1784.

Know all men by these presents that we, Alexander Breckinridge and William Fitzhugh, both of the County of Jefferson and State of Virginia, are held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Harrison, Esq., our Governor, of the said state in the sum of fifty pounds species, to which payment to be made to the said Governor or his successors, we bind ourselves, our each several heirs, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 9th day of December 1784.

Whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound Alexander Breckinridge and Jenny Floyd, both of County and State aforesaid. Now, the condition of this obligation is such that if there be no lawful cause or just impediment to obstruct said marriage then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue.

Alexander Breckinridge, his seal

William Fitzhugh, his seal

In presence of William Johnston, Clerk Jefferson County

Johnston – Winn William Johnston, groom.  Betsy Winn, bride, daughter of said James Winn.  James Winn, bondsman.  Dated November 11, 1784. 

Know all men by these presents that we, William Johnston and James Winn, are held and firmly bound unto Patrick Henry, Esquire, Governor of the State of Virginia, in the just sum of fifty pounds current money, which payment to be well and truly made to the said Governor and his successors. We and each of us bind our and each of our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated November 11 Anno Domini 1784.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be heard and solemnized between the said William Johnston and Betsy Winn, daughter of the said James Winn. Now in case there shall be no lawful cause or just impediment to obstruct or impede said marriage, then this obligation shall be void and forever effect, otherwise to be and remain in full force, power and virtue.

Will Johnston, his seal

James Winn, his seal

Grymes – Leonard John Grymes, groom.  Sarah Leonard, bride.  Peter Smyth, bondsman.  Dated June 17, 1784.

Know all men by these presents that we, John Grymes and Peter Smyth of Jefferson County and State of Virginia, are held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Harrison, Esquire, our Governor or the Governor for the time being, in the just and full sum of fifty pounds species, to be paid to the said Governor or his successors, to which payment we bind ourselves, our each and several heirs and firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 17th day of June 1784.

The condition of this obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound John Grymes and Sarah Leonard, both of this County. Now the condition of this obligation is such that if there be no lawful cause or just impediment to obstruct the said marriage, then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue.

John Grymes, his mark

Peter Smith, his seal

In presence of William Johnston, Jefferson County Clerk

These three marriage bonds were taken from my book Early Jefferson County Kentucky Marriage Bonds 1784-1792. Photographs of each marriage bond are included – a total of 264 bonds. Each page is devoted to one marriage bond.

The marriage bonds are listed by year and by the groom’s last name.  At the back of the book is an alphabetical list of all grooms and brides and year of marriage – first by last name of groom; then by last name of bride.  When you find the bride or groom you are searching for, go to the correct year section to find the marriage, by groom’s last name.

Remember, until June 1, 1792, Kentucky was part of the state or commonwealth of Virginia.  The early bonds are listed as ‘County of Jefferson and State of Virginia’ until this date.  Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, was the first governor listed on the marriage bonds, December 1, 1781 to November 30, 1784, followed by Patrick Henry, November 30, 1784 to November 30, 1786, Edmund Randolph, November 30, 1786 to November 12, 1788, Beverley Randolph, November 12, 1788 to December 1, 1791, and Henry Lee, December 1, 1791 to June 1, 1792, when Isaac Shelby became Kentucky’s first governor. Copyright 2024 by Phyllis Brown. This book can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Starting in January I plan to work on the second volume 1793-1799.