For the last several weeks I have been working on a new book – volume two of the very early Kentucky marriage records. Going through the old bonds has been an experience! I’m fairly adept at reading the old writing, although some county clerks handwriting can be questionable!
In this bond for George Barren and Abigail Mills, the clerk has confused everyone! George Barren’s name is written at the top of the bond, then crossed out and Amos Wilson written in its place. Then in the center of the marriage bond, after the date of 17th December 1795, it is listed that ‘a marriage is shortly to be had and solemnized between George Barren and Abigail Mills,’ leading us to believe he is actually the groom. But at the bottom of the bond Amos Wilson signed where the groom’s signature should be, and Evan Mills signed as bondsman. In your opinion who is the groom to be?
I have one more piece of evidence to share with you. There is a consent signed by the bride’s father – ‘I, Thomas Mills, have no objections against my daughter Abigail getting married to George Barren, given under my hand this 16th day of December 1795.’ This solidifies who the groom is – but without this piece of evidence it would be debatable! My thought is, with so many mistakes on the marriage bond, I’m surprised the minister or justice of the peace married this couple!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
Categories: Marriage Records
Merry Christmas to you too…
Frank
Thank you, Frank!!
George Washington Barrere
Birth 17 MAR 1770 • Wheeling, Marshall Co., WV, USA
Death 8 MAY 1838 • New Market Twp., Highland Co., OH, USA
Abigail “Abby” Mills
Birth 1777 • Maysville, Mason, Kentucky, USA
Death 17 OCTOBER 1829 • New Market, Highland, Ohio
Thomas Mills
Birth 1740 • Pennsylvania, USA
Death 17 FEBRUARY 1799 • Fleming, Kentucky, United States
Wonderful information! Thank you!
Thanks for the info! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too.
There might be a third piece of evidence, The Ministers Return, noting the date of marriage and name of minister, names of Bride and Groom, and any Witnesses.
I’ve found several like you Marriage Bond example.
Thanks for the post. Though not of genealogical importance to me it was of interest for several reasons. Od Washington or the Town of Washington as it was known has a fascinating history of sorts and well worth looking into for the fun of it which I am sure you would appreciate. The Clerk in this document was none other than Capt Thomas Marshall, brother of our first Justice, John Marshall. I believe Daniel Boone was involved with the formation of the town. Harriet Beecher Stowe also wrote about the town. I just love reading these little snippets over coffee in the morning.