Tuesday, October 9, 2007

More On Kentucky Marriage Records

I'd like to add a couple of things about using marriage records - the bond and license usually carry the same date. However, the marriage date did not have to be the same. For example, the prospective bridegroom might sign the bond and obtain the license on one day, but the wedding might not have occurred until sometime later. When using published marriage records, be sure the compiler has indicated whether the license or marriage date has been listed.

Many Caldwell County researchers use the online county clerk's office site for an index of county records. The marriage dates used there were taken from the bond books and do not necessarily reflect the actual date of the marriage. The early bond books do not even show the marriage date. That information must come from the marriage register or the original certificates.

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