Minister's Bond 1836

Before a minister could officiate at a marriage in Kentucky, he had to present the credentials of his ordination to the county court. Accompanying him to the court was his surety or bondsman. In the bond below, Albert A. Willis, a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, presented proof of his ordination so that he could perform the rites of matrimony within Livingston County, Kentucky. The Episcopal Church, called Calvary Church, was located on Lot #77 (Charlotte Street), Smithland. This bond was located in loose county court papers, Livingston County Clerk's Office, Smithland, Kentucky.

"Know all Men by these presents that We Albert A. Willis & Gustavus A. Brown are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of Five hundred pounds current money which payment will & truly to be made We bind ourselves and each of our heirs jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our Seals and dated this 4th day of August 1836.

"The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the said Albert A. Willis hath this day produced credentials to the Livingston County Court of his ordination and also of his being n regular Communion with the Episcopalian Church as a Minister of the gospel and he having been licensed by said Court to celebrate the rites of matrimony between any persons applying to him  therefore legally now if the said Albert A. Willis shall truly and legally perform this said trust then this obligation to be void else to remain in full force and Virtue.  [signed] A.A. Willis, Gusto. A. Brown. Witness  J.L. Dallam, Clk."

Published 20 August 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/