Marriage Contract Noe - Wheeler

 

A marriage contract was often signed by parties planning to marry in order to protect assets from a previous marriage. These marriage contracts are usually recorded in the deed books in Kentucky. The following marriage contract between Randolph Noe and Mrs. Caroline Wheeler can be found in Crittenden County Deed Book M, pages 135-136.

“Whereas Randolph Noe of the County of Livingston and State of Kentucky and Caroline Wheeler of the County of Crittenden and State aforesaid contemplate an alliance in Matrimony and both parties being now Widowed and having children – Now, we make and ordain this as a Marriage Contract Should the same be consummated (viz) Caroline Wheeler shall have to keep, control, convey, and alienate, all and Several the property that she may hereafter acquire – It shall also be understood the Caroline Wheeler shall have the right to sue and be sued – to plead and be imploaded, in her own name the Same as tho no such alliance had taken place.  Signed, Sealed and delivered … this 28 day December 1874. [signed] Randolph Noe, Caroline Wheeler. Witness: J.A. Wheeler.

Acknowledged by Randolph Roe [sic] to be his act and deed and on same day the signature of Caroline Wheeler and her acknowledgment to same to be her act and deed … was proven by oath of J.A. Wheeler acknowledged and recorded 28 Dec 1874. [signed] James C. Jones, Clerk by H.M. Witherspoon, D.C.”

According to the 1880 Mortality Schedule for Crittenden County, Randolph Noe, age 75, died in January 1880. He was born in Kentucky, was a school teacher by occupation and had resided in the county for 5 years.[1]

Caroline Ragsdale was first married to Robert Fowler and a sketch of her life can be found in an earlier post here:  Robert Fowler Family

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[1] U.S., Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850 – 1880, Ancestry.com, Randolph Noe.

Published 8 July 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/