Livingston County, KY African American Marriages 1875 - 1876

 Marriages for African American couples for 1875 and 1876 are found in Livingston County Marriage Register for Freedmen 1866-1896 and Bond Book 1A, Livingston County Clerk's Office. For best results, please check for sources.

The following abbreviations are used:  Wit:  Witnesses;    B:  Bondsman;    Reg:  Register.   BB1A:  Bond Book 1A  The abbreviations and numbers at the end of each entry refer to the book and the page numbers. For example, Reg: 40-41 refers to Register, pages 40 and 41 and BB1A:197 refers to Bond Book 1A, page 197.

Lewis Nelson and Huldah Duley married 14 Jan 1875 at Nelson Hibbs. Wit: Ned Hibbs, Nelson Hibbs, David Duly, [signed] Jas. M. Duley, M.G. [Reg:40-41] B: David Duley [BB1A:197]

Alexander Anderson and Evaline Johnson were married 21 Jan 1875 at S.W. Eves residence.  Wit: John Hodge, Richmond Stanley. [signed] S.W. Eves, M.G. [Reg:40-41] B: Jerry Johnson [BB1A:199]

Amos Smith and Rebecca Dooms were married 23 May 1875 at the residence of Geo. Dooms. Wit: Henry Green, Columbus Noland. [signed] Rev. H. Gibson.  [Reg:40-41] B: Thomas George [BB1A:201]

Anthony Shelby and Lucy Rorer  were married 18 Sep 1875 at Benjamin Miles. Witnesses: Joseph Elkins, Henry Grissom, Thos. Turley. [signed] William Grissom, M.B.C.  [Reg: 42-43] B: Joseph Elkins [BB1A:203]

Charles Barnett and Belle Preston were married 17 Oct 1875 at Clifford Dooms. Wit: C. Dooms, H. Brown. [signed] Rev. H. Gibson. [Reg: 42-43] B: Rev. H. Gibson [BB1A:205]

William Barnett and Annie Crawford married 4 Nov 1875 at Susan Crawfords. Wit: Peter Barnett, Thos. Barnett and others. [signed] Lank (x his mark) Grissom [Reg: 42-43] B: John Wilson [BB1A: 207]

David Duley and Harriet Davis married 20 May 1876 at J.T. Boyds. Wit: James Gray, Sally Woodyard. [Signed] J.T. Boyd, J.P.  [Reg: 42-43] B: James Gray [BB1A:209]

James Gray and Sallie Davis married 9 Jun 1876 at Quincy Alsobrooks.  Wit: N.H. Bigham, Quincy Alsobrook. [signed] J.K. Huey, County Judge.  [Reg: 42-43] B: David Duley [BB1A:211]

Isaac Bozark and Margaret Taylor married 7 Nov 1876  at James Taylors. Wit: James Taylor, Henry Moore. [signed] John Davis, M.G.  [Reg: 44-45] B: Henry Moore. Groom also listed as Isaac Bosharch. [BB1A:213]

Silas Taylor and Miss Clara Marshall married 16 Nov 1876 at the Church in Smithland. Wit: Charles Reed, Miss Clara Hughes. [signed] Anthony Walker, M.G.  [Reg: 44-45] B: Charles Reed  [BB1A:215]

Mathew Crawford and Mrs. Mariah Sanders married 30 Nov 1876 at Barbara Woods Smithland. [signed]  Anthony Walker, Minister M.E. Ch. Wit: Dave Miles, Louisa Hughes, Newton Baker. [Reg: 44-45].  B: John Curley [BB1A: 217]

Jerry Johnson and Miss Nancy Anderson married 24 Dec 1876 at the bride’s residence. Wit: John Weaver, Alexr. Bellamy. [signed] S.W. Eves, M.G.  [Reg: 44-45] B: Nathan Sales  [BB1A:219]

Last issue of the Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog will be 18 Nov 2021

Published 11 Nov 2021  Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

 

 

Henderson County, Kentucky Newspaper Marriage Notices 1852

 The following notices of 1852 marriages appeared in the Democratic Banner, published in Henderson, Kentucky, in 1852 and 1853. Some of the pages are very dim and hard to read. For accuracy, check names with additional records.

[29 Apr 1852]    Married, in this county, on Thursday 22^nd inst., by the Rev. E.M. Walker, D.R. Hodge to Miss Margaret Rudy, daughter of W. B. Rudy.  By this marriage, the father of the bride becomes both her brother-in-law and the brother-in-law of the groom. 

On the 7^th inst., by the Rev. A. Coltleiff. Mr. P. Lowensom to Miss Caroline Bessinger, of Louisville.

[28 May 1852]   In this City, on Tuesday evening, 18^th inst., at the residence of Mr. Jas. Stewart, by Rev. Mr. Craik, Col. Geo. T. Bunch, Attorney at Law, of Henderson, Ky., to Mrs. Martha Isabella, widow of the late Major. Barbour, of the U.S. Army. [from the Louisville Courier]

[15 Jul 1852]   In Helena, Arkansas, on the 27^th of June, by Rev. W.G.L. Quait, R.B. Lambert, Esq., of Henderson county, to Miss Mary A. Moore, of the former place.

On the 8^th by the Rev. A. Hatchett, Mr. T.J. Black to Miss Mary E. Pittman, all of this county.

On the 30^th ultimo, by Rev. J.M. Pierce, Mrs. J. Friels to Miss Susan Green, both of Henderson county.

[29 Jul 1852]   Married on the 26^th inst., in the town of Henderson, by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Richard White to Miss Elizabeth Peacow.

On the --- by Rev. Mr. ---, Mr. John H. Mudd to Miss Sallie Mayden. [1]

[5 Aug 1852]   Married on the 29^th inst., by the Rev. A. Hatchitt, Mr. Wm. J. Sartain to Miss Elizabeth E. Green, both of this county.

Married on the 1^st inst., in the town of Henderson, by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. David Hudson to Miss Mary F. Glazebrook.

[19 Aug 1852]   Married on the 5^th inst., in the town of Henderson, by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Jesse J. Melton  , to Miss M.E. Melton.

On the 12^th inst. By the same. Mr. Alfred Sigler to Mrs. Priscilla Johnson, all of this county.

[23 Sep 1852]   Married on the evening of the 21^st, by the Rev. W.G.H. Jones, Mr. David H. Unselt to Miss Rachel Burnett, all of this place.

Married on the 16^th inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Dr. Thomas Robinson, to Miss Emily C. Moss, all of Henderson County.

Recently by Rev. R.W. Filsen[?], Wm. C., Wm. C. Cristopher to Miss Sarah Ann Kirkham. A

[30 Sep 1852]   Married on the 23^rd. inst., by Rev. A. Royster, Mr. Lazarus Minton, to Miss Nancy E. Melton, both of Henderson County.

Married on the 28^th inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Wm. C. Lovejoy, to Miss Adeline Hays, both of this county.

Married on the 23d inst., by Rev. W.G. Allen at the residence of Mrs. L. Arnet, Mr. Cornelius S. Royster, to Miss Ann E. Cates, both of this county.

[14 Oct 1852]   Married on the 12st inst., by Rev. A. Royster, J. Wesley Sutton, to Miss Jane B. Randolph, both of this county.

Married in the Town of Henderson on the 3d inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. John R. Jeffries, to Miss Mary B. Blackwell.

Married by the same in the Town of Henderson on the 4^th inst., Judge D.N . Walden to Miss Martha A. Wheatly.

[21 Oct 1852]   Married in Richmond on the 15^th ult., by Rev. Geo Woodbride, Mr. Robert A. Saunders, of Henderson, Ky., to Lucy W., daughter of Henry Randolph, dec’d, of Richmond, Va.

Married on Thursday evening last (October 14, 1852) by Rev. A. Hatchitt, Mr. John Rush Williams and Miss Jane E. Hicks, both of Henderson county.

Married on the 14^th inst. By Rev. J. Bryce, Mr. George Collins to Miss Nancy Jane Worsham, all of Henderson.

Married in Mt. Carmel, Ill., on the 14^th inst., Dr. W.H. Biggs of Henderson, to Miss Susan R. Couch of Hopkins – We learn that the couple are on their way to Piqua, Ohio.

Married on the 18^th inst., by Rev. Abram Hatchett, Mr. Mitchell Brown, of Daviess Co., and Miss Anna Maria Sandefur, of Henderson Co.

[11 Nov 1852]   Married on Sunday morning, the 31^st ult., by Rev. A. Hatchitt, Mr. A. Spray of Daviess Co., to Miss Catharine Freels, of this county.  

Married on the 9^th inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Joseph B. Gregory, to Miss Sarah Ann Threlkeld, all of this county.

Married on the 9^th inst., by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. Thomas Watson to Miss Lucy F. Cheatham, both of this county.

Married on the 9^th inst., by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. James Miller to Miss Pruscilla Kendell.

[18 Nov 1852]   Married on the 10^th inst., by Rev. J.D. Mathews, Mr. A.L. Jones to Miss Ann Ellen Eastin, both of this place.

[25 Nov 1852]   Married on the 18^th, by Elder A. [illegible] Mr. C.R. Priest to M.M.E. Jones, both of this county.

Married on the 17^th inst., by [illegible] Matthews, Mr. F.W. Posey to Miss Hannah M. Sublette, both of this county.

 [16 Dec 1852]   Married on the 15^th inst., by the Rev. G.W.L. Jones, Mr. James Alves to Miss Bettie H. Sneed, both of this place.

The following 10 marriages appeared in the 6 Jan 1853 issue of the Democratic Banner, but the weddings occurred on different days. The days they occurred, according to FamilySearch.org are in parenthesis at the end of each entry.

On the 30^th inst. By Rev. J. Bryce, Mr. H.C. Kerr to Miss Isabella A. Rouse. (30 Dec 1852). 

Recently by Rev. R.W. Filsen, Wm. C. Cristopher to Miss Sarah Ann Kirkham. (23 Sep 1852). Also, Mr. Joseph Bader to Miss Nancy G. Johnson. (26 Dec 1852).  Also Mr. John Goodly to Miss Sarah Miller.  (24 Jun 1852).  Also, Mr. William Darwood to Miss Mary A. Jones, all of this county. (24 Jun 1852).

On Tuesday 28^th December, by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. John W. Craig to Miss Louisa Willingham, all of this county.

On the 26^th, by John Bryce, Mr. A. Hubbler[2] of Pittsburgh, to Miss Mary Jane Bacon, of this place. (26 Dec 1852)

On the 22d, by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. Thos. Willingham to Miss N.F. Book, all of this county. (22 Dec 1852)

Same day, by the same. Mr. B.A. Hazlewood to Miss Arelda Briscoe, all of this county. (22 Dec 1852)

On  27^th Dec. by Mr. Frasher, Mr. Arthur Quinn of this county to Mrs. Hardrick of Hopkins county, Ky. [3]

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] As written in newspaper.

[2] The bridegroom’s name is given as Absalom Hubler in Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, FamilySearch.org.

[3] This marriage record was not found on FamilySearch.org.

 Published 25 March 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

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Illinois Marriage Licenses for Kentucky Couples 1928

Hardin County, Illinois has long been the destination for Kentucky couples wanting to marry. The Illinois marriage laws were such that they could cross the Ohio River, get married and be home again before their parents knew they had been gone. The local, weekly newspaper, the Hardin County Independent, faithfully reported the names, home towns and ages of those obtaining a license to marry. The date listed above the names is the newspaper issue in which the license appeared. It is not hard to see that in cold weather – or perhaps when the river was high – fewer couples made the trip across the river. The licenses were obtained during 1928.

[5 Jan 1928]

Fred Reithel of Rosiclare  and Miss Gladys Franks of Rosiclare married  Monday by  Rev. Connett, pastor M.E. Church, [1]

[ 8 Mar 1928]  

Coy Tabor of Crittenden, KY, age 21 and Lena McFall of Salem, KY, age 18

J.C. Hurley of Sheridan, KY, age 26 and Ellen Levy of Sheridan, KY, age 19

 [15 Mar 1928]

Lee Davision of Tolu, KY, age 62 and Martha A. Crabb of Rosiclare, age 48

28 June 1928]

Freeman F. Shewmaker of Marion, KY, age 24 and Frances Perryman of Marion, KY, age 19

[19 July 1928]

Luthern Vinson of Marion, KY, age 21 and Hazel Farley of Marion, KY, age 18

Sylvan Brown of Sheridan, KY, age 21 and Ileen Franks of Sheridan, KY, age 19

Andrew E. Maynard of Sheridan, KY, age 32 and Edna Brown of Sheridan, KY, age 20

[26 July 1928]

Earl Lynn of Sheridan, KY, age 22 and Wilma Sullenger of Tolu, KY, age 19

Geo. G. Glore of Marion, KY, age 36 and Louise Dunbar of Princeton, KY, age 19

[9 Aug 1928]

Lonnie Damron of Lola, KY, age 21 and Eulah Myrick of Lola, KY, age 18

[6 Sep 1928]

Clifford Davis of Sheridan, KY, age 22 and Miss Ruth Harness of Sheridan, KY, age 22

Earl Vaughn of E’town, IL, age 21 and Valier Davisson of Tolu, KY, age 18

Carlos Campbell of Marion, KY, age 22 and Rose Wade of Marion, KY, age 18

[20 Sep 1928]

C.E. Moreland of Marion, KY, age 21 and Mary Threlkeld of Sheridan, KY, age 21

Gradie N. Hodge of Salem, KY, age 29 and Cleato Clark of Salem, KY, age 17

[4 Oct 1928]

Raymon Vinson of Fredonia, KY, age 22 and Hazel Booker of Fredonia, KY, age 18

[18 Oct 1928]

Elias Doom –of Katatowa, KY [Kuttawa?], age 21 and Lucy Brasher of Katatowa, KY, age 18

Charles Brasher of Katatowa, age 21 and Carrie Belle Travis of Fredonia, KY, age 21

[15 Nov 1928]

David Lee Winters of Mexico, KY, age 21 and Willie C. Patterson of Marion, KY, age 18

Clarence W. Moore of Joy, KY, age 21 and Blanch Bessie Carr of Joy, KY, age 24

[6 Dec 1928]

Virgil Farley of Marion, KY, age 21 and Lucile Farmer of Marion, KY, age 20

Allie M. Bennett of Dycusburg, KY, age 21 and Mary L. Cassidy of Dycusburg, KY, age 18

[20 Dec 1928]

Lissie Nichols of Tolu, KY and Miss Maggie Gullett of Elizabethtown. Married 24 Sep 1893.

[3 Jan 1929]

Curtis Canada of Fredonia, KY, age 23 and Miss Zola Caroway of Princeton, KY, age 19

Orville Driver of Carrsville, KY, age 24 and May Simmons of Carrsville, KY, age 18

Wyatt Priest of Marion, KY, age 22 and Geneva Paris of Marion, KY, age 18

Clifford Cooper of Salem, KY, age 21 and Macie Corn of Salem, KY, age 19

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[1] Hardin County, Independent (Elizabethtown, IL), Thurs., 5 Jan 1928, p. 2.  The 1900 Crittenden County, KY census, Tolu, p. 14, E.D. 0034 shows Gladys Franks, daughter, born May 1895, living in the household headed by Robert M. Franks, born June 1859.

Published 8 Oct 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Livingston County African American Marriages 1873 - 1874

The marriages for  African American couples for 1873 and 1874 are found in Livingston County Marriage Register for Freedmen 1866-1896 and Bond Book 1A, Livingston County Clerk's Office. The following abbreviations are used in this post:   B: Bondsman, Reg: Register,  BB1A:  Bond Book 1A.  The number following Reg: and BB1A: are the page numbers in those books. For example, Reg:34-35 refers to Register pages 34-35 and BB1A:171 refers to Bond Book 1A, page 171.

Reuben Watts and Luranda Dunning married 1 Mar 1873 by E.G. Leeper, JP at Anice Thompson's. Wit: Newton Baker, Dunk Woods. (bond 26 Feb 1873) B: R.S. Boyd. [Reg:34-35, BB1A:171]

William Davis and Harriet Hibbs married 1 May 1873 by W.M. Jones, minister, at Nelson Hibbs'. Wit: Dave Duley, Elbert Davis.  (bond 30 Apr 1873) B: David Duley.  [Reg:36-37, BB1A:173]

Thomas George and Paulina Duley married 31 Jul 1873 by C.S. Jones at Smithland. Wit: Tobe Pippin, Clifford Dooms, Peter Patterson. (bond 31 Jul 1873) B: John Pippin.  [Reg:36-37, BB1A:175]

Neal Rollins and Fannie Hibbs married 19 Sep 1873 by W.T. Cowper, JP at Nelson Hibbs'. Wit: Ned Hibbs, Lewis Nelson, Elbert Davis.  (bond 17 Sep 1873) B: David Duley  [Reg:36-37, BB1A:177]

John Pippin and Lizzie Cowper  married 16 Oct 1873 by E.G. Leeper, JP at the Colored Church. Wit: Henry Green, Clifford Dooms, Jones Pippin, Daniel Myers.  (bond 16 Oct 1873) B: James Pippin [Reg: 36-37, BB1A:179]

Elijah Crawford and Miss Mary Fort married 18 Dec 1873 by Lank Grissom at Sarah Fort's. Wit: Ben Clemens, Peter Barnett. (bond 18 Dec 1873)  B: Elbert Davis. Consent Birdsville, 17 Dec 1873: "Dear Sir, I authorize you to grant licens to Lige Crafford for my daughter Mary Fort." [signed] Sary Fort.  [Reg: 36-37, BB1A:181]

Osborn Williams and Rosa Leech married 8 Jan 1874 by C.L. Jones, minister, at her place of residence.  Wit: Mary Davis, Mary Baker, Ann Leech.  (bond 8 Jan 1874) B: Thomas George.  [Reg:38-39, BB1A:183]

Anderson Martin and Mrs. Belle Rowland married 19 Mar 1874 by Wm. Jones, M.G. at Livingston Church. Wit: George May, Andy Pringle.  (bond 7 Mar 1874)  B: Anderson Robertson.  [Reg:38-39, BB1A:185]

John Hibbs and Ellen Jennings married 15 Mar 1874 by Wm. Jones, M.G. at Little Bethel Church. Wit: Elbert Davis, Ned Rollins "on Hibbs farm."  (bond 12 Mar 1874) B: Nelson Hibbs.  [Reg:  38-39, BB1A:187]

Monroe Irvin and Ruthy Phillips married 3 May 1874 by Wm. B. Presnell, JP at the res. o f Jerry Phillips. Wit: Pink Wesson, Robert Calvert.  (bond 3 May 1874) B: Robert Calvert. [Reg: 38-39, BB1A:189]

James Robertson and Harriet Aydelott married 7 May 1874 at Smithland. Wit: Vincen Watts, Mrs. Mary Marshal, C. Noel. (bond 7 May 1874) B: Thomas George. (Reg:38-39, BB1A:191]

Byard Gardner and Miss Jane Dunning married 25 Jul 1874 by Rev. Charles Jones at Charles Jones'. Wit: S. Littlefield, Bedance Patterson, Ellen Jones. (bond 25 Jul 1874) B: James Robinson. [Reg:40-41, BB1A:193]

James Gray and Dicey Leeper married 12 Oct 1874 by C.L. Jones at Rev. C. Jones'. Wit: Nuten Baker, Kelly Knichols. (bond  12 Oct 1874) B: William Webb. [Reg:40-41, BB1A:195]

Published 12 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Illinois Marriages of Kentucky Couples 1923

Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Illinois has long been a popular destination for Kentucky couples wanting to get married. Illinois marriage laws were such that the couple could cross the river, get married and be home again before the parents were even aware the couple had tied the knot. These marriages were usually reported in the weekly Hardin County newspaper, the Independent. The following marriage notices are from 1923.

Clarence Nesly and Miss Verna Holloman, both of Marion, Ky, were married at E'town Monday January 8th. Esq. James Manhart officiating.  [11 Jan 1923, p. 3]

Mr. Vick [1] of Marion, Ky and Mrs. Rose Frayser were married recently in Shawneetown. We wish them much joy.  [18 Jan 1923, p. 2]

Married at the Birch Hotel, Sunday, February the 18th, Della Watson of Carrsville, Ky, and Miss Ethel Riley of Livingston [County], Ky. Rev. E.W. Scarber officiating.  [22 Feb 1923, p. 2]

On Sunday Goebel Pearson, age 21 and Miss Arley Singleton, age 18, both of Lola, Ky, came over to Elizabethtown and after securing the necessary permit from county clerk Hurford, called into service Police Magistrate J.A. Oxford, who pronounced them husband and wife.  [1 Mar 1923, p. 2]

Oscar Day, aged 22, and Miss Martha Yoles, age 18, both of Caseyville, Ky, were united in marriage at Elizabethtown, Ill., Friday March 23rd, J.A. Manhart, Esquire officiating.  [29 Mar 1923, p. 1]

James McDonald, age 55, and Lillie Lowless, aged 31, both of Carrsville, Ky, were married by Rev. Scarber Sunday, March 25th.  [29 Mar 1923, p. 1]

Marriage License since our last report:  Albert Lane, age 27, of Carrsville, Ky and Lemma Vick, age 19, of Carrsville, Ky.   [3 May 1923, p. 3]

Marriage Licenses:  Herman Bigham, age 21, of Sturgis, Ky and Nannie L. Dean, 19, of Sturgis, Ky. Also Floyd King, age 28 of Marion, Ky and Mildred Kaylor, age 21 of Rosiclare, Ill.  [17 May 1923, p. 2]

George Nichols, age 24 of Rosiclare, Ill., and Bessie Monroe, age 18, of Lola, Ky, were married at the County Clerk's office, Tuesday evening, July 17th. Police Magistrate J.A. Oxford officiating.  [19 Jul 1923, p. 2]

Weddings of the Week:  Wm. Shadowens of Crittenden [County], Ky, and Miss Flora Scarbough of Tiline, Ky, were married by Police Magistrate J.A. Oxford Sunday, August 12th, also W.E. Woodsell of Marion, Ky and Miss Clyde Orren of Lexington, Ky, Squire Oxford officiating.  Ray Lynch of Crittenden [County], Ky and Miss Carrie Rogers of Tolu, Ky were married at the County Clerk's office, E'town, Saturday evening, August 11th, Judge E.N. Hall officiating.  [16 Aug 1923, p. 2]

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[1] 1930 Hardin County, Illinois census, Cave-In-Rock, p. 1, E.D. 0002, Ancestry.com. Lee E. Vick, age 59, born Kentucky, wife Rosie J. Vick, age 56, born Illinois, son Carl C. Frayser, age 34 and daughter-in-law Georgia Frayser, age 21. Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index 1916-1947 shows his name as Leonidas Vick at the time of his death on 20 Dec 1937 at the age of 65.

Published 21 Nov 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Bastardy Case and Name Change

On the 18th day of September 1827 Eliza Bruff made oath before a Justice of the Peace in Livingston County, Kentucky, that she had been delivered of a female bastard child on September 14th,  1826 at the home of Hazle Leorns. [1]  She charged that Allen Hodge, labourer of the same county, had gotten her with child.[2]

In discharge of the warrant and, with William Pippin as his security, Hodge made arrangements for the support and maintenance of the child. Hodge agreed to pay notes of $25 yearly in 1829, 1830 and 1831 and also paid in hand to Eliza $29 and a note for $25 in 1828. The money was to be paid upon the condition that Eliza would agreed that the prosecution for bastardy would be dropped and would do everything within her power to have same dismissed. If she did so and the child lived, Hodge would pay the sums of money. If this did not happen, the notes would be void.  Each party agreed to keep the agreement.

The details of this agreement are not mentioned when it was recorded in the county court minutes. It stated only "by written agreement of the parties filed here in Open Court, same is ordered to be dismissed." [3]

Allen Hodge died before 8 November 1836 when Joseph Watts was appointed guardian to Julia Allen  Hodge, "heir of Allen Hodge, dec'd."[4]  

Eliza Bruff, who had charged  Hodge with fathering her child, was deceased by 6 Dec 1841 when "Cassander Bruff, heir and infant  of Eliza Bruff dec'd, being over 14 years of age appeared in Open Court and made choice of Jeremiah Crammer as for [sic] her guardian. " [5]  If Cassander was over age 14, she was born before 1827. Remember Eliza's child by Allen Hodge was born in September 1826.

Cassander/Cassandra  took the Hodge name as when she married Jeremiah Crammer just three days after Jeremiah was appointed her guardian, she gave her name as Cassandra Hodge.[6] No further record of Jeremiah and Cassander/Cassandra Crammer has been found, but the Hodge name continues in Livingston County today.

Jeremiah Crammer chosen guardian of Cassander Bruff

6 December 1841

Return of Marriage of Jeremiah Crammer and Cassandra Hodge

9 December 1841

Click on above documents for an enlarged view

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[1] This surname is all but illegible. It could be Corn.

[2] Livingston County Clerk's Loose Papers (1827), Livingston County Clerk's Office, Smithland, Kentucky. Warrant served on Allen Hodge 19 Sep 1827.

[3] Livingston County Order Book G, p. 276,  1 Oct 1827.

[4] Livingston County Order Book I, p. 35, 8 Nov 1836.

[5] Livingston County Order Book I, p. 360,  6 Dec 1841.

[6] Kentucky, County Marriage Records, 1783-1965, Ancestry.com. Jeremiah Crammer married Cassandra Hodge 9 Dec 1841 Livingston County, Kentucky.

Published 31 Oct 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Caldwell County Couples Eloped to Clarksville

Through the years, various towns  became popular  for "runaway" couples to go to marry. These places were usually out of state, where the marriage laws might be different from those in Kentucky. In pre-1900, some couples from Caldwell County, Kentucky went to Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee to "tie the knot." The following marriage notices were abstracted from various area newspapers.

Married - At the Southern Hotel on Wed. morning, 9th inst., by Rev. A.D. Sears, Mr. J.C. Pace and Miss S.C. Ballard, all of Caldwell County, Ky.   Also at the Southern Hotel on Wed., morning, the 9th inst., by Rev. A.D. Sears, Mr. J.L. Ballard and Miss J.L. Blakley, both of Caldwell County. [Clarksville Weekly Chronicle, Sat., 12 Oct 1878, p. 3]

Squire Caldwell was called to the Northington House this morning to marry an eloping couple from near Blue Spring Church, in Caldwell County, Kentucky. The Squire performed the ceremony with all the dignity of a Reverend, and made James l. Merrick and Miss Emma Merrick man and wife, they being attended by Miss Julia Sanders and C.L. Armstrong.  [Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, Wed., 12 Dec 1888, p. 4]

W.J. East and Miss Bettie Towery, of Caldwell County, Ky were united in marriage at the Northington Hotel by Esq. Z. Smith. This was a runaway couple, who selected this place to have their vows consummated. [The Nashville Tennessean, Sat., 10 Oct 1891, p. 4]

Mr. Fred Heppel Jr. and Miss Birch Cummins, of Caldwell County, Ky, were married in the parlor of the Arlington Hotel this morning, Z. Smith, Esq. officiating. The party was accompanied by the young lady's brother. [Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle Weekly, Fri., 12 Feb 1892, p. 5]

J.R. Chandler and Miss M.A. Farmer, accompanied by two young friends, eloped  from their homes in Caldwell County, Ky to this city [Clarksville] on horseback. They were married in one of the corridors of the courthouse today by Squire Z. Smith. They will return by the overland route and when they reach their destination will have ridden about 100 miles horseback in order to outwit their parents, as they were both under age required by the laws of Kentucky to marry. [Cincinnati Enquirer, Sun., 31 May 1896, p. 25]

Albert Pugh and Miss Maud Johnson eloped from Caldwell County, Ky and were married in this city [Clarksville] this morning at 7:30 o'clock. They drove in a hack overland all night to outwit their parents. [Nashville Tennessean, Thur., 8 Oct 1896, p. 3]

Published 10 Oct 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Livingston County African American Marriages 1872

Marriages for white couples and African American couples were recorded in separate volumes in western Kentucky.  The first African American marriages were recorded in 1866 and are found in  Freedmen's Declarations of Marriage of Negroes and Mulattoes. This book is where couples who had lived together as man and wife before Emancipation had their unions recorded. Marriages of couples who married in 1866 or later were recorded in the Marriage Register for Freedmen or in the Marriage Bond Books or both.

How long African American and white marriages were recorded in separate books depends on the county. In Livingston County, separate books were used through 1916. In Caldwell County, marriages were recorded separately through June 1968. An African American marriage bond often has less personal information than what is found on a white marriage bond.

The following African American marriage records for 1872 can be found in Livingston County Marriage Register for Freedmen 1866-1896 and Bond Book 1A. Several abbreviations were used in the entries below. B: is the person (bondsman) who signed the marriage bond with the bridegroom.  Wit: refers to the witnesses to the marriage ceremony. The abbreviations and numbers at the end of each entry refer to the source and page number. For example, Reg: 32-33 refers to Register pages 32 -33 and BB1A:155 refers to Bond Book 1A, page 155.

Luther Crawford and Maria Champion married 14 Mar 1872 at Guss Champion's. Wit: Daniel Craford [sic], Ben Champion. [signed] C. Ogilby, B.M. (bond 13 Mar 1872)  B: John Threlkeld. [Reg:32-33, BB1A:155]

Green Thompson and Clarissa Woods married 16 Mar 1872 by Wm. B. Presnell, JP at Jas. Ellis'. Wit: H.M. Coffer, Chas. E. Presnell. (bond 16 Mar 1872) B: Andrew Robinson. [Reg:32-33, BB1A:157]

Anderson Webb and Martha Powell married 28 Jun 1872 by P.R. Anderson at the Methodist Church. Wit: Henry Green, Viney Ferguson. (bond 23 Jun 1872) B: Tobe Pippin. [Reg:32-33, BB1A:159]

Richard Stanley and Elvira Johnson married 4 Aug 1872 by Wm. B. Presnell, JP at bride's mother's residence. Wit: Charles M. Powell, John J. Dupriest. (bond 3 Aug 1872) B: William E. Ironmonger. [Reg:32-33, BB1A:161]

Christopher Fowler and Louisa Dorrah married 24 Oct 1872 by L.B. Davison, minister, at Smithland. Wit: Frank Sanders, Lizzie Sanders. (bond 23 Oct 1872) B:Frank Sanders. [Reg:34-35, BB1A:163]

Green Pringle and Jane Pippin married 19 Dec 1872 by Reg. Wm. Jones at "colored church in the presence of Salem joining the Pringle farm." Wit: Dempsey Parker, George Mays. (bond 18 Dec 1872) B: Robert Fleming. [Reg:34-35, BB1A:165]

Wm. E. Ironmonger and Mary Gray married 22 Dec 1872 by John Davis, M.G. at Ruben Holland's. Wit: F.M. Jones, W.H. Lucas. (bond 21 Dec 1872) B: James Wilson. [Reg:34-35, BB1A:167]

Nathaniel Pippin and Kate/Cathrine Woods married 26 Dec 1872 by Rev. Wm. Jones at Esq. Champion's in presence of Salem, Livingston Kentucky. Wit: Green Pringle, C. Crofferd. (bond 24 Dec 1872) B: James Pippin. [Reg:34-35, BB1A:169]

Published 19 Sep 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Wayland - Rose Marriage Consent

Most marriage consent notes consist of a simple statement such as "I give consent for my child to marry ..."   Therefore, we rejoice when more information is provided in the consent note. M. Rose has earned thanks from his descendants for telling  us when and where his daughter, the prospective bride, was born and where he and the bride's mother were born.

By the way, Perry C. Wayland and Miss Cynthia J. Rose did marry on the 24th of September 1890.[1]  P.C. Wayland died 25 October 1924[2] and Cynthia J. "Jennie" Wayland died in 1922.[3]  Both are buried in Bethel Cemetery, Livingston County.

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[1] Livingston County Marriage Register 3 (1877-1894), #962, page 190.

[2] Find A Grave Memorial #49274813, Perry C. Wayland.

[3] Find A Grave Memorial #49274866, C.J. Wayland.

Published 7 June 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Research Tip - Kentucky Marriage Bonds

If your ancestor obtained a marriage bond in a Kentucky county, but there is no evidence a marriage was performed there, do not assume the couple did not marry. Check for a marriage return in neighboring counties. The marriage bond could be obtained in one county and the couple  could be married in any county in the state. The marriage bond, however, was not valid outside Kentucky.

Published 30 November 2017, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

African-American Marriages in 1866

Although African American slaves may have lived together as husband and wife before the Civil War, their marriage was not legally recognized in Kentucky.  With the end of the war and the passing of a statute on the 14th of February, 1866, ... "all negroes and mulattoes may intermarry with each other in the same manner and under the same regulations that are provided by law for white persons. Provided. that the clerk of the county court shall keep separate records of the same. In additional to the persons now authorized by law to solemnize marriage, marriages between negroes and mulattoes may be solemnized by any minister in good standing of any recognized church of colored persons."[1]

All they had to do was appear before the county clerk, declare they have been  living together as man and wife and plan to continue to do so. They were required to pay a fee of 50 cents and the clerk would record the marriage. They could receive a certificate of their marriage if they paid an additional fee of 25 cents.

Marriage between a white person and a Negro or mulatto was not lawful. Those who violated this law would be guilty of a felony and could be confined to the state penitentiary for a period of not less than five years.

Long-time African-American marriages are recorded  in registers called "Declarations of Marriage of Negroes and Mulattoes."  These registers are not available in every western Kentucky county. Crittenden, Livingston and Caldwell Counties have them, but not Henderson County. Also, new marriages between African-Americans, beginning in 1866, are available in separate registers in some counties.   Livingston, Crittenden and Caldwell Counties have them. The earliest African-American marriages in Henderson County Clerk's Office  begin in 1874. There are a few earlier marriages from 1869 at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives in Frankfort.

Declaration of Marriage of  Reuben Wheeler and Matilda Wheeler, Crittenden County

Declaration of Marriage of Negroes and Mulattoes,  4 July 1866, p. 1

(click on document for a larger view)

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[1] Acts of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, (Frankfort, KY: George D. Prentice, State Printer, 1866) Chapter 556, p. 37, Approved 14 February 1866, Google Books, accessed 12 April 2017.

Published 18 April 2017, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Research Tips - Marriages

Can't find the marriage you need in the western Kentucky county where your ancestor lived? Try looking in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana records. Many young couples went to Evansville, were married and returned home before their parents knew they had left town. The following news article tells about one couple who did just this.

"Mr. Joe Thompson and Miss Herma Boliver came to this city from Dixon, Ky., this morning to be married. They were accompanied by Frank Tow and Miss Tina Trice, who stood up with the couple at the nuptials which were solemnized in the office of Justice Francke on Sycamore Street, at 11 o'clock. The bride and groom returned home this afternoon." [1]

If your ancestors married between 1920 and 1979, you can use the Online Index to look for a record.

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[1] "Happy Young Couple," Evansville Journal, Wed., 2 October 1901, p. 1.

Published 9 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Drumming Up Some Business

Many of you have heard of the Rev. James F. Price, the Presbyterian minister who performed marriages in Crittenden County, Kentucky during the mid-1900s.  One of those marriages was that of my parents, John Joyce and Lavern Croft on 25 July 1937. They were married in the Price home with my dad's brother, Hebbert Joyce, and Mother's cousin and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lena (Bebout) Hughes, as their attendants.

In an effort to drum up more business, the Rev. Price sent out little notes suggesting that people send prospective marrying couples to him. Below is the note he sent my parents just eight days after their marriage. They were living in Hardin County, Illinois. This note was pasted in an old scrapbook page found among my mother's possessions after her death. If living, my mother would be 96 years old today and my father would be 102.

Published 7 July 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

She Changed Her Name

Things do not always work out as planned and we might wish to return to a better time, sometimes making a name change. The following document illustrates this situation, which was found in a file marked "Petitions" in the Caldwell County, Kentucky Clerk's Office in Princeton, Kentucky.

"To the Honorable, the Judge of the Caldwell County Court -

The undersigned desires her name changed.  Her name was originally Mary G. Parker, being her maiden name. She first married Thomas J. Early[1], who is dead. Then she married one Hamlin H. Hicks[2], from whom she was divorced by a judgement [sic] of the Caldwell Circuit Court Ky. at its September term 1856.

"Her age is thirty five years, her place of birth is Caldwell County Ky. She desires her name changed to Mary G. Early.                                  Respectfully, Mary G. Hicks.

Sworn to before me by Mary G. Hicks this July 13th 1858.  J.C. Barnes, DC."

[Reverse:  Mary G. Hicks Petition to County Court to Change her name. July 13th 1858 filed in my office. June Term 1858 filed in open Court & approv.  J.C. Weller, Clk.]

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[1] Caldwell County, Kentucky Marriage Book 2:16. Thomas J. Early and Miss Mary G. Parker married 15 October 1840 Caldwell County. Consent for bride by her mother, Katharine G. Smith. 

[2] Caldwell County, Kentucky Marriage Book 3:119.  Hamlin Hicks and Mrs. Mary Early married 29 November 1853.

Published 4 December 2014, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Gretna Green

There really was a place called Gretna Green. It was a town in southern Scotland that became popular as a destination for underage residents from England to run off and unite themselves in matrimony. The phrase "Gretna Green" later became popular as a term for any town where runaway couples went to marry, usually because of having fewer restrictions.

Numerous sections of the United States had their own Gretna Greens and it is beneficial for genealogists  to know the locations when searching for marriage records.  For example, Shawneetown, Gallatin County, Illinois was one such Gretna Green for those living in western Kentucky and southwestern Indiana. The marriage record books of Pope and Hardin County, Illinois are full of marriages of western Kentucky folks. Still another Gretna Green for those living in western Kentucky and southeastern Illinois was Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Under the headline of "Evansville Becomes the Gretna Green for a Couple of Kentuckians" in the 15 March 1885 issue of the Evansville Journal, an account is given of John Phillips and Amanda Driver of Sebree, Webster County, Kentucky running off to Evansville after the father of the bride refused to give permission for the couple to marry. Not to be foiled in their plans, the bridegroom made all arrangements for the ceremony at the St. Cloud Hotel in Evansville. "There in the parlors of the hotel in the presence of the guests of the house, the two lovers were made one, and notwithstanding the vow of her father that his daughter should never become Mrs. John Phillips, she is now the happy wife of that gentleman ... This evening the newly married couple will return to the place from whence they fled, and the wrath of the irate father will be showered on their heads, after which all will go well, as usual in such similar cases."

I hope it turned out as well as predicted in the news article.

Published 19 June 2014, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Caldwell County Marriages (Colored) 1868

Prior to 14 February 1866, marriages between African Americans were not legal in Kentucky. Beginning on that date, couples who had lived together as husband and wife could have their marriages legalized by having their union recorded in the county clerk's office and paying a small fee. These marriages are found in Declarations of Marriages of Mullattoes and Negroes. Also, in 1866, African Americans could marry legally, if the officiate was a legally authorized person. These marriages are recorded in a separate book. The following marriage bonds have been transcribed from Caldwell County Marriage Book (Colored) 2 (1866-1875), Caldwell County Clerk's Office, Princeton, Kentucky.

John Edmunds and Sally Bennett,   4 February 1868. Surety: Ellen Pettit.

Jack Baker and Polly Stokes, 8 February 1868. Surety: Bob Stokes. Polly Stokes swears she is over the age of 21 years.

Henry Rice and Lucy Ann Byrd,  12 March 1868. Surety: Jerry Byrd. Consent 11 March 1868: "To the Clerk of the Caldwell County Court  This is to certify that I am willing for Marriage License to be issued between my Daughter Lucy Ann Byrd and Henry Rice said Lucy having no Father, and I am her mother." [signed] Lousa A. (X her mark) Byrd.

Wright Bruton and Mary E. Hughes,  14 March 1868. Surety: Dennis Hughes. Wright Bruton, being sworn, states each of them are over the age of 21 years.

Charles H. Hunter and Mary M. Harris, 9 April 1868. Surety: Jno. W. Blankenship. Charles Hunter states he is over 21. Consent 9 April 1868 by Mary Maria Harris for herself and Charles H. Hunter, she being over the age of 21 years.

William Fentis and Ann Baker,  6 June 1868. Surety: Wiley Baker. Consent by Ann Baker.

Clark Wilson and Permelia Rice,  6 June 1868. Surety: Calip Rice. Clark Wilson swears he is over 21.

Melton Wylie and Alecina Haynes,  9 June 1868. Surety: James S. Wylie. Consent for daughter Alecina by Adaline Haynes.

William Kevil and Rosetta Hollowell,  23 July 1868. Surety: Sam Parker. Kevil swears he is over 21.

Henry Miller and Mary Rucker,  9 August 1868. Surety: Jas. Wadlington.

Benjamin Ricketts and Nancy Ann Boyd,  15 August 1868. Surety: Bob Stokes.

Chesterfield Hughes and Mildred McGoodwin,  22 August 1868. Surety: Eli Hughes. Mildred swears she is over the age of 21 years.

Abram Wilson and Sarah E. Miller,  10 September 1868. Surety: Milt Wylie.

Wm. Machan and Lena Rice,  13 September 1868. Surety: Calip Rice.

Brandy Crumbaugh and Eliza J. Mitchusson, 24 October 1868. Surety: Jacob Mitchusson.

John Tyler and Jennet Waddill,  6 November 1868. Surety: Henry Stokes. Consent by Jennet, who swears she is over 21.

John Crider and Margaret Dobson,  13 December 1868. Surety: Milt Wylie.

Henry Perry and Mary Pool,  26 December 1868. Surety: Jack Quisenberry. Consent: "Mary Pool about 45 years of age, now in employment of L.B. Sims says she is willing to marry Henry Perry."

Daniel C. Hollowell and America Parker,  26 December 1868. Surety: Clark Mitchell. Daniel C. Hollowell states he is over 21. Clark Mitchell states he is father (brother?) of America Parker and she is over 21.

Published 13 March 2014, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Never Too Old To Marry

Newspapers are full of wonderful stories. The following article is just one example. It appeared in the Evansville, Indiana Courier on Thursday, 22 February 1900 and was then reprinted in the Crittenden Press.

Met By Correspondence

Martin Gahagen of Weston, Ky. [Crittenden County], and Miss Amelia Sabin of Coldwater, Mich. were married in Evansville Wednesday. The wedding was the result of correspondence. The bride and groom never knew one another until they met in this city.

The groom is a well known and prosperous farmer of Weston. He is in his 70th year and carried himself with a degree of erectness for one of that age. He was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and came from the sturdy Pennsylvania German stock. This is his third venture in the matrimonial field and he has a family of five children, all grown.

Mrs. Amelia Sabin, the bride, is a dressmaker and gives her age at 53 years. She is a lady who bears a determined expression on her countenance. Her face is beginning to become wrinkled, while silvery locks are displacing the jet black hair of a few years ago. Her eyes are penetrating and have not lost their girlhood lustre, while her figure robed in a blue traveling suit, made her an impressive bride for one of her age. This is her second marriage.

Mr. Gahagen, who is a well known farmer, read an advertisement in a matrimonial journal several weeks ago. It read: "I am a widow." He answered the advertisement and a courtship followed. The climax was marriage.

Immediately after the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Gahagen left for Weston, Ky., where they will reside in the future. The marriage ceremony took place at the Victoria hotel, at the corner of Main and Eighth streets.

Published 31 October 2013, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Kentucky Marriage Laws 1851

Kentucky marriage laws were very specific about who could and could not marry. These laws also detailed who could perform marriages and how the marriage records were to be issued.     This information in this post is taken from  The Revised Statutes of Kentucky, approved and adopted by the General Assembly 1851 and 1852, and in force from July 1, 1852, Vol. II, Chapter 47.

Most of us have heard that relatives could not marry in Kentucky, but we do not know what the law actually said.  Here is what the law was in the mid-1850s. The man or woman could not marry a parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild. A man could not marry the wife of his father, grandfather, son or grandson, nor the daughter, granddaughter, mother or grandmother of his wife , nor the daughter or granddaughter of his brother or sister or the sister of his father or mother. A woman could not marry the son, grandson, father or grandfather of her husband, nor the son or grandson of her brother or sister or the brother of her father or mother.  

Marriage was prohibited with an idiot or lunatic or between a white person and a Negro or Mulatto, either as a slave or free. Marriage was not permitted with a person not legally divorced with a privilege of remarrying.  A marriage was to be solemnized in the presence of a person authorized to do so.

Marriages could be solemnized by ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society. Also, judges of the county court and justices of the peace were authorized to perform marriages.  No minister or priest could solemnize a marriage until he had obtained a license from the county court of the county where he resided. The person solemnizing the marriage had to return the license to the clerk of county court within three months, with a certificate of the marriage over his signature, giving the date and place of the marriage and the names of 2-3 people present. Failing to make this return was to result in a $60 fine.

No marriage could be solemnized without a license issued by the clerk of the county court. "It shall only issue from the clerk of the county court where the female usually resides, unless she is of full age or a widow, and it is issued on her own application in person or by writing signed by her."  Although if a license was issued from a county clerk of another county , where the bride resided, the marriage would not be considered invalid.

Marriage was prohibited when the male was under the age of 14 or the female was under 12 years of age.  It either of the party was under 21 years of age and never before married, no license could issue without the consent of his or her father or guardian, or if there was none or he was absent from the state, without the consent of his or her mother, along with the signatures of two witnesses. If the parties were not known to the county clerk, a license could not issue without bond and surety in the penalty of $100, to be given to the commonwealth with condition that there was no lawful cause to obstruct the marriage.

 I hope this answers some questions about marriage laws in Kentucky in the mid-1800s.