Middlesex County (Va.) Marriage Register and Index, 1740-1854

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Marriage Register, 1740-1854, is essentially divided into two sections. The first section covering pages 1-144, 1740-1852, records the date of the marriage bond, the names of both parties, the names of the parents or guardians present and the names of the security or witnesses in attendance. In addition, there is a marriage between free persons of color on page 80 of this section. The second section covering pages 145-172, 1785-1854, records the date of the marriage, the names of both parties, the minister's name and the religious denomination of the minister. In addition, there is a marriage between free persons of color on page 222 of this section.

An Index to Marriage Register, 1740-1854, is a separate volume. It contains the first and last names of both parties. It is arranged alphabetically from A-Y and in addition, lists alternate spellings of last names.

Biographical / historical:

Middlesex County was formed from Lancaster County in 1669. It was probably named for the English county.

Prior to 1853, when the Commonwealth began recording vital statistics, Virginia marriages were recorded at the county or city level. Beginning in 1661, in order to be married by license, the groom was required to go before the county clerk and give bond with security that there was no lawful reason to prevent the marriage. The license, issued then by the clerk, was given to the minister who performed the service. Written consent from a parent or guardian was needed for individuals younger than twenty-one years.

Acquisition information:

The original volumes were compiled by the Virginia State Library's(now the Library of Virginia) Archives Division from the original court records found in the Middlesex County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The microfilm copy of these volumes was generated by The Genealogical Society of Utah--while filming on-site at the Virginia State Library.

The negative photostatic copies were created by the Virginia State Library's (now the Library of Virginia) Archives Division from the original compilations.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Physical description:
4 vol. (516 p.) Barcodes 1146683-1146684 are negative photostatic copies. Barcodes 1127551 and 1127554 are original compilations.