Essex County (Va.) Marriage Bonds, 1804-1850

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

Email: archdesk@lva.virginia.gov

Phone: (804) 692-3888

Web: www.lva.virginia.gov

Summary

Creator:

Essex County (Va.) Circuit Court.

Language:

English

Background

Scope and content:

Essex County (Va.) Marriage Bonds, 1804-1850.

Biographical / historical:

Essex County was formed from old Rappahannock County in 1692. The county was probably named for the English county or perhaps for Algernon Capell, second earl of Essex.

The first law requiring a bond was enacted in 1660/1661. It required the prospective groom to give bond at the courthouse in the bride's county of residence. A license was then prepared by the clerk and presented to the minister who performed the ceremony. The only alternative to marriage by bond was marriage by banns.

Acquisition information:

These items came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court records from Essex County.

Physical location:

Library of Virginia

Physical description:

6 microfilm reels

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Public records--Virginia--Essex County.
Local government records--Virginia--Essex County.