Scott County (Va.) Marriage Licenses, 1815-1912

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
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Scott County (Va.) Marriage Licenses, 1815-1912. Local government records collection, Scott County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Summary

Creator:
Scott County (Va.) Circuit Court.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Scott County (Va.) Marriage Licenses, 1815-1912. Local government records collection, Scott County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Background

Scope and content:

Scott County (Va.) Marriage Licenses cover the years 1815-1912 and are compiled alpabetically from A-Y by surname. These licenses were issued by the county clerk.

Biographical / historical:

Scott County was formed from Lee, Russell and Washington counties by a statute adopted on 24 November 1814. The county court first met on 14 February 1815. Scott County was named for General Winfied Scott, a native of Virginia, in recognition of his victories during the War of 1812. General Scott was later commanding general of the American army during the war with Mexico.

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. Once the marriage service was performed, the minister submitted a return to the county clerk. Written consent from a parent or guardian was needed for individuals younger than twenty-one years.

These records were originally created by the County and Circuit Courts.

Acquisition information:
These licenses came to the Library of Virginia under accession number 42493.
Physical location:
State Records Center - Archives Annex, Library of Virginia
Physical description:
25 boxes (8.75 cu. ft.)