Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Use microfilm copy, Middlesex County, Reel 50.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Middlesex County (Va.) Marriage Register and Index, 1740-1854. Middlesex County, Reel 50, Local Government Records Collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

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.

Historical Information

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.

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.

Arrangement

Chronological.

Related Material

Additional Middlesex County Marriage Records can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult "A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm."

Separated Material

The original marriage register and index are found at the Library of Virginia's State Records Center.

Access Terms

• Christian sects--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Clergy--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Free African Americans--Marriage--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Free African Americans--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Indexes(reference sources)--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Local government records--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Marriage records--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Marriage registers--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Marriage--Virginia--Middlesex County.
• Middlesex County (Va.)--History.
• Middlesex County (Va.). Circuit Court.

Adjunct Descriptive Data