Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Essex County (Va.) Marriage Bonds, 1804-1850. Essex County Reel Numbers 113-188, Local government records collection, Essex County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Acquisition Information

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

Historical Information

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.

Scope and Content

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

Related Material

Additional Essex County Records can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult "A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm" found on the Library of Virginia's web site.

Index Terms

Corporate Names:

• Essex County (Va.) Circuit Court.

Subjects:

• Public records--Virginia--Essex County.

Geographical Names:

• Essex County (Va.)--History--19th century.

Genre and Form Terms:

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

Adjunct Descriptive Data