In a message dated 12/29/02 10:22:26 AM EST, [email protected] writes: > [email protected] Kathy, I have several marriage bonds too. The understanding I have about these bonds and their signers is that it could be anyone who knew the groom well enough to know that he was free to marry the bride. Free from already being married, or having any other reasons preventing him from honoring the bonds of marriage. I have a great grandfather who became widowed, his oldest son signed the bond for his second marriage. I have inlaws ancestors who have signers with no apparent relationship. The signer had to guarantee the bond and pay the cost stated in the bond if for any reason the groom could not or did not marry the intended bride. This how it was explained to me at the Archives in Dover when I first found my first bonds of marriage. I hope this helps. Take care. Vickie