Hello, I recently received 3 marriage records from New Castle County from 1898 and 1901. Sent with the certificates listing bride, groom, parents etc were marriage bonds. I have not seen these at such a late date in other research I have done. My question is, was the person signing the bond with the groom usually someone well known to him such as a family member? Onthe bond for Lee B. FRENCH, his father Jonathan Leroy FRENCH signed with him. I have two CLARKE brothers who married in 1898, their father had died by 1890. Co-signing with Charles Frederick CLARKE was William Miller MCCANN. The bond for William Raymond CLARKE lists William S. CLOUD. These people were not listed as witnesses to the marriage except J.L. FRENCH. Thank you for any suggestions. Kathy Karn