Carole: In "The Genealogist's Companion & Sourcebook" by Croom: p. 73: "Almost until the twentieth century in many areas, grooms had to place themselves under bond before the wedding. . . . . The surety on the bond was the bride's father; sometimes it was a brother, other relative, or a friend." There is more information on a marriage bond than on a license or courthouse entry. We have found bonds in the possession of genealogical societies (e.g. Pulaski County, KY) that are not on record in courthouses. >From the wording on the bonds, it seems as though this was a "surety" that the groom wasn't going to flee after proposing. I guess that later bonds weren't necessary once the bride could sue for "breach of contract". I'm sure other list members will give you better explanations, but I thought this might help. Mary Kay Carole Dutton Malisiak wrote: > Does anybody know what a Bondsman is and does during the 17th century regarding > a marriage? See usage below. > Walter--Do you know? This is in a list of marriage licenses granted in the > Diocese of Chester. Why would anyone need a bondsman to get married? > > 16 Sept 1624 > "Thomas Dutton and Mary Renny, Parish of Manchester, Spinster. > Bondsman, Ralph Dutton. At Manchester." > > Carole