Hi Harriet and other researchers on the list. I'm trying to catch up...again...and lost the beginning of this thread if indeed it is a thread. I'm interested in learning more about JPs, what sort of qualifications were required to become a Justice of the Peace, and even what was their role and the functions they performed. I have several in my family lines and they did not appear to have formal legal training, nor were they of a religious nature....but they certainly did perform marriages. Was this their primary role? Connie .... Falls Church VA ~~~~snip Re: Fw: [CAFRESNO-L] Justice of the Peace as First Created in MaderaCo.1893