Beverly, Have you tried Missouri for a marriage certificate?? I found Mason and Temperence In Paola, Lykins County, Kansas 1860 Census and since their oldest daughter Sarah E. is born in Missouri maybe they were married there. He was in Kansas with Peter Coppenbarger and family so maybe he was with them during their short stay in Knox County, Missouri, they were also up in Marion County for a short stay. Marion is right across the river from Quincy. Thomas J. Davenport (Mason's brother)was born in Missouri If you want the 1860 Census reading I would be glad to send it. Earliene -----Original Message----- From: Beverly Walker [SMTP:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, May 07, 1999 7:36 PM To: 'Earliene Kaelin' Subject: RE: Unidentified subject! I was very interested about the story, because Thomas Davenport is my great-great-grandfather! I have not found his son's marriage, Mason DAVENPORT to Temperance CARTWRIGHT ca. 1876. They were living in DeWitt County later, but I have not found their marriage! I have also never found Mason birth place. Supposedly he was born 4 August 1835 (from his tombstone) but he was born in 'Quency' IL. I think that is really Quincy, IL in Adams County. Shalom, Beverly Walker -----Original Message----- From: Earliene Kaelin [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, May 07, 1999 5:07 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Unidentified subject! As I am transcribing the DeWitt County 1882 History, I wonder if anyone can see if the law below is still a valid law? I also wonder how many of us cannot find a marriage record due to this law???? Quoting from the History: This marriage union has a history, and we will therefore give an account of it in detail. It occurred at the cabin of the bride's father in the time of the "deep snow," when this part of DeWitt county formed a portion of Macon. Thomas Davenport was detailed to procure the license at the then county seat; Decatur, but was obliged to turn back on account of the water caused by the melting of the snow at that time. They were accordingly married under a section of the statute which reads as follows: "All persons belonging to any religious society, church, or denomination, may celebrate their marriage according to the rules and principles of such religious society, church, or denomination, providing the bonds of marriage are published in the church or congregation at least two weeks prior to such union." It may not be generally known, but this law has never been repealed, and is yet in full force in the state of Illinois. Earliene Earliene Kaelin [email protected] or [email protected] 1118 156th St. East Tacoma, WA. 98445-2324