Yes, I had a similar situation in Knox County. No groom's registry in Knox County (in contrast to Wisconsin). The land records should be available; the census would be the 1st place to look, i.e. which township etc. When the land changed hands you may be able to determine if it was due to death, or if there was a mortgage, or alimony, or whatever. Just studying the map will give you information, too; what kind of land, how large, who were the neighbors (relatives, perhaps)? I hit the jackpot with this in Warren County and from the land records tracked down a divorce. The Circuit Court has boxes of fragile records they keep from the 19th Century, and they were very gracious about going through those old records at a nominal charge. Checking the land records will be well worth your effort. Good luck, and I like your NAV 2001. John ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stuart Roll" <sroll@symantec.com> To: <ILKNOX-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, April 09, 2001 10:56 AM Subject: [ILKNOX-L] > Greetings - > > One of my ancestors, John J. LAWLER married Mrs. Sarah Ann (DOSSETT) > Henshaw in Knox Co. in 1861. I have a copy (from microfilm) of the > Marriage Certificate and its accompanying affidavit (although the > certificate shows his last name as LOLLY), but I still have no clue as to > John LAWLER's parents and conflicting information as to his birthplace. > > First, is there another set of marriage information that was kept in Knox > Co. at that time? I'm thinking of a marriage *registration* or somesuch > where the bride and groom generally have to name their parents, place of > birth, etc. (I've seen these elsewhere). > > Second, any other clues as to what other records (other than marriage) > would be available there? I can't think of any other legal records that > John LAWLER might have left during his approximately 18 years there which > might include his parent's names. He probably purchased land, but I > wouldn't think that would help. > > Any suggestions? > > Stuart >