Samuel Purcell posted surety for the marriage of William Jones and Jane McArthur 21 Feb. 1857 Paducah, KY. What does 'surety' mean and why would it be posted if the bride was 37 and a widow? Laurel A. Dickinson, Castle Rock, WA “161 Jones, William, Jane McArthur 21 Feb. 1857. Surety, Samuel Purcell. In the presence of Samuel Purcell and Dr. Brownell. Married on Feb. 22, by W. B. Walker.” – McCracken County, KY Marriage Records Vol. 3. Marriages: 1857 : McCracken County, Kentucky Date: February 22, 1857 Groom: Wm. Jones Bride: Jane McArthur Residence: Paducah Residence: Paducah Age: 50 , marriage 4th Age: 37 , marriage 2nd Condition: Widow Condition: Widow Place of Birth: Virginia Place of Birth: Alabama http://www.rootsweb.com/~kymccrac/1857mc.html