Copy of original hand written permission to marry reads: Wm Bacon sir please to let the barer Joel S. Chapman have license to marry my daughter Zelpha Clifton in so doing you will oblige your friend July 1, 1834 Charlotte Clifton (by her mark X ) Test Wm Chapman Note Charlotte is her mother and the widow of Noah Clifton ---------------------- Wm Bacon sir please to let my son Joel S. Chapman have license to marry Zelpha Clifton in so doing you will oblige your friend July the 1 1834 Wm Chapman Test John D. Perkins (by his mark X) >From what I understand from the above the note was written by William Chapman and not from someone at the court house as he did not "sign by his mark" but signed his name. Also can anyone tell me who William was? Is he Joel's father/brother/uncle? Thanks Barbara