Jo, Recent developments indicate that if your family lived in Jefferson, Jackson or German townships in Montgomery county, Ohio, and you are missing an actual marriage record; then it is more than likely that the minister was Samuel Bolton. Samuel Bolton, or Boltin, was an Englisher born in Philadelphia, who for a time lived in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he likely became involved with the Brethren Miller family of fame, and then moved with them to Kentucky. He later followed the Miller family, and others, up into Clermont and Highland counties. When these clans moved into that section of German township that later became Jefferson and Jackson townships Samuel came along. It was either in the southern two counties or in Jefferson township that he became associated with Elder Jacob Miller of the German Baptist church. For many years it has been known that there are "missing" marriage records for that region. Why? We know that they occurred, but not when and by whom. It was only by my reviewing and researching in disjointed records that the history of Samuel Bolton came to the knowledge of this generation of German Baptist historians. For documentation you can rule out the 1920, "History of the Church of the Brethren of the Southern District of Ohio" as he was omitted. The reason for this occurring is lost in history but has just recently been rectified. For documentation that he was a German Baptist minister I refer you to the 1882 Beer's book on Montgomery county, an Indiana county history or two, and several articles published in the 19th century German Baptist newspapers. So while I can answer your question in part, it is unlikely that the actual marriage date for some thirty, or more, couples will ever be known. Unless, and I pray for the blessed day, a journal kept by this "English preacher" comes to light. Samuel Bolton was the minister who performed the marriage; I leave you to your own devices as to when the marriage occurred. Wayne Webb P.S. Would you be so kind as to pass along the name of George Kiester's wife. Hi Montgomery Co Listers, I have a similar "brick wall" and I hope if anyone plans to search the Montgomery Co, OH Marriage Records of 1803-1851 wouldn't mind also looking for a George Kester (spelling variations: Keaster, Keester, Keister, Kister, Kiester, Koster, Kaster, Koester, Kuester, Caster, Castor, etc). It would be George's 2nd marriage and would have taken place between 1820 and 1822. I prefer not giving the given name of the bride as it is too limiting of a search. I will say that both bride and groom were 44 years of age in 1821. According to the 1820 Census of German Twp, Montgomery Co, OH George was a resident with children but no female of his age group was listed in his household. On the 1830 Census a female of his age group was listed. And in addition to his unmarried children still living at home there was an additional two males, one in the 5-10 age group and one in the 0-5 age group. In the 5-10 age group we believe it to be their son Daniel Kester (my spouse's gg-grandfather) who was born April 14, 1822 in Montgomery Co, OH but so far we have been unsuccessful in locating a birth or death certificate for him so we can prove his parentage. Any helps or leads would be greatly appreciated!! Jo Kester