Hi Iris, No, there are no marriage licenses. Marriage bonds were used before 1851 and thereafter marriage certificates were issued. It is my understanding that these are all on file in the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. Bonds gave a lot more information concerning family members than did the certificates. I do know that 1868 was the beginning of the use of the word "licenses" (at least in Bladen County). It seems likely that the word "certificates" was simply a predecessor to the use of the word "licenses". Both certificates and licenses indicate that the marriage took place, but a bond was, in effect, a contract entered into prior to marriage and there is no guarantee that the marriage actually took place. Try the form on-line at www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/archives/arch/mail.htm for help in getting more information. They have marriage records from 1741-1868. The best that I can hope for in helping you is to find something in church records or newspapers. Let me check. Nope. I do have a record of the Melvin family in the Bladen Heritage book - 7 pages in fact. What specifically are you looking for? Dee All lookup requests will be permanently archived on the Bladen County Genweb site. For a detailed bibliography on the reference sources used for lookups refer to this Link: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncbladen/lookups.htm -----Original Message----- From: Iris [mailto:irismelvin@wfeca.net] Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 9:14 PM To: d7777@worldnet.att.net Subject: Bladen_County_lookup Hi, I live in Florida and am looking for Melvin ancestors that came from Bladen County North Carolina, Daniel Melvin 1708-1786 from Scotland that married Jane Thomas, in about 1735, they had 7 children, Is there marriage liscense that far back in county? or are there a book that can be purchased with Melvin history in it? Any help will be appreicated. Iris Tye Melvin Grand Ridge, Florida