Recently I acquired the marriage license for my great grandparents, James W. Gray and Lena Reichard, who were married on April 8, 1886, in Stark County. What I don't understand is the wording of the license: "Frank A. Rastetter applying for a license for James W. Gray and Lena Reichard to be married together, makes oath and says that James W. Gray is aged over twenty-one years, and said Lena Reichard is aged over eighteen years, and resides in said Stark County, that both of them are unmarried, and not akin to each other, or not nearer akin than second cousins, and that both are able and competent to enter into the marriage contract." It is then signed by Frank A. Rastetter. My question is, who is Frank A. Rastetter and why is he applying for the marriage license for this couple? I looked for him in the census and found a Frank Rastetter in Massilon in 1900, age 35, a bartender. In 1910 I found a Frank A. Rastetter in Canton, age 46, a Gold Jointer in a Watch Factory. I did not find anyone who appeared to be a court official. Can anyone explain this to me? Also, the minister who married them was J.W. Toland. Does anyone know his denomination? Thank you. Kathy

Dear Kathy, Could Frank A. Rastetter possibly be the step father of Lena? Did they need a person over 21 to get the license? Maybe in the 1880 census you could find Lena Reichard and that would tell you. I have no other guess. Donna in North Lawrence.