Hadn't thought of that angle before but do know that in some states (in the past) one could get a license in one county and marry in someother county. Laws vary and change over time and we always learn new things as we continue to search. A couple of years ago we were in Iowa doing some research and couldn't find marriage records that we knew the couple married there and had always lived there. One of the clerks gave us food for thought, only a few miles into the next state and marriage license there were much less expensive then in that particular county. I have a piece of material that I found on last trip and will try to post this week. A court action on a divorce of a Pate. Everyone please keep posting on our Pate ancestors and we may be able to help fill in our gaps. ellen -------------- Original message from "Laurie Thompson" : -------------- > Hello Ellen and Joel . There can be several reason to substantiate a second > marriage . > 1. the minister might not be registered . > 2. Married in wife`s town and married again in father`s town . This could be the > case for you are talking 2 states . This was quite common in England and in > Australia when say a parent also immigrated later . Laurie >