A sometimes-used convention has been to place the names of the bride and groom's parents at the top of the right-hand column followed by other close family members in that column. See The American Genealogist, Volume 72, Nos. 3-4 (July/October 1997), pp. 225-243, “Quaker Marriage Certificates,” by Stewart Baldwin for examples of the usefulness of this evidence. Jeff Palmer - jap@highstream.net * * * Quote of the Week: "There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root." -- Henry David Thoreau -----Original Message----- From: Zenith NG [mailto:zenithng@sympatico.ca] Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 6:32 PM To: QUAKER-ROOTS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: RE: [Q-R] Quaker weddings Im not sure about a minimum age, but I was told once that where the witnesses signed on the document was determined by their relationship to the bride and groom. I can't say that I have found much evidence of that. Any comments? Gordon Trueblood -----Original Message----- From: Charlie [mailto:cbeat@mindspring.com] Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 5:47 PM To: QUAKER-ROOTS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [Q-R] Quaker weddings I know that all (or some?) of the guests or witnesses at a Quaker wedding would sign as witnesses. Is it possible to deduce ANYTHING about the age of a witness? I believe the witness did not have to be an adult, but may I assume he/she was over some minimum age? six? ten? twelve? Did it vary with time or location? My problem is in Virginia around 1740 to 1760. Any advice? Charles --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.805 / Virus Database: 547 - Release Date: 12/3/04