Hello. I am curious about the notes made in a Parish Register re a marriage in 1811 where the bride, Hannah Streeter, is shown as 'sp in bond (Wid in Affidavit) 21+'. Data from SMI. I take 'sp' to mean spinster and 'wid' to mean widow and would be interested to her how she can be both a spinster and a widow and I would also like to know exactly what 'in bond' meant. Finally, in the 1861 census she is listed as a widow and, under occupation, as 'Peasant'. Why a peasant rather than an 'ag lab'?. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. With many thanks. Robin

At a guess, I think the 'bond' might refer to the marriage licence. If so, then 'Spinster' must be correct, as it seems unlikely that a widow would need to give bond. The only affidavit I am aware of is the one which used to be required as evidence that a body was 'buried in woollen' - but this event is a marriage! Puzzling, I agree. Mike Snatt ----- Original Message ----- From: Robin Coates To: SFHG Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 4:35 PM Subject: [SFHG] Bride (in Bond)(Widow in Affidavit) Hello. I am curious about the notes made in a Parish Register re a marriage in 1811 where the bride, Hannah Streeter, is shown as 'sp in bond (Wid in Affidavit) 21+'. Data from SMI. I take 'sp' to mean spinster and 'wid' to mean widow and would be interested to her how she can be both a spinster and a widow and I would also like to know exactly what 'in bond' meant. Finally, in the 1861 census she is listed as a widow and, under occupation, as 'Peasant'. Why a peasant rather than an 'ag lab'?. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. With many thanks. Robin ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to SFHG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.13/1376 - Release Date: 13/04/2008 13:45