This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/QeB.2ACE/319.1.2 Message Board Post: The information on 19th Century marriage records varies but often has not only the names of the bride and groom, but their ages, places of birth, places of residence, location of marriage (often in the home of the bride's parents or other close relative), names of witnesses, name of the person performing the marriage, and the name of the Bondsman. The latter is usually a close relative or friend of the groom (or bride) and is often a big clue to more information. If the bride or groom were under-age there is also a written permission note from the parent or guardian. Some marriage records of that era even name the parents of both the bride and groom, and comments from the clerk of court or minister, etc. (Such as "Ran away and eloped to the next county", or "Well matched!" . . . both of which I have actually seen written on marriage records. Unfortunately, not all are this complete, but many are little treasure troves of genealogical information and clues. Good luck!