I have a Xeroxed copy of a marriage license for my greatgrandparents, Elijah and Sallie (BEECH) BARRETT who married May 15, 1870. The license is divided in three parts. The first is authorization to the minister to join the names of the betrothed, and the second is the certificate of solemnization of rites. I have a question regarding the third part which states in part: "Know all Men by these Presents, that we, Elijah Barrett and Constantine Beech [which I believe is Sallie's father], all of the county of Williamson, in the State of TN, are held and firmly bound unto the State of TN in the sum of twelve hundred and fifty dollars, which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our and each of our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally by these presents." Did it cost $1250 to obtain a license in 1870??? I would appreciate your input on this. Regards, Carol McCoy Dallas, Texas