Okay, Botetourt County experts - help me on this one. Here's the scenario: My 4th great-grandfather, John Wrightsman Sr, was an early settler in the county. He married Christian(e) Coulter 29 Aug 1784. New (to me!) information from "Botetourt County, Virginia, Early Settlers" has recorded "Christena" as his wife (on a deed) as early as 1780. Now, I know that an earlier wife with the name Christena is not impossible, but it is not likely. My question is this: how common was it in this area and time for a man and woman to live together as husband and wife without the "benefit of clergy?" Something is nagging at my memory that it was actually quite common. If, indeed, they were not married, how is it that her name would have been on the deed? Thanks for your help! Diane Wrightsman