In a message dated 8/17/98 1:53:35 PM, you wrote: To: VABOTETO-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Bower, Kessler, Solenbarger surnames I have a 1822 marriage bond for George BOWER and Polly SULLYBARGER(Solenbarger, etc.). At the beginning it saids that George BOWER and Jacob KESSLER was bound to governor for the marriage. At the bottom it states, "Jacob Kesslar make oath the Polly was above the age of 21 years". Who is Jacob KESSLER and is her related to Polly or George? I did find a Jacob Kessler who was married to a Barbara BOWER (dau. of Philip Bower) in 1819. Is Barbara and George BOWER sister and brother? Why will Jacob sign for groom and bride? Where was Polly(Mary) parents? George BOWER and Jacob KESSLER later had land dealings together. Please, can someone help me. Debbie Bowers Johns at dejo@hotmail.com>> THE FOLLOWING IS FROM PG 35 OF "OUT FROM THE BLUE RIDGE", VOL II, A GENEALOGICAL HISTORY OF THE JOHANNES KESLER/KESSLER FAMILY OF BOTETOURT CO., VA, BY MORRIS S. KESSLER Jacob Kessler Jr. b. 1790 d. ca 1877 m/1 Bot. Co 13 Mar 1813 catherine Bower b. c 1794 d. before 1819 m. 2/ Bot. Co. 6 Oct 1819 Barbara Bower b. 1800 d. after 1877. catherine was du. of Christopher Bower. Barbara was dau. of Phillip Bower. In 1822 Jacob and Catherine's brother, George Bower, acquired 78 acres on back Creek, and in 1824 he bought out georges interest. He conveyed 10.33 acres of this land to his son, Benjamin, who acquired the remainder from jacob;s heirs. In 1849 catherine's brothers and sisters sold land from their fathers estate to John Bower.William kessler signed as heir of Catherine. These land transactions prove that Jacob Jr had children by two different wives. Hope this might help in some way. Karen Kessler Cottrill WV Kessler Family Historian