Last night I was searching through some microfilm I've rented through the local LDS of some Kanawha Co. Bonds when I came across something I don't understand. I was thinking maybe I could run it past you guys and see if anyone knows what it is. The bond said: ----------------------------------------------------------- Known to all men by these presents that we, MARGARET J. THOMAS and JAMES W. GREGORY are held and firmly bound unto the State of West Virginia, in the just sum of $200.00 to the payment thereof, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and sereally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, and dated this 6th day of May, 1874. The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas the above bound MARGARET J. THOMAS hath this day been by the Clerk of the county Court of Kanawha County, appointed Guardian of her infant children. Viz. Mary M. Thomas aged 13 years, Oscar Thomas aged 8 years, infant children of Henry R. Thomas deceased late of said county. Now, therefore, if the said, MARGARET J. THOMAS, shall well, truly and faithfully perform all the duties as Guardian of aforesaid, as required by law. Signed MARGARET J. THOMAS and JAMES W. GREGORY. ----------------------------------------------------------- Now, what I can gather from the above is that Margaret's husband, Henry, passed away earlier that year and probably the two kids inhereted $200 in their father's will but because they are not of age, Margaret took out the bond to insure the kids would get their inheretance when they were older. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The one thing I'm most curious about is why is James W. Gregory on the bond? James is my g-g-grandfather and I do not know who the Thomas's are. I've never heard of Margaret or Henry or their children before. Why would James be on here? What is his purpose? -- Cara Showers Anchorage, Alaska [email protected] Volunteer of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness at http://raogk.rootsweb.com