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who would marriage witnesses usually be? Opinions
| Profile | Posted by | Options | Post Date |
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Julie | Report | 25 Sep 2006 16:46 |
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Thanks to all for your replys, Guess i was just clutching at straws as the ancestor i am researching at the moment was illigitimiate and i was hoping it could have been a step family member. Thanks again Julie |
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BrianW | Report | 25 Sep 2006 16:34 |
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All sorts. And, as with Lisa in California, one of my mother's ancestors was parish clerk and witnessed dozens of weddings in the early 1800's, probably because he was one of the few literate residents in the village. |
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ErikaH | Report | 25 Sep 2006 16:24 |
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Anyone can be a witness.........it's not uncommon for the same two people to be witnesses for all the marriages in a parish......... Reg |
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Lisa J in California | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:56 |
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In addition to the above, I have an ancestor who was a church warden and he was used as a witness quite often. |
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Margaretfinch | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:53 |
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I have quite a few certificates with the same person as a witness no relation take it that is was just someone whi acted as a witness to a lot of marriages Margaret |
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Robert | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:53 |
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I have one who, when I have checked the census, describes himself as Parish Clerk |
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Chris in Sussex | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:47 |
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Also take a look at http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/indexbd.htm Explains in detail what to find on BMD certs and includes what an occupier means on a birth cert. Chris |
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Gwyn in Kent | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:29 |
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I've found future wives of the couple's siblings as witnesses too. Gwyn |
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Chris in Sussex | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:27 |
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Julie On marriage certificates I have had parents, brothers, sisters (married or unmarried), half bother/sisters, uncles, aunts and every combination of relatives you can think of! I have also had people who were living a few houses down the road from either of the couple in the previous census....My best guess that they were friends. I have also seen the serial witness. In parish registers the same name appearing as a witness consitently, apparantly they would be paid a small fee. And, of course, witnesses I haven't a clue as to how they are related or know the couple :( Chris |
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Janet | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:15 |
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Where it says 'Enter Text' on this page try putting in the words 'Marriage Witness' to see what others have said over the years on this subject. May help you. Janet |
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Julie | Report | 25 Sep 2006 15:09 |
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would they usually be family? also on a birth cert if the informant was down as occupier wold that be the owner or could they be related? Julie |
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