Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

Use microfilm copy, Sussex County (Va.) Reel 29.

Preferred Citation

Sussex County (Va.) Marriage Register and Index, 1754-1858 (bulk 1754-1850). Sussex County (Va.) Reel 29, Local government records collection, Sussex County (Va.) Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Acquisition Information

The original volumes (abstracts) were compiled by the Virginia State Library's (now the Library of Virginia) Archives Division from the original court records found in the Sussex County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The microfilm copies of these volumes were generated by the Library of Virginia's Imaging Services Branch and The Genealogical Society of Utah--while filming on-site at the Library of Virginia.

The negative photostatic volumes were created by the Virginia State Libary's (now the Library of Virginia) Archives Division from the original compilations.

Historical Information

Sussex County was formed in 1753 from Surry County. This county was named for the English county.

Prior to 1853, when the Commonwealth began recording vital statistics, Virginia marriages were recorded at the county or city level. Beginning in 1661, in order to be married by license, the groom was required to go before the county clerk and give bond with security that there was no lawful reason to prevent the marriage. The license, issued then by the clerk, was given to the minister who performed the service. Written consent from a parent or guardian was needed for individuals younger than twenty-one years.

The marriage register of Sussex County (Va.) described in this collection was created by the County Court.

Scope and Content

Sussex County (Va.) Marriage register, 1754-1858 (bulk 1754-1850), is essentially divided into two sections. The first section covering pages 1-255, 1754-1850, records the date of the marriage bond, the names of both parties, the names of the parents or guardians present and the names of the security or witnesses in attendance. There are two undated marriage bonds found on page 255. Of special note, there are numerous entries (81 total) of marriages between "free blacks" or "free persons of color"--dating from 1793-1850.

The second section covering pages 257-322, 1771-1858, records the date of the marriage, the names of both parties, the minister's name and the religious denomination of the minister. Entries, in this section, are based on ministers' returns and are not chronologically arranged. Undated returns are found on pages 291-294. In addition, pages 329-330 contain listings of ministers' ordination bonds--1789-1791, 1795, 1801, 1806, 1822, 1833. Like the first section, there are numerous entries (56 total) of marriages between "free blacks" or "free persons of color"--dating from 1793-1848.

Index to Sussex County (Va.) Marriager Register, 1754-1858 (bulk 1754-1850), is a separate volume. This typescript index is arranged alphabetically from A-Z according to the last and first names of both parties. Alternate spellings of last names are noted with a "see also." This volume also lists alternate names of individuals (aliases) in parentheses.

Related Material

Additional Sussex County Marriage Records can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult "A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm."

Separated Material

The original compilations (abstracts) are found at the Library of Virginia's State Records Center.

Index Terms

Corporate Names:

• Sussex County (Va.) Circuit Court.

Subjects:

• Christian sects--Virginia--Sussex County.
• Clergy--Virginia--Sussex County.
• Free African Americans--Marriage--Virginia--Sussex County.
• Free African Americans--Virginia--Sussex County.
• Marriage--Virginia--Sussex County.

Geographical Names:

• Sussex County (Va.)--History.

Genre and Form Terms:

• Indexes (reference sources)--Virginia--Sussex County.
• Local government records--Virginia--Sussex County.
• Marriage records--Virginia--Sussex County.
• Marriage registers--Virginia--Sussex County.

Added Entry - Corporate Name:

• Sussex County (Va.) County Court.

Adjunct Descriptive Data