Genealogy Chat

I have a relative I believe went to the US circa 1850's, and married out there. I would like to get a marriage certificate- but do not know anything about the process, or even if civil registration had started then in the US. Does anyone have any experience of this? Also, what information is on an american certificate? (fingers crossed it may be more detailed than ours????) Any advice/experience of this gladly accepted!!!!!

Hi Ann. Had a copy of my grandmother`s brother`s marriage in 1915, sent to me by a relative I`ve just discovered!!!! Its from the State of Montana ,and gives colour,age where he was born,whether or not he`d been married previously, His Father `s name and Mother` s name plus her maiden name ! Then the same information for the bride- this constitutes the Marriage License.dated the same day as the marriage. The Marriage certificate attests that the facts of the license are true and no known lawful impediment ,Justice of the peace signed it plus two Witnesses. Can see no signatures of bride or groom ,but it does say they solemnly swore all facts were true. Don`t know if every State is the same could ask next time I send info over to U.S.A. Hope this helps.

Ann if you post details of names I will try an Ancestry search USA site for you. If you know the state they were in even better but name and year of birth will do for a start. and any clues to partner? PM if you prefer.

Ann, Do you know where they lived? There is no national BMD registration center in the US. All marriage records are filed and kept in the county where the marriage took place. Some records are available on line. If you give me some information, I might be able to help. Send me a PM. Rose

Hi Everyone, thanks for the replies. I am after the marriage between James Daniel Brunker, born Westbury Wiltshire c.1828 & Martha Wilgus (I think) in the US, sometime around 1855 in Vigo County Indiana. I have also found him on the 1880 census with 2nd wife Elizabeth,so would not mind either certificate, especially if it includes the mother's maiden name as this is what I really need to clarify. Any pointers much appreciated!!!

This may be his second marriage? Name: James D Brunker Spouse Name: Elizabeth C Young Marriage Date: 31 Dec 1874 Marriage County: Vigo Source Title 1: Vigo County, Indiana Source Title 2: Index to Marriage Record 1840-1920 Inclubive Volum Source Title 3: W. P. A. Original Record Located: County Cleek's O Book: 6 OS Page: 447 I believe you can write to them for certificate. Hope its him!!!

Here's James on the 1860 census. Name: James Brunker Age in 1860: 31 Birth Year: abt 1829 Birthplace: England Home in 1860: Pearson, Vigo, Indiana Gender: Male Post Office: Pimento Value of real estate: View image Household Members: Name Age James Brunker 31 Martha Brunker 25 Ann E Brunker 4 William Brunker 1 Charles Brunker 3.12 On the 1870: Albert V Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1864 Indiana White Male Ann E Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1856 Indiana White Female Charles D Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1860 Indiana White Male Edward Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1867 Indiana White Male George F Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1862 Indiana White Male James Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1828 England White Male James W Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1859 Indiana White Male Martha Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1835 Indiana White Female Theodore Brunker Pierson, Vigo, IN abt 1869 Indiana White Male If you would like the images, please PM me your email address. Rose

Thanks for all this info, I think they are both the correct person. Where would I write to to get a copy?

Found this info:Vigo County Vital Records Marriage Records 1827-1950 Not much genealogical info until 1882 They also have marriage applications, which show all kinds of info! As far as I know, you'll only have to pay for the cost of copying Vigo Co Public Library One Library Square Terre Haute, IN 47807 (812) 232-1113, ext. 212 Rose

Apparantly records are held at the following worth a try. Vigo Circuit Court PO Box 8449 TERRE HAUTE, IN 47808 Phone: 812-462-3214 -- Fax: 812-462-3285 Not sure about the time lapse but may pay to phone them just to check. Good luck!!!

Thanks everyone, this will certainly give me another lead to follow up!!!!