Say ‘I Do’ to Genealogy:
Finding Marriages in Online Newspapers
Search Marriage Records in Newspapers
Introduction
In a world of instantaneous information, there is a magnetic allure in uncovering secrets from history. Delving into marriage-related announcements within online newspaper archives, such as NewspaperArchive, takes us on a captivating journey through time. In this guide, I will explore the importance of these announcements, discuss the advantages of online resources, provide expert search strategies, and offer a deeper look into various types of marriage-related articles.
Tips for Finding Marriages in Online Newspapers
Marriage records can add joyful details about our ancestors’ romantic journeys. But how can you efficiently locate wedding stories in vast newspaper archives? With the right search strategies, you can uncover rich relationship narratives. In the tips below, I’ll share key techniques I’ve learned for finding marriage-related articles, from targeting timeline ranges to using creative keywords. Implementing these pointers will help you discover ceremony write-ups, engagement announcements, and related articles.
1. Choose a Reputable Online Newspaper Archive:
Start by selecting a reliable online newspaper archive or collection. NewspaperArchive is well-established, with a vast collection of newspapers from around the world. What I like about NewspaperArchive is the uniqueness of the newspapers in its collection. More than 85% of the content is unique to NewspaperArchive - you won’t find it on another site. I also love the large number of small-town newspapers in the collection. I have found the best stories about my ancestors in small-town newspapers that I otherwise would know nothing about. I discovered my third great-grandfather was married a second time after his wife died to a MUCH younger woman…50 years younger! Look for one of the articles I found in the section titled - Marriage Scandals and Controversies.
2. Use Advanced Search Options:
NewspaperArchive’s advanced search options are powerful. I can narrow down my search using a variety of filters and criteria. I can enter first, middle, and last names, keywords, locations, and dates. The NewspaperArchive YouTube channel has a great video tutorial on using the Advanced Search features. Click HERE to check out the Advance Search video. Be sure to check out the other videos on their channel that make using NewspaperArchive’s site easy.
3. Utilize Keywords:
When searching for marriages, consider using keywords like "matrimony," "miscellaneous shower," and "nuptials." Be creative with your keyword choices to cast a wider net. I created a keyword list to give you ideas on things to search for marriages and all things related. You can download it HERE. The list is not exhaustive, but it will get you started.
4. Filter by Location:
I cannot stress how important this tip is for your research! If you know the area where the marriage occurred, filter your search by location. This can help you find marriage announcements in local newspapers, where marriages were more likely to be reported.
5. Explore Different Dates:
Be broad when you are searching for dates of marriages in newspapers. Depending on the time period you are researching, marriages may not have been published right away. I like to push my date searches by a week, two weeks, sometimes even a month after the marriage! I have even found marriages in the “chronology of the year” that can be found in some newspapers at the end of December or the beginning of January. These chronologies give detailed accounts of what happened in a location each month of the year. They are a wealth of information. They oftentimes include marriages and deaths, too. Click HERE to see an example.
6. Review Various Newspapers:
Did you search by the location of the marriage? Don't limit yourself to just one newspaper. Marriage announcements could appear in city, county, state, and even national publications, so explore a variety of newspapers. I found a perfect example of why searching various newspapers is so important. In 1939, many North Carolina couples were traveling across the state lines into Virginia to get married because of a hygienic law. Read the article HERE. What was the hygienic law making North Carolina couples go to Virginia to get married? That would make a great topic for further research!
7. Patience and Perseverance:
Finding marriage announcements can sometimes be a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. Be patient and persistent, as it might take some time to locate the specific announcement you're seeking. I find that coming back to a search more than once gives me a fresh perspective. I also like to use a research log. It helps me keep track of things I’ve already searched. I created a research log specifically for searching marriage announcements in newspapers. You can download it HERE.
Mining for Marriage Gold in Online Newspaper Archives
Flipping through weathered newspapers, you never know what family history might emerge from the marriage announcements of yore. Your great aunt Edith's wedding blurb from 1932 reveals she wore lace and pearls; your grandpa Gus's marriage notice from the forties introduces his mysterious best man. Though easy to skim, these listings harbor gems ripe for excavating. Run your finger down the faded columns and pursue the threads: an unfamiliar witness yielding new cousins, the sleuth-worthy "bride from out east" fleshing the family tree. What riches hide amid these routine records! Each line conceals a tale yearning for the curious descendant to coax it into the light. Let every Charles and Edith enchant you; somewhere between the who’s who of attendees lies an ancestor waiting to be known.
01
Family History
Marriage announcements often contain the names of the bride and groom, the wedding date and location, and the wedding party. These are the foundational blocks of your research, and they can be an excellent resource for building your family tree. I find these very helpful when I do not have a marriage certificate, especially depending on the date of the marriage. Because each state had a different date when marriage certificates were required, I find it tough to keep track of those essential dates when I’m researching. My favorite site to use for an easy “cheat sheet” is the FamilySearch Wiki. Click on the state you are interested in learning more about, and then choose “How to Find . . . [M]arriage Records.” You will find very detailed information about different time periods and when records were required. Click HERE to access the FamilySearch WIKI.
02
Family Connections
Marriage announcements often provide insights into family connections. Look for mentions of parents, siblings, or other relatives. These relationships can help you piece together a more comprehensive family history.
03
Venue and Ceremony
Descriptive details about the wedding venue and ceremony can be fascinating. They provide a glimpse into the customs and traditions of the time, allowing you to visualize the events and atmosphere surrounding the marriages.
04
Wedding Advertisements
Newspapers often carried advertisements for wedding-related products and services. These ads can reveal the popular trends and products of the era, from wedding dresses to venues and jewelry.
05
Wedding Etiquette and Advice
Articles about wedding etiquette and advice were commonly published in newspapers. These articles can be both informative and amusing, reflecting the societal norms and customs of their time.
06
Wedding Customs and Traditions
Articles exploring the customs and traditions associated with weddings can provide context for understanding the cultural practices of the time and place.
07
Local Marriage Trends
Some newspapers conducted surveys or interviews to highlight local marriage trends, such as the popularity of certain venues or wedding themes.
08
Bridal Fashion Features
Some newspapers ran features on bridal fashions, describing the latest trends in wedding attire and accessories. I found one article that gave advice about what to wear for a second marriage called “Her Second Marriage. What Fashion Prescribes for a Widow’s Bridal Gown.” It was from 1889, and you can read it HERE.
09
Marriage Laws
When marriage laws changed, newspapers would highlight the changes. This is a great way to see how laws and requirements changed over time and in different areas of the country. I love the attention-grabbing headlines of this article, “How to Get Married. The Law Relating to Licenses Which Goes Into Effect Wednesday Next. Secret Weddings Impossible.” It was from 1885 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and you can read it HERE. Another article that was a wealth of information was titled “Laws on Marriage. The Preliminaries Necessary Before Entering Upon Wedded Life. Licenses in the Various States. Those Authorized to Issue Them and to Join Loving Couples. The Regulation of Fees.” The article was from 1901 in Washington, D.C., and you can read it HERE.
10
Immigrant and Ethnic Wedding Celebrations
In newspapers serving specific immigrant and ethnic communities, you can find marriage announcements. These newspapers make searching more difficult because they were generally written in the native language, but if you can translate or know someone who can, I would highly recommend taking the time to utilize one more avenue to find out about the marriages of your ancestors.
A Comprehensive Guide to Marriages and Their Related Announcements in Newspapers
Here's a list of different types of marriage-related announcements and articles that you can find in online newspapers, which are valuable for genealogy research:
01
Marriage Announcements
These are the most common and straightforward types of marriage-related articles. They typically provide information about the names of the bride and groom, the date and location of the wedding, and sometimes details about their parents and witnesses.
Example:
“Married, On Thursday evening last [1827], by the Rev. Mr. Hemphill, Capt. Roger Shorter to Miss Sarah Ann Birch Hunt, both of this place.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jan-13-1827-3914554/
Key Insights
- Day of the wedding
- Who performed the wedding
- Names of the bride and groom
- Where the bride and groom are from
02
Engagements
Engagement announcements often precede marriage announcements. They provide information about an upcoming wedding, including the engagement date, the couple's backgrounds, and maybe even details about the engagement party.
Example:
“Miss Vura Edwa Field, Who will marry Mr. Coke. B. Carlton, jr., in October. The announcement of her engagement was made last Sunday [1937] by her father, Mr. O.D. Field of Sligo Park Hills, Md.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-sep-05-1937-3486247/
Key Insights
- Picture of the bride-to-be
- Full name of bride-to-be
- Name of the groom-to-be
- The month the wedding will take place
- When the engagement was announced and by whom
- Name of the father of the bride-to-be and the city and state where he lives
03
Weddings
Some newspapers published detailed accounts of weddings, providing information about the ceremony, the reception, the guests, and the attire of the bride and groom. These reports can offer a rich description of the event.
Example:
“Wenning-Haunert. A pretty wedding was solemnized this morning [1923] at 8 o’clock at high mass at the St. Maurice Catholic church, when Miss Frances Wenning,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wenning became the bride of Henry Haunert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haunert, the Fathers Gadlage, Adelbert and Pius officiating.
The bride was beautifully gowned in a white satin charmeuse with Spanish overlace. She wore a veil with cap effect, and carried bride’s roses.
The bridesmaids were Misses Ida Wenning, sister of the bride, and Matilda Haunert, sister of the bridegroom. Miss Wenning wore a honeydew canton crepe
dress with Spanish overlace, and a white picture hat and carried pink roses.
Miss Haunert was pretty in a blue canton crepe with Spanish overlace, weathering a white satin hat, carrying pink roses.
Alph Wenning, brother of the bride, and Anthony Haunert, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best men.
Following the ceremony a wedding breakfast was held at the home of the bride’s parents. A dance will be given in their honor this evening at Hillsdale park.
The couple will reside on a farm near this city.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-aug-29-1923-2487421/
Key Insights
- The day and time the wedding took place
- Name of the church
- Name of bride
- Name of bride’s parents
- Name of groom
- Name of groom’s parents
- Names of the priests officiating the wedding
- Description of the bride’s dress
- Type of flowers the bride carried
- Names of the bridesmaids and their relationship to the couple
- Descriptions of the bridesmaid’s dresses
- Type of flowers the bridesmaids carried
- Names of the best men and their relationship to the couple
- Outlined events that took place after the wedding
- Where the couple will reside
04
Anniversary Celebrations
Articles about milestone anniversary celebrations, such as a 25th or 50th wedding anniversary, can provide insights into long-lasting unions. They often include photos, interviews with the couple, and descriptions of the celebration. Don’t get stuck on milestone anniversaries only. I have seen anniversaries for a wide range of celebrations!
Example:
“Celebrate Golden Anniversary. Colorado, Sept. 27 [1930]. Picture below shows Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Grantland of this city, who recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. They were married in Morgan county, Alabama, September 23, 1880. They came to Texas 37 years ago, most of which time they have lived in Colorado.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-sep-28-1930-3491199/
Key Insights
- Picture of the couple
- Anniversary they are celebrating
- Date and location
- Name of the couple
- The county and state where they were married
- The date they were married
- When they arrived in Texas
- Named other state where they lived
05
Card of Thanks
A card of thanks is a brief, public expression of gratitude published in a newspaper, acknowledging and appreciating the support, sympathy, or assistance received during a significant life event, such as a loss or celebration.
Example:
“Card of Thanks - We would like to thank all our friends, relatives and neighbors for the many cards and for the personal visits in our home on our 45 wedding anniversary February 3 [1966]. A special thank you to our children who honored us at a family gathering on Sunday. All was greatly appreciated. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Veld.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-feb-15-1966-3952936/
Key Insights
- What the card of thanks is for [45th wedding anniversary]
- The date of the anniversary
- Name of the couple
06
Divorces
While not as joyful, divorce announcements are important for genealogy research. They can provide information about the dissolution of a marriage, including details about the couple's history, property, and reasons for divorce.
Example:
“Division No.2. Charles E. Counts against Ollie counts, divorce; dismissed by Counts [1919]. Lorena Davies against H. Reece Davies, divorce; decree to Mrs. Davies with restoration of her maiden name, Ackerman.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-23-1919-3900866/
Key Insights
- Division of court where the divorce was filed (use this information to find the actual case at the courthouse)
- Who filed for the divorce
- Names of the parties involved in the divorce
- Restoration of a maiden name with the name included
07
Obituaries
In some cases, marriage information can be found in obituary notices. These may mention the spouse's name, the marriage date, and other family details.
Example:
“Obituary. Luther L. Donnell [1901], only surviving child of John R. and Mary Braden Donnell, was born near Spring Hill, Indiana, September 25, 1833. He was married December 25, 1856, to Cornelia F. Randolph.” https://newspaperarchive.com/obituary-clipping-apr-17-1901-2441056/
Key Insights
- Name of deceased
- Names of the parents of the deceased
- When he was born and where
- Date of the marriage
- Name of his wife with maiden name
- How many children the couple had
08
Church Announcements
Some church bulletins, newsletters, or even church newspapers included marriage-related announcements, especially for members of the congregation. These can provide insights into religious ceremonies and rituals.
Example:
Married. On April 10, 1895, near Pleasant Valley, Rockingham county, Va., at the residence of the officiating minister, Rev. J.W. Hausenfluck, Mr. William A. Crum and Miss Mattie J.C. Obaugh - both of Augusta county, Va. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-17-1895-4145065/
Key Insights
- Date of marriage
- Where it took place
- Name of the officiant
- Name of the bride and groom
- Where the bride and groom were from
09
Local Society News
Many newspapers had a dedicated section for society news, which included announcements about weddings, engagement parties, and other social events in the community.
Example:
“Mentink-Larsen. En route to the west coast, where they plan to make their home, are Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Oliver Mentink. The marriage of Lois Ann Larsen, daughter of Mrs. Peter Tange, 902 Emertsen Rd., to Mr. Mentink took place at 4 p.m. Saturday [1950] in Dubuque. The bride chose a street length dress of white organdy, designed with Queen Anne collar and buttoned to the waist. With it she wore a bonnet of white openwork with a corsage of yellow roses. The bridegroom is the son of Loyal W. Metnink, Route 1, Box 5, Sturtevant, and Mrs. Walter Biehn of Union Grove. https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-jun-19-1950-4144948/
Key Insights
- Picture of the bride
- Surnames of the couple united
- Where the couple will reside
- Full names of couple
- Mother of the bride and her address
- When and where the ceremony took place
- Description of the bride’s grown
- Type of flowers
- Name of the groom’s father with address
- Name of the groom’s mother with city
10
Marriage Licenses
Before a wedding, couples often had to obtain a marriage license. These notices would be published in the newspaper, typically including the names of the couple and the date of issuance. A word of warning - a marriage license does not always mean the couple went through with the wedding. However, the marriage license notice in the newspaper may be the only “evidence” you have of a possible marriage.
Example:
“Marriage Licenses - Issued By the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. The following marriage licenses were issued in this city yesterday [1910],
the persons residing in Baltimore unless otherwise stated:
Collison-Nelson. - William McD. Collison, 26; Sara E. Nelson, 27. Applicant, George E. Collison, Forest Park avenue, Forest Park.
Campion-Kisner. - George Campion, 21, 1260 James street; Pearl Kisner, 18.
https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-dec-01-1910-3486368/
Key Insights
- Governing body that issued the license
- When the license was issued
- Names of the groom-to-be and bride-to-be
- The ages of the couple
- Where they lived, some city only and others full address
- Listed an applicant other than the couple if there was one
11
War Brides and Military Marriages
During times of war, newspapers might carry stories and announcements related to the marriages of soldiers, war brides, and their experiences.
Example:
“The picturesque cadet chapel at the U.S. Military academy at West Point, N.Y., was the scene of the marriage of Miss Margaret Lucile Evans (above), daughter of Mrs. Harry Evans, to Lieutenant Albert Lambert Bethel, son of Mrs. W.D. Bethel. The wedding took place at 5 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, June 6 [1944], following Lieutenant Bethel’s graduation. Lieutenant and Mrs. Bethel are visiting relatives here and will leave tomorrow for Fort Belvoir, Va., where he will be stationed.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-25-1944-4144891/
Key Insights
- Where the wedding took place
- Full name of bride
- Full name (and rank) of groom
- Names of the parents of the couple
- The time and day the wedding took place
- Noted the wedding followed the groom’s graduation
- Noted where the groom (and couple) will be stationed
12
Second Marriages
For individuals who married more than once, announcements of second or subsequent marriages can be valuable for tracing family histories and relationships.
Example:
“1867. Patrick Finan, farmer; born in Ireland 1824; married Ann Welch 1847. Second marriage 1862, to Mary Welch; has eight children. Michael married Alice Henry 1872; has one child, and lives in Iowa. Mary married August Olsen 1876; has two children [1881].” https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-jan-07-1881-4143975/
Key Insights
- Date of wedding
- Name of groom
- Groom’s occupation
- Where the groom was born
- Year the groom was born
- Name of first wife
- Year he married his first wife
- Name of second wife
- Year he married his second wife
- Number of children he had with second wife
13
Elopements
Elopements often made headlines in local newspapers. Articles on elopements might contain details about the couple's decision, their journey, and any ensuing consequences.
Example:
“An Eloping Husband Forgiven. Troy, N.Y., July 29 [1882]. Walter Brower, who eloped with his wife’s sister from Jersey City, and who was arrested last night in this city, effected a reconciliation with his wife this morning, and with her took a train for Jersey City. His partner in the flight started with another sister for the latter’s home in Boston after Brower had turned over to her nearly $2,500 of her money, taken from him by the police last night. All the parties to the settlement seemed in the best of spirits.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-30-1882-4143952/
Key Insights
- Great headline - don’t lose sight of them
- City and state it took place
- Date
- Name of groom
- Description of the “entangled” elopement
- Relationship of the people involved
14
Wedding Receptions
These articles provide details about the wedding reception, including the venue, menu, entertainment, and guest list, offering insights into the social aspects of the wedding.
Example:
“The wedding reception at the Eagles Hall was held from noon to 5 p.m. [1963] Music was provided by Ed Kennedy and the “Vibratos.” https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-jul-01-1963-4144937/
Key Insights
- Where the reception was held
- The timeframe of the reception
- Who provided music for the reception
15
Local Marriage Registers
Some newspapers published regular marriage registers summarizing recent marriages in the community. These registers can be a valuable resource for genealogical research.
Example:
“Marriages in June [1908] Cupid Was Not Very Active in the Month of Brides. While June is supposed to be the great month of brides, not as many licenses were issued in June 1908 as in some other months of the year. . . . [T]he youngest couple of secure a license during the month was Lou Roy Cashatt, of Fremont, age eighteen years, and Thressa Cross, of Oskaloosa, aged nineteen years. The oldest couple to apply for licenses were Charles Flory, aged 52 years, to Mrs. Sadie Raines, aged 42 years, both of this city. The following is the complete list of licenses issued for the month. June 1 - James T. Johnson and Floy E. Boden. https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-jul-09-1908-4144866/
Key Insights
- Names the bride and groom
- Gives the date the license was issued
- Includes marriage license statistics for the month
- Names the youngest and oldest couples to get a license and where they lived
- Ages of the youngest and oldest couples
16
Couples’ Life Stories
In some cases, newspapers published comprehensive articles on the life stories of couples, recounting their courtship, love story, and marriage journey. Many times these types of stories are included in anniversary announcements. They typically include a goldmine of family history information!
Example:
“Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are among the oldest residents of Waterloo as they came to this county in 1860. Hudson was at that time larger than Waterlook and they went first there but remained only a few months, when they decided that this was the more promising location and came here to reside. Mr. Taylor was one of the earliest blacksmiths of the town and continued at this trade for many years. Mr. Taylor was born in Virgil, Cortland county, N.Y., Feb. 2, 1834, and will be 76 at his next birthday. Mrs. Taylor, who maiden name was Lydia Becker, was born at Pillar Point, N.Y., March 27, 1836, and is in her seventy-fourth year. They were married in Rock county, Wis., Oct 27, 1859. They have four sons, all living in Waterloo, Louis, LeVert, Olin R. and Harry V., the two latter of the Taylor Music house. Mr. Taylor served for six months at the close fo the civil war in the quartermaster’s department, being stationed in Atlanta, Ga. He has been a Mason for many years. Mrs. Taylor is active in the different church organizations, including Ladies’ Aid and the Home and Foreign Missionary societies. She is also much interested in the work of the Lincoln Circle Ladies of the G.A.R., of which she is a member. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor will wish them many more years of wedded happiness after the golden anniversary is celebrated [1909]. https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-sep-25-1909-3491235/
Key Insights
- When the couple came to the county
- Background information about the community
- Occupation of the husband
- Where and when the husband was born
- How old he will be on his next birthday
- Maiden name of the wife
- Where and when she was born
- Her current age
- Where they were married
- Date of the marriage
- Names their children and where they live
- Military service of the husband and where stationed
- Mason affiliation
- Wife’s affiliations
17
Marriage Scandals and Controversies
Occasionally, newspapers covered marriage scandals and controversies, including elopements, and high-profile divorces. This is the example I mentioned above for my 3rd great grandfather. When you find these types of scandals and controversies, don’t stop with just one newspaper. The stories were often carried by multiple newspapers. They also might have been ongoing stories. That was the case for my ancestor. Their high-profile divorce was covered in multiple states, and there were articles building up to the court appearance and then the verdict.
Example:
“A Singular Divorce Suit. Cincinnati, O., Jan. 16 [1888] - The divorce court has entered a decree of separation in the case in which the rich Henry Von Phul, of Mount Auburn, seventy eight years old, is plaintiff, and the pretty Ida LaMonde, now a governess in Paris, is defendant. The ground was refusal to consummate the marriage unless the plaintiff would give his bride $20,000 in bonds, which the plaintiff refused. The court, in announcing his decision, said he could not determine whether it was most a case of lust on one side or avarice on the other.” https://newspaperarchive.com/divorce-clipping-jan-16-1888-2372353/
Key Insights
- Location of the divorce
- Date
- Ruling of the court
- Names of the husband and wife
- Age of the husband
- Home of the husband
- Occupation of wife
- Who was plaintiff and defendant
- Reason for filing the divorce
18
Bridal Showers
A bridal shower announcement is a brief notice in a newspaper, sharing details about an upcoming bridal shower event, including date, location, and other pertinent information to invite well-wishes and celebration for the bride-to-be. Bridal showers can be a bit tricky to find because they go by several names. A couple examples I have found are miscellaneous showers and linen showers.
Example:
Bridal Showers for Miss Hatt. Miss Shirley Hatt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Hatt, 3123 Parkview court SE, will be honored Wednesday morning [1971] at a coffee to be given by JT Chapter of PEO. Mrs. Robert Tilden, 315 Linden terrace SE, will be hostess. Monday evening Miss Hatt will be given a linen bridal shower at the home of Mrs. Alan Hatt, 1124 Center Point road NE. Co-hostess to the 15 guests will be Mrs. Howard Langton. The bride-elect was honored Saturday at a miscellaneous bridal shower and brunch given at the home of Mrs. Larry Bjornsen, 3239 Parkview court SE. Twenty-one guests attended. Miss Hatt will be married Saturday to Bill Mitchell of Toledo, Ohio. Parents of the future bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mitchell of Mason City. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-23-1971-3486238/
Key Insights
- Name of bride-to-be
- Name of the bride-to-be’s parents
- Address of the bride-to-be’s parents
- Date of the shower
- Name of hostess
- Address of the hostess
- Type of shower
- Lists multiple showers for the bride-to-be
- Date of wedding
- Name of groom
- Name of the groom’s parent and where they are from
19
Annulments
These announcements are concise notices published in a newspaper, formally declaring the annulment of a marriage and providing relevant details regarding the legal dissolution of the union.
Example:
“Reka Thomas vs. Edwin Moses Thomas [1920]. Suit for annulment of marriage on ground that at time of marriage, April 5, 1920, defendant had another wife living. Plaintiff, alleging that she has suffered to that extent through defendant’s fraud and malicious conduct, asks $3,000 alimony. Guy W. Backus. https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-aug-26-1920-3900320/
Key Insights
- Names of the couple
- Lists who is plaintiff and defendant
- Date of the marriage
- Reason for the annulment
20
Marriage Banns
Marriage banns were public announcements declaring the intention of a couple to marry, traditionally published to invite objections and inform the community about the upcoming union. These are generally going to be found for ancestors from the 1700 and 1800s.
Example:
“At the morning services at the Cathedral yesterday [1891], the banns of marriage were announced between Miss Blanche Waterhouse and Mr. Wade Moorefield, of Maryland. At St. Alphonsus Church, marriage banns were published between Miss Elizabeth Kraft and Joseph Canon; Miss Emma Marshal and Henry Barts; Miss Elizabeth Flanigan and Joseph Hechtel; Miss Catherine Bayer and Henrry Suess, and Mary Kammer and John Pockle.” https://newspaperarchive.com/marriage-clipping-mar-30-1891-3899598/
Key Insights
- Where the banns were read
- Names of the couple
Conclusion
Exploring marriage announcements and related articles in online newspaper archives is a journey that takes us through time, offering insights into the past that are both captivating and enlightening. By understanding the historical significance of these announcements, leveraging the advantages of online resources, mastering search strategies, and analyzing the stories they tell, you can unlock the secrets of history and preserve them for future generations. As you embark on this fascinating quest, remember that each marriage announcement and related article is a thread in the rich tapestry of human experience, connecting us to the lives and loves of those who came before us. Happy researching!