QUAKER-ROOTS-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: SMOCK WEDDINGS
Date: Wed, 04 Nov 1998 08:12:27 -0800

I don't think this was a Quaker custom, but when looking for Isaac
Newton BAILEY I found this in the book..thought it interesting enough to
pass on..I saw a letter I don't know if it was on this list or another
one asking if any one knew the meaning of Smock weddings...here it is.

On page 8 under James BAILEY..when James married his 2nd wife Mrs Mary
BACON on 22 Feb 1733 it was refered to as a smock wedding..
"This second marriage is cited as an instance in New england of what
were known as smock marriages. Smock marriages were weddings where the
bride appeared dressed in a white sheet or chemise furnished by the
bridegrom. The reason of such a garb was the belief that if a man
married a woman who was in debt he could be held liable for her
indebtedness if he received any property with her. Eventually all
immodesty was avoided by the bridegroom's furnishing to the bride all
the clothing worn at the wedding retaining title to the same in himself.
This was done in the presence of witnesses that he might prove the fact
in case he was sued for any debts she might have contracted." The
following is a copy of the record in the case of the 2nd marriage of
James BAILEY.

"This may certify whomesoever it may concern that James BAILEY of
Bradford who was married to the widow Mary BACON 22 Nov, ;st passed by
me, ye subscriber, then declared that he took the said person without
anything of estate and that Lydia, the wife of Eliazer BURBANK & mary
the wife of Thoams STICKNEY & Margaret, the wife of Caleb BURBANK all of
Bradford, were witnesses that the clothes she then had on were of his
providing and bestowing upon her. signed William BALCH, Minister of ye
Gospel"

So much for smock weddings!!!

Wilma Fleming Haynes

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