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Archiver > QUAKER-ROOTS > 1999-08 > 0934221332


From: Thomas Hamm <>
Subject: Re: [QUAKER-ROOTS] Marriage Witnessess
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 1999 12:55:32 -0500 (EST)


>
>To: Judith Heald <>
>From: Thomas Hamm <>
>Subject: Re: [QUAKER-ROOTS] Marriage Witnessess
>Cc:
>Bcc:
>X-Attachments:
>
>>I have several actual certificates from the early 1900's with children's
>>signatures, and one mid-1800's with an adult "X" where another witness
>>filled in the name of someone who could not write. My understanding was
>>that if you were present, you should sign as witness, regardless of age,
>>Quaker status, etc. These folks were guests, yes, but more than that,
>>those present have some sense of responsibility to support (emotionally if
>>not otherwise) the marriage. The committee responsible for the "legal
>>fulfillment" would be a short list, and in a 1999 scenario, is generally
>>one person bonded to send to data to the county courthouse, plus a 5-6
>>person committee responsible for seeing that the wedding is carried out in
>>a Quakerly fashion. In the 50+ years I have been aware of Quaker weddings,
>>ALL guests have had a "religious fulfillment" responsibility :-) Judy
>
>
>I don't doubt that this is true for many Friends in the 20th century. I
>think that in earlier times, the practice was different.
>
>

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