Church Paper For The People

Vol. II No. 1, Whole No. 13
Berks County and Surroundings; Amityville, Berks County, PA
Published - January 1889 (unknown author)

How to Obtain a Marriage License; And What Questions Will Be Asked.

In order to get a marriage license you go to the [Berks County] Court House, walk back through the lower hall, till you come to a door on the left hand side, above which is written Clerk of the Orphan's Court, walk in and ask the gentleman for a license to marry. He will then ask you these questions.

1. What is your full name?
2. What is the full name of the lady?
3. How are you related to each other?
4. What is your age?
5. What is the lady's age?
6. What is your post office address?
7. What is the lady's post office address?
8. What are the names of your parents?
9. What are the lady's parents names?
10. What is your guardian's name?
11. What is the lady's guardian's name?
12. Do these parents and guardians give their consent?
13. Did you have a wife before, if so, when did she die?
14. Did the lady have a husband before, when did he die?
15. If you were divorced, when?
16. If the lady was divorced, when?
17. Of what color are you and the lady?
18. What is your occupation?
19. From what country are you?
20. From what country is the lady?

Some of the above questions, like 10, 11, 12, are not asked of those who are of age.

The answers must be sworn to. If they are all satisfactory, the license is given. The charges are 50 cents. Either the man or the woman can go and get the license. It is not necessary for both to go. But no friend or acquaintance can go and get a license for a couple. One of the parties who want to be married must appear. It is also not just necessary to go to the Court House to get the license; you can go to any 'squire in the county, he will ask you the same questions and then send your sworn answers to the clerk who will send the license. This, of course costs a little more, as the 'squire must have something for his trouble. This license is then brought to the clergyman or 'squire, who has then a perfect civil right to marry the parties. The marriage license consists of three different forms on one sheet; one form the pastor, etc., keeps; the second the married couple keeps; the third is returned to the clerk's office in Reading. If any person, man or woman, is under 21 years, the father must go along to the clerk, or 'squire, and say that he is willing. He need not swear to it. If the father is dead the guardian must give his consent. Persons do not need to marry after the license is secured; yet it is hoped on one will get a license till he sees his way clear of all obstructions. As to question No. 3.--No man in this State is allowed to marry his mother, aunt, sister, daughter, granddaughter, step-mother, son's wife, step-daughter, step-granddaughter. No woman will be allowed to marry her father, uncle, brother, son, grandson, step-father, daughters' husband, step-son, step-grandson.

If parties were married before, their consorts must either be dead, or must have been legally divorced. It does not matter how long they are dead, yet men ought to respect public opinion and not to be too much in haste to marry again.

Contributor's Note: In 1901 A bill entitled an "Act making it unlawful for first cousins to be joined in marriage and making all marriages hereafter contracted in violation of this act void," was passed by the House of Representatives at Harrisburg by a vote of 114 to 9.

Spies' Church

Article about Spies' Church (aka Zion Church) in Alsace Township.

Submitted by Betty.