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| Ancestry.com, U.S., Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, Vol I-VI, 1607-1943 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013, Henrico Monthly Meeting, Virginia. |
Transcription:
"1714/15,1, 8. Sarah, dt John, Charles City Co.; m Robert Elyson" which means:
Sarah Crew
daughter of John Crew,
married Robert Elyson [Ellyson]
on January 8, 1714/1715
in Charles City County, Virginia, USA
Sarah is my 7th great-grandmother.
What did a Quaker wedding look like in 1714/1715 in Charles City County, Virginia?
ChatGPT supplied the following answer:
A Quaker wedding in 1714/1715 in Charles City County, Virginia would have looked quite different from the typical Anglican ceremonies of the time. The Quakers (also known as the Religious Society of Friends) had very distinctive practices rooted in simplicity, equality, and direct spiritual experience — and their weddings reflected those values.
Here’s what you could expect from such a wedding:
🕊️ 1. No Clergy Involved
Quakers did not believe in formal clergy. The bride and groom would marry themselves, in the presence of God and the meeting. They would typically say something like:
“In the presence of God and these our Friends, I take thee [name] to be my wife/husband, promising, with divine assistance, to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife, so long as we both shall live.”
🕊️ 2. Held in a Meeting for Worship
The ceremony took place during a regular meeting for worship, likely in a meetinghouse or possibly in a home if no meetinghouse was available. The meeting would sit in silent worship, and when the couple felt led, they would stand and exchange their vows.
🕊️ 3. Simple, Modest Dress
Both bride and groom would wear plain, modest clothing, avoiding extravagance in keeping with Quaker beliefs. There would be no special wedding garments or jewelry.
🕊️ 4. Witnesses Sign a Wedding Certificate
A written marriage certificate was signed by the couple and all present Friends as witnesses — a powerful record of community support. These documents were often beautifully handwritten and are valuable genealogical records today.
🕊️ 5. Marriage “Intentions” Approved in Advance
Before marrying, the couple had to declare their intentions to the monthly meeting. The meeting would appoint a committee to ensure both parties were clear of prior commitments and were members in good standing.
🕊️ 6. Gender Equality
The ceremony emphasized mutual consent and spiritual equality — very progressive for the time. Quaker women had more agency in marriage than was typical in colonial society.
🕊️ 7. No Music, Flowers, or Festivity
Quaker weddings were deeply spiritual and free from music, decorations, or feasting — though simple gatherings afterward may have occurred, especially among family.
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