IAGenWeb Project - Clayton co.


'Authorizations to perform marriages' in Clayton co. Iowa

The following papers of 'authorization to perform marriages' were found among the last pages of Clayton co. Marriage Book I

Know by all men by these presents
That I Thomas A. Morris one of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America under the protection of Almighty God and with a single eye to his glory by the imposition of my hand and prayer (being appointed by the Elders present) have this day set apart James G. Whitford for the office of an Elder in the said Methodist Episcopal Church a man who in the judgement of the Rock River Conference is well qualified for that work and he is hereby recommended to all whom if may concern as a proper person to administer the sacrements and ordinances and to feed the flock of Christ so long as his spirit and practice are such as become the Gospel of Christ and he continuith to hold fast the form of sound words according to the established doctrines of the Gospel

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Forty one
Thomas A. Morris
Plattville W.T.

On this 22d day of March AD 1851 the original being presented where of the above is @ true copy Thereupon License was issued authorizing the said James G. Whitford to solemized marriages within the County of Clayton & State of Iowa
In testimony whereof I have herewith subscribed my name this 23d day of March 1851
F. Andros Clk DC
by his Deputy

Recorded Mch 28/51

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This certifies that the Bearer Henry Gifford of the Township of Boardman County of Clayton State of Iowa, a regular member of the Freewell Baptist church in Boardman Grove in said County has this day been publicly set apart for the work of the Gospel Ministry by prayer & the imposition of hand, according to the ways of the Freewill Baptist [illegible word] and is hereby authorized to preach the Gospel and administer it [illegible words] God - his providence may call him

Delhi Delaware County Iowa May 27, 1849
N W Buphy
F P Anzar
A [illegible surname]

Recorded June 1, 1849
F. Andros Clk D C

License to solemize marriages [illegible words] Henry Gifford
June 1, 1849
F. Andros Clk D C

[transcribers note: this document was VERY difficult to read, year may be 1847 instead of 1849; the 'title' of the 3 men signing from Delaware co. is not legible]

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Know all men by these presents that I Edmund S. Jones one of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America under the protection of Almighty God and with a single eye to his glory by the imposition of my hand and prayer (being appointed by the Elders present) have this day set apart John H. Dennis for the office of An Elder in the said Methodist Episcopal Church @ man who in the judgement of the Iowa Annals Conference is well qualified for that work and he is hereby recommended to all whom it may concern as @ proper person to administer the sacrement and ordinances and to feed the flock of Christ - so long as his spirit and practice are such as become the Gospel of Christ - and he continue with to hold fast the form of sound words according to the established doctrines of the Gospel
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Twelfth day of Aug't 1849
Edmund S. Jones {seal}
Done at Fort Madison Iowa

On this 27th day of November A D 1850 the Original being presented whereof the above is a true copy by John H. Dennis Thereupon License was issued Authorizing the said John H. Dennis to solemize Marriages within the County of Clayton and State of Iowa

In testimony whereof I have herewith subscribed my name this 27th day of November A D 1850
F. Andros Clk of the District Court
by his Deputy H.S. Granger

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White Pigeon
April 4th 1839
This certifies that Ozead Littlefield has this day been ordained by the Presbytery of St. Joseph Michigan as and Evangelist and is affectionately recommended to all the Churches in our companion & fellowship
P.W. Wamull States Clerk

The above was recorded May 9, 1850 & License approved according to Statutes
Attest
F. Andros Clk D C

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Know all men by these Presents
That I Elijah Hedding one of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the U.S. of America under the protection of Almighty God and with a single eye to his glory by the imposition of my hands and prayer, have this day set apart Moses Predmore for the office of a deacon in the said Methodist E. Church. A man who in the Judgement of the North Ohio Annual Conference is well qualified for that work, and he is hereby recommended to all whom it may concern as a proper person to administer the ordinance of Baptism, Marriage & the Burial of the dead in the absence of an Elder, so long as his spirit and practice are just as become the Gospel of Christ.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 13th day of Sept A D 1840
Elijah Hedding {seal}
Done at Norwalk Ohio

Recorded Sept 1, 1850
F. Andros Clk D C

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Know all men by these Presents
That I Beverly Waugh one of the Bishops of the M.E. Church in the United States of America, under the protection of Almighty God, and with a single eye to his glory by the imposition of my hands and Prayer, have this day set apart George Larkins for the office of a deacon in the said M. E. Church. A man who in the Judgement of the Iowa Annual Conference is well qualified for that work, and he is hereby recommended to all whom it may concern as a proper person to administer the ordinance of Baptism, Marriage & the Burial of the Dead in the absence of an Elder, so long as his spirit and practice are such as become the Gospel of Christ.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 5th day of Sept A D 1847
B. Waugh {seal}
Done at Mount Pleasant Iowa

Recorded Sept 1, 1850
F. Andros Clk D C

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"Feed My Sheep"
To all to whom it may concern
This certifies That John Handman having been examined before the Quarterly conference of Linn Grove, and given satisfaction as to gifts, grace & usefulness is hereby authorized to officiate as a Local Preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, provided his deportment be as becomes the Gospel of Christ.

Signed in behalf of the Quarterly Conference, July 3, 1847
H.A. Reed P.E.
Renined July 12, 1848 G.B. Boumar P.E.
Renined Aug 14, 1849 G.B. Boumar P.E.

Recorded March 23, 1850
F. Andros Clk D C

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State of Iowa
Clayton County
The State of Iowa - To all to whom this presents shall come greeting - Whereas Alpha M. Eastman has this day [illegible word] in the District Court of Desmoines County his certificate of ordination as a Congregational Minister, & [illegible words] to become & authorize him to solemnize Marriages within this County so long as he shall remain such minister in good standing as [illegible]

Attest my hand & seal of this and consent at Burlington Dec 1848
O.C. Weghtmore Clerk

Recorded May 19th 1850
F. Andros Clk D C


- source: original records, Marriage Book I, Clayton co. Iowa
- transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall from images photocopied by Constance Diamond

 

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