Certificate of Matrimony for Isaac Kelly and Catherine Kelly of Nashville, Tennessee
2/26/1866
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While many enslaved couples formed lasting bonds during their enslavement, slave marriages had no legal foundation or protection. The abolishment of slavery not only meant citizenship but the ability to have legally recognized marriages without fear of the loss of a spouse through sale. The Bureau helped facilitate and record marriages.
The Freedmen's Bureau superintendent for Wilson County, Tennessee authorized the marriage of Isaac and Catherine Kelly on May 12, 1866. The form takes note of their child and mentions that "These parties have been separated by sale once and have again assumed the marriage relation since the war."
The Freedmen's Bureau superintendent for Wilson County, Tennessee authorized the marriage of Isaac and Catherine Kelly on May 12, 1866. The form takes note of their child and mentions that "These parties have been separated by sale once and have again assumed the marriage relation since the war."
This primary source comes from the Records of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.
National Archives Identifier: 595025
Full Citation: Certificate of Matrimony for Isaac Kelly and Catherine Kelly of Nashville, Tennessee; 2/26/1866; Freedmen's Marriage Certificates, 1865–1869; Records of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, Record Group 105; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/certificate-of-matrimony-for-isaac-kelly-and-catherine-kelly-of-nashville-tennessee, April 20, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
