African-American Marriages in Adair County

The following information and graphics were generously provided by Lugenia Parham Evans. All art and research are transcribed from her book, "Directory of Kentucky African American Marriages", published 2001.

"Jumping the Broom"

Before the Civil War, most African American couples "jumped the broom" when they were wed. It was not until after the Civil War that most Counties/States started to record "Negro" Marriages. In 1866, the year after the Civil War ended, all "Negro" and "Mulatto" couples were requested to go to the Courthouse and have their declaration of Marriage recorded.

Pleas White and Ann White

I, D. T. Towles, Clerk of the Green County Court, certify that Pleas White and Ann White his wife, did this day appear before me in my office and declare that they have been and still desire to live together as man and wife, this 31st day of August, 1866

(Pleas White and Ann White moved to Adair Co. between 1866 and 1869)

Edmund/Edward Gunn and Malinda Gunn

Both of color, personally appeared before the Clerk of Adair County Court and declared they have lived together as husband and wife for the past 35 years and still desire to continue living together and make this declaration, 8 October, 1866. 

EDMUND (X his mark) GUNN

MALINDA (X her mark) GUNN

J.W. Butler

from Marriage Book 1, p 15. 

(Edmund/Edward Gunn, age 65,  is listed in the 1860 Adair County census as a "Free Black".)(Malinda, age 45,  and their children are listed as "Mulatto")

Grundy White and Clara White

have lived together as husband and wife for the past 30 years and still desire to continue living together as such...

27 October, 1866

from Marriage Book 1, p 133

(Grundy, age 70 and Clara, age 55 are listed in the Adair County 1870 census. p. 20, house & family 145.)

Robert White and Mariah C. White

have lived together as husband and wife for the past 12 years and still desire to continue living together as such...

27 October, 1866

from Marriage Book 1, p 135