Went to the Archives today and examined and photocopied the pension files for Daniel and Robert McMurray. The best thing in the files was the original marriage certificate for Daniel McMurray and Johanah Pettit. It was in pieces. I had to assemble it like a jigsaw puzzle. The writing was very faint. It said:
This certifies that Mr. Daniel R. McMurray of Williamsport and Miss Johanah Pettit of Williamsport were by me united in the bonds of marriage on the 23 day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight conformably to the ordinance of God and the law of the State of Pennsylvania and town of Williamsport, County of Lycoming.
At the bottom, to the left there was an abbreviation that looked like "Parins," which I took to mean "parents," as it listed J.P. McMurray and [] E. McMurray, and also Moses Pettit and J[]ima Pettit. These four names were indicated to be witnesses. An abbreviation that looked like "br" that I took to mean "best man" preceded the name ??? Shular, and a missing piece is probably where there was an abbreviation for bridesmaid, as the name "Rachel Pettit" followed.
It was signed Minister of the Gospel, E.E. ?????? (Couldn't read it. Too faint.)
The file had an envelope that previously held the certificate. On the envelope was marked, "Handle with care. Fragile."
1 comment:
My Great great grandmother was Mary Jane McMurry. She was the sister of Daniel R McMurry.
In 1864 she married Daniel Porter and eventually moved to Elmira NY.
Our family has her bible with many pictures taken around the time of the Civil War. A couple of the men are in uniform, but no names (of course) are on any of the photos.
Since Daniel R McMurry and his brother Robert both married Pettit sisters I think it highly likely that these people are in the photos. The only people I can recognize are James P and his wife Elizabeth.
Perhaps we could share photos and you could help me with identification?
Danelle
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