Typewriter in 2013

I wrote to Jackson County, Alabama asking for an 1878 marriage record. I couldn't find their copying fees so I said let me know and also included a SASE. (I am still working on the etiquette of these things.) The record was indeed provided and may have a clue on who Rosanah Elizabeth West is-- a man by the name of Joseph Peaks put up her marriage bond. Brother-in-law? Uncle? I do not know at this point but up till now, Rhoda has been a dead end.

An amusing thing to me, is that in addition to the photocopy of the marriage record, my original inquiry was returned as well- with the amount due actually *typed* on the bottom. Saving paper? You go, Lana! Thank you again to all the archivists, media specialists, librarians, and court clerks who help us stumbling family historians wade into your world.

Attempt at loose transcription (corrections in comments welcome!):

The State of Alabama, Jackson County

To any Ordained and Licensed Minister of the Gospel, Judge of the Circuit or Probate Courts, or Justice of the Peace for said County- GREETING:

You are hereby Authorized to celebrate the Rites of Matrimony between

Hiram A White and Rosanah Elizabeth West

and this shall be your sufficient authority for so doing. 

Given under my hand and seal this 16 day of December A.D. 1878

... Kyle L.S, 

Judge of Probate

The above named parties were married by me at ... Residence on the

7 [or 17] day of Dec A.D.1878

Fifty Dollars Fine for Failing to return this license

... I.bell

The State of Alabama, Jackson County

Know all Men by these Presents, That we, H.A. Whit[e] [and]

Joseph Peaks

are held and firmly bound unto the State of Alabama in the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, to which payment, well and truly be made, we bind

ourselves, our heirs, our executors, administrators, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. 

Sealed with our seals and dated this 16 day of December 1878

THE CONDITION OF THE ABOVE OBLIGATION IS SUCH , That if there be no legal cause to obstruct the Marriage of Hiram A White + Rosanah Elizabeth West

to whom a License has this day been granted, then to be void; else remain in full force and virtue. 

WITNESS our hands and scals the day and year above written. 

H. A. White (L.S.)

Joseph Peak[s?] (L.S.)

(Original in Page 308, Marriage Book C, Jackson County Probate Office, Jackson County, Alabama, USA. Copy provided in Apr 2013)