These marriages are transcribed from newspapers, and were started by Lee Freeman but may be added to by anyone. This will be an on-going project and will be added to in chronological order. For other African American marriages, see Marriages. If you have references of African American marriages from the local newspapers, please share them with us. E-mail me. Pat M. Mahan

From the Florence Gazette, Saturday, September 15, 1888, p. 3.

On last Sunday on the plantation of Mrs. M. A. Rowell, in Colbert's Reserve, Esquire C. C. Hipp united in the bonds of matrimony two youthful colored lovers, Uncle Isaac Rowell, of the indiscreet age of 80, and Aunt Jane Malone, who has passed her teens, and about reached the 75th mile-post in the journey of life. Owing to the fear of parental interference, the happy event was not much noised in advance to the world. May the young giddy pair enjoy many years of fond wedded bliss.

From the Florence Herald, Thursday, December 27, 1894, p. 4.

Wedding in High Colored Circles.

Wm. H. Dismukes and Miss Berta J. Leigh, were united in marriage at the A. M. E. Church, on last Thursday night, Rev. F. H. Goodwin, officiating. The bridal party marched in on either aisle to the inspiring air of Mendlesohn's Wedding March, played by Miss Easter McVeigh. The ceremony was very pretty and was witnessed by a large congregation of both white and colored people. After the wedding a reception was given at the residence of the bride's parents. The groom is a trusted employee of the Wagon Co., and the bride a popular colored belle. The wedding was the swellest affair of the season in colored social circles. The bride's costume was very handsome.

From the Florence Herald, Thursday, January 3, 1901, p. 1.

Marriage in Colored Circles.

The A. M. E. church was the scene of a wedding in leading colored social circles last Thursday night, William R. Wilson and Eunice Simpson of St. Louis being the contracting parties. The groom is an employee of the L. & N. They will reside in Florence.

From the Florence Times, Friday, December 13, 1912, p. 1.

On yesterday morning at the early hour of 1 o'clock Judge Jas. F. Koonce was aroused from his bed to unite in marriage Jesse Patton and Sadie Brown, two members of our colored society. After inquiring about the late (or early) hour of the appearance of the couple, the Judge proceeded, gracefully in his flowing robes, to perform the ceremony.

From the Florence Herald, Friday, April 2 1937, p. 8.

BESSIE FOSTER WEDS

The many friends of Bessie Foster, well-known Negro beautician and chiropodist of Florence, will be interested to learn of her marriage to Anthony H. Giles, of Chicago, which took place Tuesday, March 23. The couple will make their home here until May 1 when they will go to Chicago for the summer months. They will return on September 1 to make their permanent home in Florence.

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