Genealogy Chat

Jill, I think you're wrong about the meaning - I think it means they were old enough to decide to enter into a contract (including a marriage contract) - normally this would be 21, but especially for other contracts, it can also mean they are or had been married.

Your interpretation that they had the parents' permission since the parents were alive really doesn't follow. Note that it equally means they didn't have the parents' permission by claiming they were old enough not to need it.

I have a couple of under 21s marrying back in 1840 - both gave "full age". As their parents were alive at the time it ties in with the interpretation (that other have given - and I have read about in books on genealogy) that it also means "with parental consent".

Jill

I have three ladies who were finally gave in to marriage once in their 50's, all are recorded as "full age" even though they are between the ages of 53 and 59 at the time of marriage.

Glen

If you're under 21, and not previously married, then you're not of full age, but are otherwise.
Being of full age means parental consent is not needed. I could easily envision a middle-aged woman not wanting to disclose her exact age, and not wanting to lie either, and so answering "over 21", (which is all that's needed for the marriage to proceed).

Thanks Jill. I'll keep looking.

Lynda

Fanny is more likely a pet name of Frances or Ann - but some of the weird combinations of names/petnames I've seen posted on this site over the years nothing would surprise me. However, start with Frances or Ann(e).

Hi Jill, the marriage is between Samuel Collins and Sarah Harriet King; her parents are John and Mary; one of the witnesses is Fanny King - possibly a sister, haven't found the family on any census yet. Fanny wouldn't be a nickname for Mary, would it?

Lynda

If they were under the marriageable age at the time it can mean that they were marrying with "parental consent". Of course, they could be lying. If one of the witnesses is one of the parents it probably implies parental consent.

Thanks Glen. They were in fact just 18, and that's what I based my guess on.

Lynda

It means that they claimed to be at least 21 years old, but there is no gaurantee that either of them was telling the truth.

They could have quite easily have been younger or much much older.

Glen

Thanks Shirley.

Means 21 and over so no parental permission to marry was required

Shirley

Can anyone tell me what 'both of full age' would mean on an 1847 marriage certificate? I'm guessing 18, but would appreciate any one else's opinion.

Thanks, Lynda