Note 383 — Chapter XII · OBLIGATORY CIVIL MARRIAGE IN THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES

So, in 1646, the court "granted co[=m]ission to Mr Edwd Rawson to see people ioyne in marriage in Newberry," during pleasure, Watertown receiving a similar commission: Mass. Col. Rec., II, 166. In 1651, on petition, Captain William Gerrish was similarly appointed for Newberry: ibid., III, 256; IV, Part I, 65; cf. ibid., IV, Part II, 63; V, 483. Such commissioners were usually so appointed at the request of the inhabitants. See two further examples for 1654, ibid., III, 345, 346. On May 29, 1663, we find a "humble request by two men to General Court that Lieu. Goodinnough be authorized to marry their son and daughter. Granted with addition that Goodinnough be authorised to marry all who apply to him in that town [Sudbury?] and who have been properly published."—MSS. Early Court Files of Suffolk, No. 519.