Julie's Mecklenburg, Virginia Discoveries

William B. Jones and Susanna were the parents of two children: James B. Jones and Zachariah Jones. They lived in the Bracey area and are one of the Great Creek Jones families.

I’ve seen several old published materials with Susanna’s surname listed as Clack and that she was the daughter of Moses Clack. I know that cannot be true, because Susannah the daughter of Moses Clack was married to a different man and having children in Kentucky at the same time that Susanna and William B. Jones were living in Mecklenburg. I wanted to see how Susanna’s maiden surname appeared on any record. I found their marriage bond in a digitized Mecklenburg marriage record collection on FamilySearch.org. Her surname very clearly says “Clark” and I got a nice surprise. The bondsman was Newman Dortch. I’m not sure if Newman and William Jones were merely friends and neighbors or if they were related, but their great-grandchildren (my ancestors) married.

This marriage bond is for 26 December 1792. William Jones signed his mark. On a deposition, he mentioned going to school. I have heard that some people signed a fancy mark that was their signature. I’m not seeing that on this paper, so I’m curious now.

Jones signature comparison

Dortch signature comparison

Both William and Newman’s signatures are different than on William’s marriage record. I’m curious and wonder, why? I wonder if this marriage bond is a copy for Mecklenburg court? I’ve seen a wide range of signatures in this marriage collection though. Maybe William’s signature changed? A discussion for a future post when I learn the answers.

If you would like to search the Mecklenburg collection (1771-1943) where I found this record, here is the index link.

If they went across the border to marry in North Carolina, here’s a link to that collection.