The Purveyors of Marriage Licenses
Purveyors of Marriage Licenses in Windsor and Sandwich in the Early 20th Century
In the mid to late nineteenth centuries, it was primarily the municipal clerks who issued marriage licenses. However, with the increased demand, more marriage license issuers were appointed and it became a lucrative side venture for a number of Windsor small businessmen. In the early twentieth century, most of the purveyors of marriage licenses were liberals, but this changed when the conservatives came to power in 1905. Not only did they receive a $2 fee for the license itself, but they were also in a good position to sell wedding related products and services, such as wedding rings. Some even offered rooms on their premises for the marriage ceremony itself. In later years, many could make a living just from the marriage license business. According to an article in the Detroit Free Press: “ the investment was small and the profits 900%” (1906: July 15, p. 16)
A selection of marriage license issuers:
Bartlett, Alexander town clerk for Windsor; 20 Ferry Street
Copeland, George E. books, stationery, agent for G.N.W. Tel. Co.; 3 Sandwich Street West
Davidson, Andrew W. agent for Massey Harris; later just marriage licenses; 2 Ouellette Avenue
Drake, J. W. furniture and upholsterers; 11 Sandwich Street West
Holland, Richard A. dry goods, clothing, footwear, real estate; 22-24 Devonshire Road (Walkerville)
Lawson, Edward grocer; 71 McDougall Street
Learoyd, Alfred D. merchant tailor/clothier; 27 Sandwich Street East
Marentette, Victor E. books, stationery, postcards; 15 Ouellette Avenue
Neal, Frederick insurance, publisher, county constable, sexton of St. John’s Church; east side of Bedford Street, 6 buildings south of Mill Street (Sandwich)
Oliver, James real estate; money lender, insurance, conveyancer; 2 Ouellette Avenue
Robinson, Cecil H. town clerk for Walkerville; 83 Sandwich Street East (Walkerville)
Templeton, James barrister; 40 Ouellette Avenue (Curry Block)
Sources of information: Windsor city directories, newspaper articles, e.g. Evening Record: 1905: June 7, p.1, Vital Statistics reports for 1905 (p. 7) and 1908 (p. 8)