I recently received a "Mariage Bond" for my 4th gr grandparents, Reuben Wright & Anna Gilbert, who married in 1798, Sussex Co. VA.  Reuben & the "surety", Gray Barker, had to put up $150, which seems a bit excessive to me, considering the times.    When Gray Barker married Eliz Gilbert 13 yrs earlier, the amount required of him was only half that.  Can anyone tell me what determined the monetary amount required of prospective bridegrooms back in those days and if Reuben's requirement was larger than usual?  

Thanks,
Diane Ethridge
Conroe, TX

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