Early Marriage Record for Wisconsin

Whenever I am doing research in a new state, I always check out the Red Book, one of the few reference books I own.  It is red, and covers "American State, County, and Town Sources." Since Wisconsin is one of my "new" states, I read the certain sections that pertain to what I want to know about Wisconsin.  And, I always look at the map as well as check out the bordering states. There is also information about Vital Records for each particular state.  I would assume this book is known to all professional genealogists, but new genealogists might find the book helpful.  I believe many libraries would have it. Five years ago it cost me $29.95, and I'm on my second book.

It looks like I was pretty lucky because according to the section on Vital Records for Wisconsin, some marriage applications were issued as early as the 1820s in some counties, then in 1852 the state directed them to record births and deaths, but some towns ignored this request. Not until 1878 did the state get strict regarding adherence to the law. The online Wisconsin vital records index was extremely helpful, because it listed my ancestor, which in turn, prompted me to order it a copy for $15.

Within a few weeks I received the marriage record for 1841.  This record was for my recently former "brick wall" person and although I had the marriage date, it is nice to have a uncertified copy.*

* At the bottom, stamped in red is the following: Uncertified Copy  Not valid for certification purposes.  It is illegal to make this document available to the public in electronic format.