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Note: THE FIRST MARRIAGE LICENSE
was issued by John A. Freeland the llth day of April, 1843. The contracting parties were David Strain and Mrs.Susanna Ball. She lived in Shelby county, but the groom lived in Moultrie. They were married by, and at the house of Squire Amos Waggoner, the father of J. H. Waggoner.
Apropos of the foregoing, Mr. Freeland issued another license only two or three years afterward, the obtaining of which was so unique in its character that this subject would be incomplete if omitted. The parties to be married were William C. Ward and Miss Askins. Now, William was in somewhat straitened circumstances, so much so, at least, that he was not able to go to Shelbyville to procure the license (the bride lived in Shelby county). Mr. Ward was well acquainted with "Uncle" Johnny Freeland, the county clerk, so he approached Mr. Freeland, and frankly told him he had to get married but was not able to pay for the license; that if he would issue him the license he would pay him in a short time with shingles. The license was issued, and William went away happy. The shingles were furnished as per agreement, the first house built in town by Mr. Freeland was covered with those shingles. It is only a year or two since the carpenter took away the old relic.
Exerpted from "The History of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois". Chapter IX page 70
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