Allendale, Ottawa, Michigan Wedding Certificate 1887

[KrisWilson]

Hello,

I have found the potential wedding of my x2 great grandparents in Allendale, Ottawa, Michigan in a return of marriages here: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N3NZ-45N

James Henry 27

Occupation: Farmer

Born: Ballycastle, Ireland

Mary Welch 20

Born: Co. Tyrone, Ireland

25 Feb 1887

Allendale, Ottawa, Michigan, USA
Residence of both: Allendale

J.L.Bush Pastor
W.M. Church

It is a theory at the moment but I was wondering if there would be other certificates out there of this marriage that may confirm the names of the parents of the bride and groom? Like an official marriage certificate rather than the marriage returns? If so where could I find this record?

I have definite confirmation of the brides parents from my records and they were based around Ballycastle, it may be a way to confirm if this is the correct couple and also find James' parents details to research him further.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kris

[hanes teulu]

Family Search also has the "State of Michigan, County of Ottawa Record of Marriages" - which, sadly, also lacks the info you require. I

[shellyesq]

According to this - https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/public/michigan/bibs/michigan-vital-records-guide

Information about Michigan vital events were captured in ledger form through 1905 for births, 1897 for deaths, 1925 for marriages and 1923 for divorces.

...

The ledger entry process was replaced with designated certifiers immediately filing individual certificates at the time of the event.

...

The immediate filing of certificates for divorces started in 1924 and for marriages in 1926.

Unfortunately, that makes it sound like that's the only civil record available, unless the church has something. 

[KrisWilson]

hanes teulu Thanks for searching for that it’s a shame it doesn’t hold anything more.

Shellyesq thanks for that info that’s a shame that’s the only way they were registered.

Does anyone know what W.M. church would mean in the returns? West Michigan? Would that be a church or an organisation?

Thanks for all of your help.

[shellyesq]

Maybe Allendale Wesleyan Methodist Church?  https://dp.la/item/84ba9593b8c62df807fe25446e831788

[shellyesq]

This mentions John L. Bush, so that could be J.L. Bush.  https://www.migenweb.org/ottawa/churches/allendalewesleyan.html

[KrisWilson]

These are great resources shellyesq thank you for the links, I think you are correct about the John L. Bush connection. Having a look now to see if I can source any church records for that church.