Q: I have information that a female ancestor living in Grenville Co. was married in Quebec, but the time period was before 1792. I think she may have been married in Grenville Co. Apparently the commanding military officer of the time performed the marriage, to a captain. Can the military perform marriages when there were no clergy and were records kept?
A: [From anonymous] -- Yes, the Commander could have performed the marriage as he is a recognized authority in any area where there is a command post, particularly if this involves one of his officers. If a record exists for the marriage in question it would be in the collection of State papers related to the governing of Canada by British forces and would likely be obtainable wherever those papers are held in Britain. If you know the exact date and the Commander's name this will also help.
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