Terms Used In Missouri Laws 451.190

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • State: when applied to any of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" includes such district and territories. See Missouri Laws 1.020

If the minister or officer who solemnized any marriage, the record of which has been lost or destroyed, be dead, refuse to give a certificate as required by section 451.170, or his whereabouts be unknown, it shall be lawful for two credible persons who witnessed such marriage to make affidavit to the fact, giving the names of the persons, the name of the minister or officer officiating, and the date of such marriage, which shall be filed and recorded in the recorder’s office of such county, which affidavit, or certified copy thereof, shall be prima facie evidence of such marriage in any court in this state.