----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Silverstone" <paulh2@rcn.com>

In 1921 my father's cousin married his niece. They could not do so in
NY as such marriages were illegal, so they went to Rhode Island.
Paul Silverstone

Hi Paul -

I thought RI was among the more restrictive states, so I was surprised
by your message. But, I went on a hunt and found the marriages
laws of RI at this site.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE15/INDEX.HTM

TITLE 15
Domestic Relations
CHAPTER 15-1
Persons Eligible to Marry
SECTION 15-1-1

While the law does prohibit a man >from marrying his niece [see list
of prohibited marriages at site above] There is an exemption for
for any "marriages of kindred" allowed by Jewish religion in Section
15-1-4 of the Domestic Relations laws.

TITLE 15
Domestic Relations
CHAPTER 15-1
Persons Eligible to Marry
SECTION 15-1-4

15-1-4 Marriages of kindred allowed by Jewish religion. - The
provisions of 15-1-1 - 15-1-3 shall not extend to, or in any way
affect, any marriage which shall be solemnized among the Jewish
people, within the degrees of affinity or consanguinity allowed by
their religion.

I wasn't able to find out when this law was written, but it must have
been in place back in 1921.

Lisa