In the 1840's in America what the term "consort" denote?

Question

I found this term on a Ancestors gravestone. "Mary Elam consort of John F Elam. I know different generations words have different meanings.

Answer 1

I am not sure if this the best meaning of the word for what you are asking, but I think it might be similar to a common law marriage. She may have taken his surname, but they may not have been legally married, more just living together. This might be as close to the meaning as I could find and think about. She would have been more a partner.

Answer 2

Another word for wife.