A Cox Family History from Thomas Cox, 1694-1762 of Gloucester, England (p 1-46)

p. 7 Friends’ meetings were so inter-related in religious business matters that members of one meeting were often in social contact with members of other meetings even though the distances between them may have been great.  It is likely that it was at some meeting event that Thomas Cox met Sarah Busy, whose family were members of Abington Monthly Meeting in Philadelphia County.  To visit Sarah, Thomas traveled about twenty-five miles northeast of Concord Meeting.  Sarah’s family probably visited Friends at Concord Meeting.

After a proper courtship Thomas and Sarah announced their plan to marry at two monthly meetings.  Thomas requested a certificate from his meeting at Concord the 10th of 7 month (September) 1716.

Concord Meeting granted Thomas his certificate which he then presented to Abington Monthly Meeting.  Abington Meeting appointed a committee to look into the affairs of Sarah.  Both were “found clear” which meant that the committees vouched for the bride and groom assuring each that the other was not betrothed to someone else, had no unfinished business affairs or debts, had waited the customary year of mourning if he or she had a deceased spouse, had provided for the care of any children and so forth.  The monthly meeting then gave the couple permission to marry . . .

Thomas Cox of Concord and Sarah Busby appeared before two Monthly Meetings and declared their Intention of Marriage with each other; Enquiry being made by persons appointed & found clear, from all others on ye account of Marriage, did accomplish their Marriage in ye Unity of friends, as is signified by their Marriage Certificate.