Need marriage record for Benjamin Leete & Jane Meigs

Question

Hi, The first colonial governor of Connecticut was named Leete/Leet.  For several generations, they lived in Guilford, Connecticut.  

Please help me source the marriage to Jane Meigs. Thanks

Answer 1

I added all the records I could find to the profile....marriage record is not one of them. The date of marriage is listed on one of the records added, though.

Answer 2

Benjamin and Jane were married in 1774. I found no location but he had moved to Claremont NH by that time; he had refused to sign the Association Test to support the colonists but was not a Loyalist. This is from the B A Leete Genealogy and the NH list of Association signers and refusers.

Comments

Thank you, Doug and Tina.  The picture is coming together.  

From my research:  Claremont, New Hampshire, had a controversial preacher -- Church of England, born in Connecticut, ordained in England, and serving in Claremont.  He was open about his loyalty, in part because he had taken an oath to pray for Parliament and the King upon his ordination.  Like Benjamin, he had refused to sign the Oath of Allegiance.  

The preacher's name was Renee Cossit.  The Claremont, NH church where he preached is still standing.  

I am cautious about making assumptions -- but if Benjamin Leete went to Claremont, this may be another piece of the puzzle.

-- Janine

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Thanks. I have Rev Ranna Cossitt, first rector 1771_1785 at Union Episcopal Church, across the street from Union (aka West Park) cemetery where Ben and Jane are, with 30+ other Leetes. Your story is interesting; where did you find it? Another priest had a son who became a Catholic priest and started St Mary's church and cemetery next door. I am close to this family and would like to exchange help.

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Rev. Cossit was the pastor who performed the marriage ceremony for my ancestors James Gould Jr. and his wife Sophia Paine Gould.  He baptized their four children.  I found his pastoral record in Family search and wrote up the instructions for HOW to access them.  He recorded births, marriages, suicides, and even the baptisms of his children -- as well as the death of his wife.   

Some Canadians honor Rev Cossit for introducing the Church of England.  There's a bibliography here:  http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/cossit_ranna_5E.html

I have a 15 page article from a Vermont Historical Society; I'll have to look it up for you. A librarian from Claremont, New Hampshire was very helpful in providing some research.

Click here: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Gould-2741 to see the baptism of one of my ancestors as recorded by Rev. Cossit.  Others are named on the page, and I THINK you can get to it through the citation.  

I'm a Leete through my maternal line.  Please send your email address & we can collaborate.

Answer 3

Thanks for the stories. You are way ahead of me but I am happy to work with you. My mother's mother was Jeffries W Leete gggranddaughter of Benjamin. I saw Fowler listed with your wikitree info. Are you a Fowler too? My father's mother was Edith Fowler, daughter of Thomas, son of Elias. Can't find Elias s history. Also looking for Annie Child of Dublin NH, probably Edith s sister.

Answer 4

Got stuck at the end. Let's try email to help each other. Nhwildflower@gmail.com  Glad to "meet" you.
Tina