Here are the questions I sent to the research team on the lead coffins as
well as the response I was sent. Thought some of you might find this
interesting. I have not responded to Tim about their findings but perhaps
one of you would like to? Anyway, hope someone else is as facinated as I
am. Thanks!
Christi
Genealogy is like playing hide and seek: They hide... I seek!
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-----Original Message-----
From: Christi Calvert Brogan [mailto:christib@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2000 1:35 PM
To: lnpotyen(a)osprey.smcm.edu
Subject: Question on the identity of the lead coffin remains
Hello!
I have a great deal of interest in the discovery of the lead coffins and the
research tied to that discovery. My question for you is, after looking at
the list of "possible suspects" for occupation of the largest coffin, what
lead to the elimination of William Calvert, who died in 1682? According to
my research, this William did die in the winter (January to be precise).
Was it the determined age? There have been many in my family line who are
desperately seeking information about this particular William and his
children, so this discovery was of great interest to us. Also, I notice
that you have the above William's age listed as 41. Can you tell me where
you get such a definitely age for him? Thank you in advance for the answers
to these questions. As I am planning a visit to the area in early
September, I shall surely enjoy walking in the areas in which my ancestors
trod. Thanks again!
Christi Calvert Brogan
San Antonio, TX
-----Original Message-----
From: Timothy Riordan [mailto:tbriordan@osprey.smcm.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2000 8:17 AM
To: christib(a)satx.rr.com
Subject: Re: Question on the identity of the lead coffin remains
Dear Ms. Brogan,
How nice to hear from a descendent of the Calverts! You have a very proud
heritage. Your request for info on the lead coffins has been forwarded to
me as Chief Archaeologist at St. Mary's City. William Calvert was one of
the suspects for the man in the large coffin. However, he was eliminated
for several reasons. Probably most important was the age of the individual
in the coffin. The person buried in the coffin was in his mid to late 50s.
William Calvert was much younger than that.
William Calvert's age of 41 is an estimated guess based on historical
circumstances. His father was Leonard Calvert who came to Maryland in 1633
as Governor. At that time, he was in his early 20s and there is no evidence
that he was married. In April 1644, Leonard abruptly decided to go to
England. He stayed there until June or July of 1644. During those
approximately 15 months, he father both William and Ann Calvert. He came
back to Maryland and died in 1647. William first comes to Maryland in 1659
and begins to claim his father's property. If he had been born before
1633, he would have done this early in the 1650s but if he was born in the
1640s, he would just be old enough to claim the property.
I hope this helps. If you have further questions, please feel free to
contact me.
Tim Riordan