This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Classification: Queries
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/pMI.2ACIB/351
Message Board Post:
I haved read Ms. Jourdan's books on the Cecils and Early Maryland Families. In
general, they are excellent and well documented. I do think, however, that she and Walter
Ball (she quotes him) are a bit hard on Old William Cecil (b. ca 1665). They call him a
"perjurer" etc. on very poor evidence. He may have been a real dud, but
examination of what is actually in evidence about the man leads to many conclusions! Ms.
Jourdan also goes after Frances Duval, the woman to whom William Cecil gave his children
in 1697, mainly due to her scandalous relationship with Dr. Richard Pile. We actually
know nothing about Frances--she may have been a good substitute mother. Plus, if anybody
examines dates, William was NOT at Richard Pile's home when the alleged brutality to
his servants occurred. Therefore, he did not commit perjury when he said that he had been
at the house, but didn't see anything. Just thought that I'd throw that in for my
11th great grandpa! I love the genealogy!
, but some of the commentary should be examined carefully. I'm happy to share and/or
argue by email!