Years ago I came across this website with a story about Francis West and his wife Margery. I just ate it up. The story, and especially the way Curtis West weaved a sweet narrative. I've used the idea of it the last few weeks in writing the biography of Thomas West. Wanting my story of him to be both informative and interesting, a good read, I've tried to come outside the story a few times and add my own thoughts, ideas, and humor. But I'm finding it tough at times, as the private detective in me wants to know more facts, with proof, and not a bunch of guesses and jokes. But I'm trying to keep it light, imagining the moment a distant cousin discovers my story and eats it up as well. Thomas lived from 1774 to 1865. It's taken me about three weeks to reach 1820. Here's to the next forty-five years!
Francis West marries Margery Reeves in early 1639 in Duxbury. She is said to be from England, the Isle of Wright specifically. But there's no proof. Early writings about her say she may have come over as a servant of some family, as an unattached woman in the Colony would be unheard of. Additionally, in one writing, Carlton Prince West goes on to say, "no Reeves family, including the possible variants of Reaves and Rives, has been found in the area of southeastern Massachusetts." So she cannot be placed. But I'm confused. It's clear there is another Reaves family (different spelling) living very close by to our Francis and Margery. Not only that, but this other Reaves family has a daughter named Mary Margaret Reaves that marries James Skiffe in 1637 in Sandwich, Plymouth Colony. Though I guess this is suspect too, as Sandwich doesn't appear to be settled until 1639. But what's a few years in early American history? So this James ...
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