Saturday, December 27, 2014

Birth Theories for Robert DePriest (Robert Després)

While researching I've come across several different theories regarding Robert's birth with no proof one way or another. The dates seem to be between 1660 and 1665 so I go with 1663. While I don't know which theory on his birth place is correct, if any, I do have a favorite.

1) The France Theory is a popular theory with DePriest researchers. It is the belief that Robert was born in France and fled to England where he caught a ship to Virginia.

2) The England Theory is a theory that is believed by some DePriest researchers. It is the belief that Robert was born in England after his parents fled France. This is the same premise as the Belgian and Dutch Theories.

3) The Canadian Theory is a theory that is believed by only a few DePriest researchers. It is the belief that Robert was born in Canada or Virginia after the immigration of his parents to one or both of these places by way of Belgium after leaving France.

4) The Virginia Theory is the same as the Canadian Theory, except that he was born in Virginia.

France
Pros
DePriest name is of French origin.
Cons
The large scale Huguenot migration from France to North America began in 1654, several years before Robert’s birth.
Fleeing Huguenots would probably not have money to pay for passage or purchase land upon arriving in Virginia. (Indentured service was an option.)
No known record of immigration or emigration.

England/Belgium/Holland
Pros
Thousands of Huguenots migrated to England to avoid persecution.
Cons
Fleeing Huguenots would probably not have money to pay for passage or purchase land upon arriving in Virginia. (Indentured service was an option.)
No known record of immigration or emigration.

Canada
Pros
DePriest name is of French origin.
The large scale Huguenot migration from France to North America began in 1654, several years before Robert’s birth.
Fleeing European Huguenots would probably not have money to purchase land as Robert did.
Cons
No known records proving birth.

Virginia, British America Colony
Pros
Huguenots migrated to Virginia to avoid persecution.
First known records of Robert are in Virginia. Robert owned land in Virginia.
The large scale Huguenot migration from France to North America began in 1654, several years before Robert’s birth.
Fleeing European Huguenots would probably not have money to purchase land as Robert did.
No known record of immigration or emigration.
Cons
No known records proving birth.

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