Possible explanation
-
In reply to:
Magdalena Hempstead b.1665
7/06/00
I'm also an Anthony Kneisly descendant.
Another possible explanation is that in the 1550's English Calvinists, subjected to the persecution of Queen Mary I ("Bloody Mary"), fled to Protestant-friendly Switzerland.Although most of these English refugees returned to England after Mary's death, perhaps some stayed in SwitzerlandThis could explain why a woman living in Switzerland would have an English surname (but a Teutonic given name).
There's no direct or circumstantial evidence to back this possibility up, but I thought it was at least worth noting.
More Replies:
-
Re: Possible explanation
Kathleen Abbey 2/22/02