The Whiddon Heritage

<P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt>Almost ten years of genealogical research on the Whiddon family has provided a wealth of information that is the basis for an interesting story. The story in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags /><st1:country-region w:st=on>America</st1:country-region> began in 1635 when sixteen year old John Whiddon crossed the Atlantic and stepped onto <st1:State w:st=on><st1:place w:st=on>Virginia</st1:place></st1:State> soil. It continues through William son of the immigrant and covers nine generations. Although the author followed his direct line of descent sufficient information is provided to permit other lines to be picked-up at any point. The story is told in semi-narrative form with historical context to make it human and personal. It covers the Whiddon family through time and place to give a clear picture of <I style=mso-bidi-font-style: normal>The Whiddon Heritage</I>. Also covered are the lines of descent of the other two sons of John the Immigrant.</P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office /> </P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt>This book has the most extensive coverage of the Whiddons of Tudor England ever published.</P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt> </P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt>The Whiddon family of Chagford in the <st1:place w:st=on><st1:PlaceType w:st=on>county</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st=on>Devon</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> was very prominent in the 16<SUP>th</SUP> and 17<SUP>th</SUP> centuries. The family reached it's zenith under Sir John Whiddon Judge of the King's Bench. Included are several generations of this very powerful and influential family. They served both the Church and the English legal system.</P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt> </P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt>Captain Jacob Whiddon was a 16<SUP>th</SUP> century seadog a privateer in the service of Sir Walter Raleigh. The mariners with whom he sailed included Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Grenville. Vivid accounts of his adventures are provided that includes the fight against the Spanish Armada and his voyage to <st1:place w:st=on>South America</st1:place> to discover gold in El Dorado. <SPAN style=mso-spacerun: yes> </SPAN></P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt> </P><P class=MsoNormal style=MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt>The book is well illustrated to illuminate the lives of the Whiddon forebears.</P>