In a message dated 1/26/07 10:38:27 AM Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: << We're interested in one of the witnesses, Stephen Fells, but I'm wondering what would be the youngest age he would have been allowed to put his name to it? What was considered to be the age of 'maturity' in this time-frame? >> Ha! It's a matter of no *little* debate over at Gen-Med. (that's a pun) Some people believe you could be as young as seven. CP has *apparent* (and I say apparent) examples of people getting *livery* on their lands as young as perhaps 17. Personally I favor the idea that a male had to be 21 to "come of age" and that we'll perhaps *fix* these things as we go along and get more research done. I wouldn't be adverse to allowing a witness to be as young as perhaps 13 however. Will Johnson

Hi Will, That's a very interesting reply. I think I'm looking at an age of about 10, but it's difficult to totally prove. The Stephen Fells I'm looking at didn't marry until 1615, whereas his siblings were married in the late 1580's-1590's. It could well be that he was the offspring of an older father, whose previous offspring were already well grown, marrying for a second time to a much younger wife. I have other documents which say he is the brother of my ancestor, but the time frames are out of synch but, of course, it does happen. My oldest daughter is 21 years older than her younger siblings. Much to ponder on. Kind regards, Yvonne >> [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: 26 January 2007 18:44 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [OEL] Age to be a witness In a message dated 1/26/07 10:38:27 AM Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: << We're interested in one of the witnesses, Stephen Fells, but I'm wondering what would be the youngest age he would have been allowed to put his name to it? What was considered to be the age of 'maturity' in this time-frame? >> Ha! It's a matter of no *little* debate over at Gen-Med. (that's a pun) Some people believe you could be as young as seven. CP has *apparent* (and I say apparent) examples of people getting *livery* on their lands as young as perhaps 17. Personally I favor the idea that a male had to be 21 to "come of age" and that we'll perhaps *fix* these things as we go along and get more research done. I wouldn't be adverse to allowing a witness to be as young as perhaps 13 however. Will Johnson <<