Chapter III. Prynne's Choice of A Profession

Abstract

During Prynne's residence at Oxford many changes had occurred i n his home at Swainswick. Little Dorothy, his youngest sister, died at the age of six, during his first year at Oriel. His eldest sister Joan had been married to William Kemish, described as of Wickwar, in the county of Gloucester. The circumstances or position of her husband does not appear, but it would seem that he and his wife resided for many years at Swainswick. In January, 1617-18, they had a daughter born, who was named Katherine, and in September, 1619, a son named Arthur. But the event which exercised the greatest influence on the life of Prynne was the death of his father, which occurred on the 5th July, 1620. In compliance with his own directions he was buried in the parish church on the 10th July, and an inscription which at one time commemorated the place of his interment has now disappeared. By his will, which was made on the 1st February, 1618-19, he left his lease of his farm at Swainswick to his son William, charged with the payment of 200l. to his brother Thomas, and the same sum to each of his sisters, Katherine and Bridget. He left to William also a considerable portion of his furniture and plate, with some few articles to his other children, including Joan Kemish, who had no doubt received her portion on her marriage.