Hi, DOB7. Thank you for your reply. I've looked at "Early Settlers of Alabama" before. "Early Settlers" asserts that the Saunders were of Northumberland County, Virginia-- that's where they settled in the Virginia Colony--but it does not state their place of origin-- so unfortunately, this book doesn't give any clues as to the origins of the "South Molton" rumor. Thanks for suggesting it, though.
For other Saunders researchers who may be tempted to quote from "Early Settlers of Alabama," many parts of this book were not carefully written. The source of the information for the Saunders' immigration in "Settlers of Alabama" is "Hotten's Original Lists of Persons of Quality..." (John Camden Hotten, ed. [London, 1874.] ) When you go to Hotten's, you see that the 40 year-old immigrant (born circa 1595) was named "Edward Saunders," not "Thomas Saunders," as stated in "Early Settlers of Alabama," and that the names of the children--Thomas Saunders, age 13; and Edward Saunders, age 9-- are not listed next to the name of 40-year-old Edward Saunders; nor is there any indication whatsoever in the book of any familial relationship between the three Saunders on the voyage. The author of "Early Settlers of Alabama," explicitly states that Hotten identifies them as father and two sons. Just not true.
I guess it's just very tempting in genealogy to bend the facts a little to "make" something true!
Thank you for taking the time to answer my post.
-Jenny
