How did William Byrd understand his role in Virginia society essays

How did William Byrd understand his role in Virginia society essays Byrd was a man active in the political processes of Virginia. From this portion of his diary we learn that he was a statesman and served as a member of the Council of Virginia. Undoubtedly he was a highly educated man, a wealthy man and was extremely religious, and he used this attributes to establish his role in society. Byrds diary reveals that as a political man he was at top of his class. As one reads deeper into his diary, it can be found that he is in constant communication with elite men in his society. Everything from his frequent visits to the President of the Council, to his meetings with the governor of Virginia show that William Byrd felt that we was an elite man in society who was well respected by his class and subordinates. This respect can be seen in several instanced were he was sought after for advice. Many neighbors would come to Byrd to speak of their financial difficulties, ask for advice and in some cases Byrd would give out loans to certain friends in this situation. In terms of Government, William Byrd sat on the Council and held great powers. His role in the Council was that of a basic judge who gave his opinion on many issues from civil disputes to criminal charges as extreme as murder. Later on we begin to learn of his powerful role in the dividing border line between Virginia and Carolina. His powers in government consisted of paying the other Council men and discussing the day to day problems in the community with his fellow Council men. It can also be seen that Byrd is looked to as an elite man with a wide range of skills that are noted by his appointment to the Colonel of several Militias. William felt that he had a great deal of power in society, and to some extent he abused this power that he had. One characteristic in which we abused his power was his view on women in his society and his tendencies towards them. In one case Byrd sexually harassed Mrs. Chriswell, who was...