TON SPYR

Ton Spyr (25/5/1598 - 1681) 2nd Baronet of Ferephon, was one of ASO's founders and an Ers Orator after Anslem Kalger. He was the eldest son of 1st Baronet Sir Jan Spyr, Earl of Gilbey. After succeeding to the title in 1637 Sir Ton Spyr spent much of his life managing his estates and his lucrative colliery. He was persuaded by Anselm Kalger to participate in the Eptapolis meeting and emerged eager to work for the common cause. Using his position as Earl of Gilbey he influenced the local MP's in favour of the organization's goals. Although coming from a devoutly Roman Catholic family, Spyr converted to Protestantism a couple of years after the Eptapolis meeting. He was falsely accused  of conspiracy to kill King Charles II in what was known as the "Popish Plot" by 2 of his former associates, but was acquitted, the 2 judges finding his accusers to be unreliable. He became Ers Orator after Kalger's death, since all other co-founders had been already deceased. He died while travelling in Germany and was buried in Hauptfriedhof cemetery in Wurzburg.