I believe all of the children of James Best, including Anna and Mary in the marriage records, where literate. Even though James was an agricultural worker, he was educated to a very good level (as his letters attest). He taught his children to read and write, and his wife too I believe. He even worked as a teacher for a few years in the Norfolk Plains area.
In regards to Rev Davies (I'm fairly sure) James writes in July 1852:-
"When you write or send either to Jabez or Caroline tell them that after near two years combatting [sic] I have beat the Parson at last."
At chess I would think.
Marlene
