In one area of Virginia a local accent pronounces 'Williams' indistinguishingly close to 'Weems'. 'Parson Williams' is fairly mundane.

AR282, I'm following your research and reasoning - but it does seem that you're trying to have it both ways. Some of what you cite is parlously close to demonstrating the likelihood of other- and numerous - Jesus figures. Who is to say that one of those figures did not get much farther and have far more lasting impact?