Kenn: What a wonderful piece of knowledge to add to your family tree for generations to come. And I know that much patience and searching is involved and can be so beneficial in the end. You are one of the lucky ones. All the best, Allison -----Original Message----- From: Shirley, Kenn [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 6:50 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [VAFRANKL] Moorman Research Nugget 30 May 2005 Windswept Hill, Ferrum, VA Dear Franklin County Researchers, Sometimes one gets surprised in doing genealogical research when one least expects it. When I started my family research about two years ago, like many neophytes, I was more concerned with my family's direct lines than the collateral ones. As I have learned more, I have realized the value of including as many related people as possible as there are always unseen links. Late the other evening I was working on my wife's side of the family. I was adding the children and grandchildren of Thomas Moorman (1705-1767) and Rachel Clark (1714-1792). I entered their daughter, Rachel Moorman who married Stephen Googins and their daughter Parmelia Goggins (1775-1845) who married Samuel Clemens (1770-1805). It was late as most of my internet research is done during those quiet hours and I remarked that it was cool that this Mr. Clemens had a similar name to the famed author who later uses the name of Mark Twain. I went to bed, but the next morning, was looking at Eula Fergueson Angle's book where she mentions that the Goggins/Clemens couple were the grandparents of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. I could not believe it! In order to get other evidence, I goggled Samuel Langhorne Clemens and his family. I found a site dedicated to his genealogy and again, he was traced by to the Parmelia Goggins and Samuel Clemens. The upshot of all of this is that Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) is my wife's 3 cousin, 5 times removed. Their shared common ancestors are Thomas Moorman and Rachel Clark. They are my wife's 6 great grandparents and Mark Twain's 2 great grandparents. Of course, that is so extreme as to hardly count, but it is fun to know. I was reminded anew of how one nugget can change much or add a totally different perspective. I also learned that it might be wise to review any and all work done past midnight! I always enjoy reading the posting of you other folks and what you are learning. Thought I would just share a minor experience with you this morning. Have a great holiday! Kenn M. Shirley ==== VAFRANKL Mailing List ==== Please Visit the Franklin Co. Web Site http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafrankl/franklin.htm