Values Forum: Family Programs

Family Stories

Family Legends

Family legends may feature scalawags or royalty. Stories concerning ancestors are so removed in time from any living family member that there is suspicion that facts may in reality be little more than rumor. Family legends provide romanticism and roots.

Great, great Uncle Jeremiah was born in Georgia and became a Wagon Master. He led parties across the Oregon Trail and into northern California long before the gold rush. He married an Indian squaw and had held up a few trains during his career.

Descendants are proud of their Indian blood. Jeremiah's family had come embarked on the east coast in the 17th century so on several accounts the family felt as American as the blue-bloods who trace their ancestry to the Mayflower. The tales of Jeremiah's exploits as a train robber added a little excitement to the family legend and gave everyone an excuse for being physical or brash from time to time.