I learned something interesting last night. I always knew my ancestors were a rough-n-tumble bunch, but I never knew how well-timed their despicable behavior could be. One dude somehow ticked off the Detroit mafia, there were a few interesting characters in Texas, an American Indian with a name that’s just downright embarrassing (Mary Nopee), and most famously, the mother of a Queen with a habit of killing Scotsmen. I’d known all of this for quite some time and relished in relating these charming family stories on Mormon Pioneer Day. Back when I lived in Arizona it seemed like every other kid at church was in some way related to great Mormon pioneers and they all had the stories to prove it. When it came to be my turn to share about my great pioneer heritage, I instead shared tales of pioneering of a less honorable sort. You know, how best to make people disappear, names that are just asking to be mocked, and the most efficient ways to behead a Scot.

    But I never before realized my own little scary personal connection with some of these stories (except, of course, the obvious connection of blood relation.) Last night I somehow stumbled onto this great online game from HistoryChannel.com called Past Master (link for the game is on the left side of the history channel page). It’s a silly little board game where you have to answer random history questions to move across the board. Somehow the date of the execution of Mary Queen of Scots came up. You see, it could be said that I’m directly related to Ann Boleyn, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. And as I’m sure you know, dear ol’ Liz was the one responsible for having Mary beheaded. Little did they know that exactly 398 years later, on the same date of February the eighth, I’d be born. Isn’t that charming? Almost half a century before my birth, one of my relatives was having another relative (albeit distant) murdered. Aren’t families great?

    I think it’s quite mind-boggling. Kind of makes me wonder how many other people had centuries-ago familial murders happen on their birthday. Despite my disdain for Queen Elizabeth, I’m rather fond of Ann. After all, her extra finger makes up for my missing toe. 398 years later, it all evens out. 🙂

    Most of the other questions in that online game aren’t nearly as personally enlightening, but I’ve found myself addicted to it nonetheless. The problem is, most of the questions are ridiculously obscure. Like I’m supposed to know what year some random French General was born way back in the 15th century. I have to say, I did relatively well all in all. I could stand to brush up on the particulars of the middle ages in Europe, and it might help to get to know a few more Generals on a first name basis. I did, however, kick serious tail when it came to ancient history, world wars, and technological advancement. Home-schooling’s paying off after all! Er, digitally anyway.

    Anyone else have interesting ancestors? Humor me and share a few. I could use the entertainment. 🙂