Little Jack Horner to Adam and Eve
© Virginia Marin
Was there, in fact, a real Jack Horner? Yes, according to history. One Thomas Horner was dispatched by the Abbot of Glastonbury, during the dissolution of the monasteries, with a gift, known as a PIE, for King Henry VIII of England. This pie contained the deeds to twelve manors owned by the monastery. Along the way, Thomas opened the pie, and purloined the deed to Mells.
Mells was, indeed, acquired by the Horner family at that particular time in history, although they claim it was purchased legitimately. Mells has been retained by the Horner family through the centuries and Thomas' descendants live there to this day.
Most folks are familiar with the above Engilish nursery rhyme. Not only is it a nursery rhyme but it begins a facinating Adam and Eve Genealogy. There are many genealogies of this nature and since Adam and Eve were the first parents, everyone has an Adam and Eve genealogy. I hope you will enjoy perusing this one and that it will encourage you to trace your own.
How far back can you trace your family on your mother's side? On your father's side? Begin with yourself and work backwards, listing each generation as you regress. The easiest way is to use Pedigree Charts to keep your lines accurate. You'll certainly have a lot of fun, find a laugh or two along the way, find a few skeletons and meet many interesting people. You will also discover family folklore and make discoveries that startle and amaze you.
For example, did you ever wonder WHY you had such a short temper? From whom did you inherit your Aqualine nose? Why you do certain things. Why you like certain things. Know thyself -do an Adam and Eve generation. In fact, tracing any family line back, back, back will help you to better understand yourself. You will also be adding to your OWN family history with important data, legends, myths and folklore.
To illustrate what can be done, the following descent is offered in unbroken lines of 141 generations to (from) Adam and Eve.
141. Amy Popham, married Thomas HORNER of Mells, member of Parliament and Sheriff of Somersetshire. His son, SIR JOHN HORNER, was knighted and was the "LITTLE JACK HORNER" of nursery rhymes, with sarcastic reference to the family having obtained lands formerly held by the Abbot of Glastonbury.
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