Legs of NBA Centers: Conan O'Brien, Samuel Morrison, and Visualizing Your Ancestors
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Legs of NBA Centers: Conan O'Brien, Samuel Morrison, and Visualizing Your Ancestors
Maybe you are more connected to your favorite celebrities than you think.
Describing his 6 foot 4 inch frame, Conan O’Brien said, “I have the legs of an NBA center, and I have the torso of a little girl. I look like a shorebird avoiding an oil spill.”
A newspaper article from October 17, 1900 made me think of Conan. Written about my 6’7’ great-great-grandfather, Samuel Morrison, it says:
In his stocking feet Mr. Morrison ascends into the atmosphere 6 feet 7 7/8 inches, and weighs 225 pounds. A peculiarity of Mr. Morrison’s physique and one about which he has many a quiet laugh himself is the extraordinary length of his legs. Most of his height appears to be from his waist down.
In other words, Samuel Morrison looked like a shorebird avoiding an oil spill, too!
Sure, it is a stretch to connect my ancestor and Conan. But these are the hidden gems that bring your ancestors back to life! It is a funny thought picturing my great-great-grandfather jokingly walking around like Conan. I have yet to find a surviving picture of Samuel Morrison, so any visual is invaluable. Let your imagination run wild!
Conan is one of the funniest comedians ever. He even makes commercials hilarious on his podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend. He is also a history buff. If you’re looking for a great interview and a laugh, here are my six favorite episodes of Conan’s podcast. I am sure you will love them.
Tip: Maybe, your ancestor sang, played baseball, or had long beards. You might not have any pictures of your ancestors, but these details can help you imagine them. You can find these details in newspaper articles, draft cards, and family memorabilia. Use these details and your imagination to bring yourself closer to your ancestors. It can be fun!
The Legends in the Archives newsletter shares positive genealogical stories about your favorite celebrities and historical figures! Every week, I pick a celebrity or historical figure that inspires or fascinates me. Subscribe to get the Legends in the Archives newsletter every Friday morning.
Jack Palmer is a History and Psychology double-major at Duke University. I’ve done genealogy research since I was 10 and love writing about it for family, friends, and anybody else who might enjoy a blast from the past.