Relieved of that devastating fear, only excitement remained, Jon says — a profound curiosity to delve into the true story of his relative who had made his living drawing crowds as a fairground freak. More than two decades after the popular movie The Elephant Man portrayed his famous ancestor's life, Jon says he has gained a personal perspective beyond the movie-depicted "suffering and adversity."

"Shining through all of that misfortune was the spirit of this peaceful, pleasant, kind and gentle man who wasn't bitter about the world at all," Jon says. "If you can be that unfortunate and still have the sort of soul that this guy had, that shows character."

Jon and Michelle's children, too, have great respect for their inspiring ancestor. Says their 19-year-old second son, Joseph, "Although I have had some teasing through my life ... I have come to accept [the family tie] and be proud of it." Joseph, who was named after Michelle's relatives — the name Jon having been eliminated from consideration for the extra ribbing it might attract — ironically did turn out to have the same name as the Elephant Man. The most famous Merrick of all, known to the world for many years as John — based on the press, medical documents and even the movie about his life — wasn't really named John at all, but Joseph, like his father.