Samuel liked the name and used it as his pen name since he often wrote controversial articles for papers and it would be easier to dodge people who didn't like his writings. Of course, at the time, he wasn't planning on becoming famous for his writings; it was just something he loved doing.
I read Tom Sawyer so many times when I was a kid that I still have the first few pages somewhat memorized. Of course, Twain never knew me so he didn't know the positive difference he made in my life. He helped turn me on to reading and so did other American authors from the 1800's like Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), Herman Melville (Moby Dick), Jules Verne (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie - Book Series), Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter), etc., all of which contributed to the creation of the fiction genre.
It truly does blow my mind that although we often think that when we leave this life that its' over, our impact is done, but the ripple effects can influence people for centuries. The enjoyment I got from reading various fictional works, completely changed my life.
Quite frankly, one of the easiest ways to determine future success in school children, can be found in reading skills like comprehension scores. Students who like to read and can read well, end up doing better in all classes at school and end up being more financially successful in the real world than other students who struggle with reading.
With the above being said, do EVERYTHING you can to turn your children and grandchildren on to reading. Review your children's school curriculums to find out the level of focus the school puts on the subject. Read with them. Make sure you know what they're reading to ensure the material is right for your child. Not just to check to see if there's any type of WOKE elements to their reading assignments but almost more importantly, just to make sure that it's enjoyable reading for them starting out so they can get addicted to reading. If they start off with a bunch of boring material they'll be turned off to future reading.
Have an awesome "Count Our Many Blessings Day,"! May peace and joy be with you always!
Side note: Let the football games begin!!!