My name is Jedediah Ashley Burmahln. My father is very interested in
American history, so I am indeed named after Jedediah Smith. My middle name
Ashley is from Jed's friend, General William Ashley. I think that it is
unique to have a name with so much history built into it, 
and people who ask why I am named Jedediah are pretty surprised to hear the 
story, since it isn't well known.

Although I am named Jedediah, I go by Jed for simplicity. It's always funny
to see peoples reaction to my name when I first introduce myself, they
always interpret it wrong. No matter how clearly I try to pronunciate my
name, people always doubt what they've heard. "Jed" becomes 
Jeff, Jet, or Jay. I'm always having to introduce myself twice! But if I don't think I'll
see them again I won't bother to correct them, and if I do I'll be hard pressed to remember 
what my name was supposed to be!

Growing up with my middle name was tougher than my first name. I didn't get
teased much about my first name, but when someone find out what my middle
name was that's when the trouble began! When you're in grade school, no one
cares that "Ashley" is from the General William Ashley. Some things never
change, so I have to hide my driver's license from prying eyes!

I've only met one other Jed here where I live in Orange County, California.
He was a twenty-something working in a Toyota dealership greeting people as
they came in, which was how I found out. Needless to say we were both
surprised to learn that we shared a unique name. Now that I happened upon
jed.com I know a lot more Jeds and I hope I am added to the list so that I
can share my story. Other Jed's reading this may also be interested to know
that in the Northwest of California there is a Jedediah Smith national
forest that I have visited and would recommend to others who want to tread
the same trails as Jed Smith had. When I have some time I'd like to email a
photo of myself at Jedediah Smith forest to you and have it added.

Thanks,

Jed Burmahln