Mmmm...if it takes a village to raise a child, and the whole village is related, he is raised by family and kinfolk.
Seriously, someone needs to start writing down family genealogy before it is lost this generation or the next. Older folk die off, the thread is lost on who is who in the family. Pictures also help...as well as grave stones and cemetery knowledge on who is buried where. Illiness that run in the family...the abilities that run in the family and the funny stories all can share as family memories are priceless and there for the asking. Some amazing quilts may be lurking in their attics in trunks. Worth looking into, and discovering many treasures!!
I was raised by foster grandparents, did not really get to know any family growing up and know my ancestors by name until now through genealogy study of those passed on. Cannot imagine a whole town of family. Wow.