Partially true. I think that (not to steal from Twain's unique genius)
Twain also adopted somewhat of a "tradition" of Southwest tall tales. The
exaggeration of wild tales was not unique to Twain. _Life on the
Mississippi_,"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and
"Baker's BlueJay Yarn" are classic Southwestern tall tales in part, with
similarities to Josh Billings, and a few others. I think Mr. Gerald has
in a way pointed out a similarity.