My first effort in genealogy was to interview my maternal grandparents, both descendants of Oregon pioneers. That was also the beginning of my great love for learning anything and everything about pioneers. I later learned that some of my father’s ancestors were California pioneers. I have read dozens of books and stories about Oregon, California, and Mormon pioneers (it was essentially the same trail, except for the cutoffs to California and Utah). I have also really enjoyed visiting several Oregon Trail historical sites. Recently I read a book called “Oregon Country,” by T. J. Hanson, without a doubt one of …