American Fox Tales

American Fox Tales all began with Oregon Trail pioneer, Ephraim Fox, who genealogical research as long ago as 2009, indicated was my 3^rd Great Grandfather.

Ephraim was born in Kentucky and his father mentioned only once in any document, was Nicholas, born in Virginia. There was a general consensus that Benjamin was the father of Nicholas, but no one knew who ‘Benjamin’ might be. Effectively the trail ended with Ephraim Fox.  

That said, there was a tremendous amount of information on Ephraim and the more I dug the more it became clear I didn’t have to write any fiction at all. The story was shocking enough. Actually, it’s important that I don’t muddy waters with fiction, but that I tell the true story.

Though my family took part in these events, the stories have never been told.

Genealogical research blew out both directions from Ephraim. DNA discoveries were the impetus for The Secrets of Benjamin Fox.

Ephraim Fox on the Oregon Trail, 1852 is the result of over a decade of research that recreates the trail to Oregon that Ephraim Fox took in that fateful year.

The third book in the series, Ephraim Fox, An Oregon Pioneer Story, follows the progenitor of the Oregon Fox family as he is drawn into the Rogue River Indian War and throughout the settling of Oregon in the latter half of the nineteenth century, into the age of industrialization.

In the twilight years of his life Ephraim faces the greatest threat to his family yet. 

From his service with the Oregon Mounted Volunteers, to the first murder in Columbia County; from range war to parricide and hanging, this book is a wild ride; don’t miss it!

To be released 2023.

Genealogical research over the years has taken on new personal importance. Research has revealed that unknown to my father and I at the time, by 1973 we were the last Fox’s left of the Oregon Fox’s Ephraim had established in the state.

It is important to me that before I am gone, our story is preserved.

Eventually these stories lead to that of a fair-haired, gimpy little boy born over a half century ago, with Osteo Genesis Imperfecta. A story about accepting the cards you are dealt and playing them like a boss. 

Even a story about the summer of 1987 when that little boy was 22, and rolled a racing wheelchair from Portland, Oregon to New York City.