The year was 1866, just a year after the American Civil War ended. A group of 143 people, traveling in 37 wagons, was making their way west toward California. Among them was Ms. Tess, a tall, slender woman with striking blonde hair and blue eyes. She was stunning. Even the pastel gingham dresses and large sunbonnets that she wore could not hide that. She was about 33 years old and carried herself with a quiet grace and purpose that caught the attention of man, woman and child

I met an interesting man today. He was a sharply-dressed, energetic, 80-something year-old black gentleman named Sam and we had the best...