How was this not required reading when learning about the Oregon trail, such a great story. So glade I found it, while on a grand adventure to eastern Oregon.
As I recall, one of the books on the reading list many years ago back when I was in junior high was On to Oregon! by Honoré Morrow--a fictionalized account of the Sager Children. I loved that book and read it several times over.
Hard life from people ignorant of the most basic hygiene. Died of body lice and filthy hands spreading disease. I always had a suspicion these pioneer trips across the country were nightmares.