The author's search for his roots leads down paths unimagined or intended. The ensuing saga cuts a swath through frontier America, an America still young and yet unafraid. Great rewards are visible and attainable for an individual possessing raw courage and luck. Young Alanson Baker absolutely possesses courage and for awhile luck but, alas luck is fickle! Like his young nation, Alanson triumphs at times and at times suffers the wrenching pain of defeat. This is the entwined tale of a nation and a man, testing their conscience and their will to survive. Alanson, although not great, walked amongst the greats and was apart to great events; unfortunately, not all 'great' events are laudable. In time, history separates the good from the bad. Unfortunately this process usually comes to fruition only when both the conquering and conquered societies have long perished. In this tale, The Peccary attempts to tell the story of pioneer America from an interested but non-judgmental perspective. Likely some will be offended by this perspective of history while others may applaud, both reactions please the Peccary!