Dave Sandersfeld

Two Grant County towns, a national monument and a river are among the features named for the legendary beaver trapper, John Day, yet little is known about the man, including his presence in this area and burial spot.

Local author Dave Sandersfeld strives to unearth some of the mysteries in his latest book, “Beaver Trapper John Day: Was He Buried Near Dayville Oregon in 1820?”

Sandersfeld spent 40 years on this quest, trying to figure out the confusing and conflicting old diary documentation on John Day’s life story. He returned to the trapper’s old haunts in Idaho and Oregon, which clarified a good deal, Sandersfeld said, about John Day’s 48 years.

“This book gives this very noble and remarkable ancestor back to the Day family,” he said.

Still, the mystery remains as to where John Day is buried.

“When we finally find John Day’s grave in eastern Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest, a lot of confusion over John Day’s latter days and, humble life will end,” Sandersfeld said.

Sandersfeld has a bachelor’s degree in technical journalism and public speaking from Oregon State University in Corvallis. His other books include “An Ice Age Tour: Along Oregon Hwy 26 Austin Junction to Picture Gorge” and “Growing BBQ Spices in a Garden.”

He and his wife, Debbie, live in Canyon City.

“Beaver Trapper John Day” is available from Amazon, in both Kindle and paperback.