Full text of OCTA Marker

DAVID R. KOONTZ David R. Koontz was born in Gallia County, Ohio in 1830, and was buried here in 1852. He was the fourth child and the youngest son of Martin V. Koontz, bridge builder and carpenter, and Lydia Richabough, The Koontz family was originally from Virginia. From there they moved to Ohio and in 1841 to Wapello County, Iowa. The urge to move farther west came in 1852, and the Koontz clan took the trail to Oregon. F. M. Koontz later wrote: "When we came to Oregon it was like atribal migration. there were 24 wagons in our train, all members in the train being related."       Family reminiscences indicate the train was raided by Indians while along the Platte river, resulting in the loss of seven horses. this meant a long walk to Oregon for some who had originally planned to ride.       While passing Names Hill on the Sublette cutoff near present -day La Barge, wyoming, D.R. Koontz carved his name and the date July 7, 1852, on the north face of the bluff along with five other members of the party, all from Wapello County.       There is no record of how david died. the only other family death recorded was that of David's brother-in-law, Moses Hale, who died from cholera. Hale also left his name inscribed on Names Hill.       Oregon-bound emigrant James S. McClung passed this grave on Sept. 27, 1862. Like Koontz, McClung was from Wapello County: traveled several miles & passed the grave of Mr. David Coontz from Dahlonega Wappelo county Iowa    he was buried about 4 rods on the right hand side on the side of a small hill     the grave was covered with poles which were quite rotten    the head bord was rotted off at the ground but still lying by the grave     the letters were cut with a knife & were plane & distinct     near here the road crossed the river whare we camped after travelling 15 ms       Boy Scouts found the grave in 1915, built a fence around it, and erected a headstone. the city of Echo has been instrumental in the restoration of the site and in placing this marker. Researched and signed by Oregon-California Trails Association 1993 This is a part of your American heritage. Honor it, protect it, preserve it for your children.