Author
Elsie Singmaster
1879-1958
Elsie Singmaster (1879-1958) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Elsie Singmaster
The Story of Lutheran Missions
"The Story of Lutheran Missions" by Elsie Singmaster is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the missionary endeavors and contributions of the Lutheran Church across various regions, highlighting both the challenges faced and the successes achieved in spreading the Gospel. It provides a rich narrative about the courage and dedication of the church's missionaries, as well as the historical context of their work. The opening of the book outlines the purpose and significance of Lutheran missions, explaining the foundational missionary impulse rooted in Christian teachings. It discusses early influences on mission work, including the Reformation and figures like Martin Luther, who, despite initial focus on church reform, laid the groundwork for future efforts in evangelism. The author emphasizes the need for understanding this history to foster a renewed interest and commitment to missionary work within the church, setting the stage for detailed accounts of individual missions and missionaries that follow.
Ellen Levis: A Novel
"Ellen Levis: A Novel" by Elsie Singmaster is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the lives of siblings Ellen and Matthew Levis, focusing on their struggles with familial expectations, religious beliefs, and personal aspirations. The novel begins with a poignant blend of their childhood experiences and the emotional weight of societal pressures that shape their identities. At the start of the novel, the narrative unfolds around the character of Stephen Lanfair, who grapples with the consequences of a momentary lapse in judgment during his time at medical school, leading him to reconsider his aspirations. Meanwhile, Ellen Levis finds herself ensnared between the traditional beliefs of her grandfather and her burgeoning independence. The opening chapters depict a meeting that emphasizes religious conformity while Ellen's internal conflict becomes apparent, as her brother embraces their family's faith. In a vivid portrayal of the family dynamics, themes of love, responsibility, and the quest for individual freedom emerge, setting the stage for Ellen's journey of self-discovery.
Gettysburg: Stories of the Red Harvest and the Aftermath
"Gettysburg: Stories of the Red Harvest and the Aftermath" by Elsie Singmaster is a collection of historical narratives written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on the significant events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War and its aftermath, exploring themes of conflict and personal loss through the eyes of various characters experiencing the turmoil of war. At the start of the collection, readers meet Mary Bowman, a mother anxiously awaiting news of her husband serving in the war. Set against the backdrop of a town bracing for a potential battle, Mary navigates her fears as she witnesses the movements of Union soldiers and the haunting presence of Confederate raiders. Her internal struggles reflect the broader effects of war on individuals and communities, as the narrative reveals her hopes for the safety of her family amidst an impending crisis that threatens to unravel their lives. The opening section establishes a poignant atmosphere, filled with a mix of anticipation and dread, setting the stage for the complex human experiences that will unfold throughout the rest of the stories.
Basil Everman
"Basil Everman" by Elsie Singmaster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around family dynamics and the legacy of a gifted but troubled writer, Basil Everman, as recounted through the perspectives of his sister, Mrs. Lister, and the members of the Waltonville community. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the perception of genius within the confines of societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Lister family on the day of Richard Lister's commencement at Walton College. Richard's mother, Mrs. Lister, is anxiously preparing for the event while reminiscing about her late brother, Basil, whose influence looms over their lives. As the presence of music and memories evokes a mix of joy and sorrow for her, we begin to feel the weight of Basil's untold story and its impact on the family. Concurrently, a newcomer named Evan Utterly arrives in search of information about Basil's literary works, setting in motion a quest that intertwines the past with the present and reveals the complexities of familial relationships and the shadows cast by unfulfilled potential.
Katy Gaumer
"Katy Gaumer" by Elsie Singmaster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a spirited young girl named Katy Gaumer who lives with her grandparents in the idyllic yet uneventful village of Millerstown. Katy's personality is characterized by her vibrant imagination, her desire for adventure, and her aspirations for a life beyond the confines of her small town. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Katy as she eagerly journeys to the post-office to fetch her grandfather's newspaper. Amidst the winter chill, she reflects on the simple beauty of her surroundings, feeling both a connection to and a desire to break free from Millerstown's quiet life. The opening scene establishes the warm interactions within her household and introduces her quirky neighbor, Bevy, while planting the seeds of excitement over the arrival of her Uncle Daniel, who is a governor. Katy's dreams of education and her ambitions signal a longing for greater experiences, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges she will face throughout the narrative.
Emmeline
"Emmeline" by Elsie Singmaster is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, it follows the life of Emmeline Willing, a young girl who faces the harsh realities of war, including her family ties, regional loyalties, and the struggle between her desire for adventure and the demands of wartime responsibilities. The storyline captures her experiences through both the domestic sphere of her family and the tumultuous events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg. The opening of "Emmeline" introduces us to the titular character, who is a spirited 15-year-old caught between childhood dreams and the grim realities of war. We find her navigating her complicated feelings about her sister-in-law, a Southern woman, while her brother, Henry, has enlisted in the Union army. As the sounds of battle approach Gettysburg, Emmeline's initial naivety transforms into a mix of fear and determination. The narrative depicts her daily life, filled with chores and her eagerness for excitement, ultimately leading her to confront the heart-wrenching impact of war on her loved ones and the community around her. This opening sets the stage for Emmeline's journey into maturity as she learns to cope with loss, fear, and the complexities of human relationships during a time of conflict.
John Baring's House
"John Baring's House" by Elsie Singmaster is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story primarily follows Elizabeth Scott and her brother Herbert as they return to their ancestral home to start anew after the death of their mother. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the book delves into themes of heritage, community challenges, and the complexities of lingering animosities tied to the past, particularly concerning the actions of Elizabeth's grandfather, John Baring. The opening portion of the novel introduces Elizabeth and Herbert as they settle into their old family home, which has fallen into disrepair. While hopeful about reviving the property and making it a prosperous farm, they quickly realize that their grandfather's controversial past has left them socially ostracized in the community. Despite Elizabeth's firm demeanor and determination, they face hostility and suspicion from the locals, raising questions about their family's history, especially after a strange encounter with a man in the woods suggests that their grandfather may have betrayed his neighbors during the war. The sisters’ aspirations of establishing their orchard become increasingly complicated, hinting at deeper conflicts both personally and within the community as they grapple with the weight of their grandfather’s legacy.
The Long Journey
"The Long Journey" by Elsie Singmaster is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Conrad Weiser, a thirteen-year-old boy living in the ravaged village of Gross Anspach, who embarks on a perilous journey with his family and neighbors in pursuit of a better life in the New World. Themes of war, famine, and hope intertwine as the characters dream of a peaceful and prosperous future. The opening of the novel introduces the Weiser family and their dire circumstances in Gross Anspach, a village devastated by war and the harsh winter. Conrad is tasked with caring for the family's cow, Liesel, and he shares dreams of a new land filled with plentiful resources and freedom from conflict. As the family's patriarch, John Conrad Weiser, gathers the village to propose a journey to escape their suffering, hope flickers amidst their despair. The gathering resonates with a mix of resignation and anticipation as they prepare to leave their homeland for an uncertain but hopeful future.
When Sarah Went to School
"When Sarah Went to School" by Elsie Singmaster is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The book introduces Sarah, a young girl who is transitioning from a life of responsibility on a farm to the world of education and social interaction at the Normal School. As Sarah navigates her emotions and the challenges of school life, the story explores themes of growth, friendship, and the trials of adapting to a new environment. At the start of the novel, Sarah is depicted engaging in imaginative play with her younger siblings, showcasing her youthful spirit and the innocence of childhood. As she prepares to leave for the Normal School the following day, she experiences a mix of excitement and apprehension about the transition. Her supportive family, particularly her brother William and sister-in-law Laura, encourage her, but Sarah grapples with feelings of inadequacy and homesickness. The opening sets the stage for Sarah's journey of self-discovery as she learns to balance the joys of childhood with the responsibilities of growing up in a new, unfamiliar setting.
When Sarah Saved the Day
"When Sarah Saved the Day" by Elsie Singmaster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a Pennsylvania German community, focusing on a young girl named Sarah Wenner who faces significant challenges after the death of her father. As the eldest child, Sarah is thrust into the role of caretaker for her siblings amid family conflicts, particularly surrounding their farm, which her uncle seeks to take over. The opening of the novel introduces us to Sarah, who at just fifteen, shoulders the responsibility of her family's well-being following her father's passing. As tensions rise between her and her uncle, Daniel Swartz, regarding the future of their farm, Sarah's fierce determination to maintain her family's integrity and stay together with her younger siblings becomes clear. Through the interactions with her relatives and her reflection on their family's past, we witness a poignant portrait of resilience and the struggles of a young girl attempting to navigate adult responsibilities in a tumultuous environment. The narrative sets the stage for Sarah's journey as she confronts familial betrayal and fights for her rightful place and the future of her family.