Author
Frank H. (Frank Hamilton) Spearman
1859-1937
Frank H. (Frank Hamilton) Spearman (1859-1937) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Frank H. (Frank Hamilton) Spearman
Whispering Smith
"Whispering Smith" by Frank H. Spearman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the rugged landscape of the American West and revolves around the world of railroad workers and the challenges they face. The main character, Murray Sinclair, is a skilled wrecking boss who has a strong and complex personality, leading to conflicts with his superiors and fellow workers. The opening of the book introduces the aftermath of a train wreck at Smoky Creek, where we meet Sinclair overseeing the wrecking train. This segment establishes Sinclair's authoritative yet rough nature as he directs the efforts to handle the wreckage while displaying indifference towards a dying tramp caught in the chaos. The narrative captures the urgency of the scene with vivid descriptions of the men and machinery working to clear the wreck, highlighting Sinclair's prowess and leadership in a high-pressure situation. This beginning sets the stage for exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the harsh realities of working life in the railroads, laying a foundation for the unfolding drama and character interactions in the novel.
Robert Kimberly
"Robert Kimberly" by Frank H. Spearman is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the social dynamics and tensions amongst a wealthy family, particularly focusing on Robert Kimberly, a character bound by duty and business interests rather than personal relationships. The narrative appears to delve into themes of love, ambition, and the sacrifices made for familial obligations. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Robert Kimberly, his family, and their social circle against the backdrop of a dance at a local pavilion. The characters engage in lively conversation, hinting at their complex relationships and dynamics. Among them is Alice MacBirney, who navigates her new life among the Kimberlys, drawing the interest of Robert. Dialogues between characters suggest an array of tensions, expectations, and secrets, laying the ground for conflict and development as the characters interact within the sphere of social, business, and familial pressures.
Held for Orders: Being Stories of Railroad Life
"Held for Orders: Being Stories of Railroad Life" by Frank H. Spearman is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the lives of railroad workers, depicting their experiences, challenges, and camaraderie in the burgeoning days of America's railroads. Central to the opening story is the character Callahan, a switchman dealing with the tumultuous environment of the Benkleton depot, troubled by the dangers posed by local cowboys and the impending arrival of a new yard master named Shockley. The opening of the book introduces us to Callahan as he navigates his responsibilities while grappling with the threat of violence from nearby cattlemen, highlighting the intricate and often perilous world of railroad operations. He reflects on the arrival of Shockley, who has a mysterious and potentially dangerous past. As the tensions rise within the yard, particularly concerning the safety of his workers, the narrative hints at themes of loyalty, bravery, and the complexities of life on the railroad—setting the stage for a tale that combines danger with human resilience amidst the backdrop of a rapidly industrializing America.
Nan of Music Mountain
"Nan of Music Mountain" by Frank H. Spearman is a frontier novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the rugged landscapes of the American West and revolves around the lives of characters involved in gunfights, stage line management, and rivalries. The plot is driven by the interactions of characters such as Henry de Spain, a marksman caught in competition, and Nan Morgan, a skilled young shooter who bests him in a shooting contest, igniting a rivalry that blends intrigue and attraction. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Henry de Spain, who arrives in Sleepy Cat during a lively Frontier Day celebration. He faces humiliation after losing a shooting match to Nan Morgan, who is noted for her marksmanship. This defeat sets the stage for his acceptance of a job managing the Thief River stage line amidst the dangers posed by outlaws and tensions with the Morgan family. The narrative not only establishes the setting and character dynamics but also hints at future conflict as de Spain navigates his feelings towards Nan and the threatening environment of their frontier society.
The Daughter of a Magnate
"The Daughter of a Magnate" by Frank H. Spearman is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American West, it delves into themes of responsibility, ambition, and personal relationships within the railroad industry. The narrative introduces Gertrude Brock, a strong-willed young woman, alongside her family as they navigate both the beauty and peril of their environment, particularly during a tumultuous storm. At the start of the story, the Brock party is traveling on a special train through the mountains, with Gertrude expressing restlessness over being delayed due to rising floodwaters obstructing their route. The conductor shares details about the landscape and the challenges posed by nature, setting a vivid scene of their train journey and hinting at deeper troubles ahead. As the rain falls and the tension builds, the characters find themselves grappling with both physical dangers and personal dynamics, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama and interactions among the travelers.
The Nerve of Foley, and Other Railroad Stories
"The Nerve of Foley, and Other Railroad Stories" by Frank H. Spearman is a collection of railroad-related short stories written in the late 19th century. The tales revolve around the lives of railroad workers and the unique challenges they face, emphasizing themes of courage, camaraderie, and conflict within the industry. Central to these stories are characters such as engineer Foley, who exemplifies remarkable bravery and skill in various high-pressure situations. The opening of the first story introduces us to the tense environment of a railroad strike, where engineers are planning to walk out in protest. Among them is Andrew Cameron, a talented but headstrong engineer who has a young family to consider. As the story unfolds, we see the impact of the strike on the operations of the railroad and the arrival of Foley, a newcomer whose actions during a dangerous incident involving a runaway train not only display his exceptional nerve but also lead to a significant turning point in resolving tensions between the striking engineers and management. This compelling start sets the tone for the adventures and challenges faced by those working in the high-stakes world of railroads.
The Mountain Divide
"The Mountain Divide" by Frank H. Spearman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the early days of railroad construction in the western United States, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the characters in the frontier town of Medicine Bend. The central character, Bucks, is a young telegraph operator navigating both the technical challenges of his job and the social dynamics of a rough and dangerous environment. The opening of the book sets the stage in Medicine Bend, where Bucks, just arrived from Pittsburgh, is thrown into the chaos of railroad construction and the tumultuous life of the frontier. As he begins his first night on the job, he clashes with the local crowd, asserting his authority despite their rowdiness. This initial scene introduces key characters such as Park Stanley, a military officer overseeing the railroad project, and Bill Dancing, a seasoned lineman who becomes both a mentor and a protector to Bucks. The melodrama heightens with the introduction of Harvey Levake, a dubious character in the saloon crowd, hinting at the dangers that Bucks must navigate both in his new job and in the wild setting of the West. Through this gripping beginning, readers are drawn into a world of excitement, danger, and the trials of young men seeking their fortunes on the American frontier.
Laramie Holds the Range
"Laramie Holds the Range" by Frank H. Spearman is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the rugged and untamed backdrop of the American West, it explores the life and adventures of young Kate, who embarks on a journey to meet her estranged father, Barb Doubleday, a rancher known for his formidable presence and checkered reputation. As Kate navigates her way through this new environment, she encounters various characters, including the mysterious Jim Laramie, whose past and connections add layers of intrigue to her story. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Kate, a spirited young woman traveling by train to meet her father for the first time in Sleepy Cat, a remote area in the West. During her journey, she is filled with anticipation and wonder upon glimpsing the Rockies for the first time. After disembarking, she faces the challenge of reaching Doubleday's ranch. With help from locals, Kate sets off on a stagecoach ride that becomes fraught with unexpected obstacles, including a wild night spent camped out due to a raging river. As she arrives at the ranch and meets her father, the foundation is laid for a captivating exploration of her new life, fraught with tension, adventure, and the complexities of familial bonds.