Subject
Frontier and pioneer life -- Ohio -- Fiction Books
Best books
Albert W. Aiken
The Wolf Demon; or, The Queen of the Kanawha
"The Wolf Demon; or, The Queen of the Kanawha" by Albert W. Aiken is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set against a backdrop of turmoil and conflict between indigenous tribes and settlers, the story follows a cast of characters caught in the struggle for survival and power amid mystique and horror. Key figures include the formidable hunter Daniel Boone, the young and beautiful Virginia Treveling, and a mysterious entity known as the Wolf Demon, whose brutal attacks create havoc for the Shawnee tribe. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the eerie, atmospheric setting of the wilderness, where nature's beauty is contrasted with the lurking danger represented by the Wolf Demon, a creature with the body of a wolf and the face of a man. The narrative quickly shifts to the tense interactions between Daniel Boone and a fellow hunter named Abe Lark, who both witness a horrific murder committed by this supernatural entity. The scene culminates with the introduction of Virginia and Harvey Winthrop, who discover their feelings for each other, only to be interrupted by violence and impending danger. The opening effectively sets the stage for a thrilling saga filled with adventure, romance, and a fight against unseen malevolent forces.
William Dean Howells
The Leatherwood God
"The Leatherwood God" by William Dean Howells is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in the early 1800s in a rural settlement where the arrival of a mysterious figure known as the Leatherwood God sparks a fervent religious revival. The story delves into the lives of the local settlers, notably focusing on characters like Matthew Braile and the enigmatic Dylks, who emerges as a charismatic preacher and captivates the community with his claims of divine authority. At the start of the novel, the peaceful setting of Leatherwood Creek is introduced, along with its inhabitants and their simple lives centered around agriculture and spirituality. The story reveals a village shaped by religious fervor yet marked by varying beliefs and inner conflicts. The opening chapters depict a series of conversations between the local characters, such as the skeptical Matthew Braile and the enthusiastic Abel Reverdy, as they discuss the recent camp meeting where Dylks made a striking impression. Dylks's sudden appearance, along with his strange behaviors—including a loud snort that captivates the attendees—sets the stage for a brewing storm of devotion and doubt within the community. The solid foundation of their beliefs begins to tremble as his influence spreads, hinting at the internal and external conflicts that will arise as the narrative progresses.
Martha Finley
The Thorn in the Nest
"The Thorn in the Nest" by Martha Finley is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the late 18th century, the story centers around Kenneth Clendenin, a recently graduated doctor preparing for a journey to the Northwestern Territory, which is the area that later becomes Ohio. The narrative explores themes of family bonds, courage, and the challenges of pioneer life, particularly through the relationships Kenneth has with his family, especially with his mother and younger sister, Marian. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Kenneth as he returns home after completing a significant phase of his medical training. The opening chapter provides a vivid description of his home and family life, showcasing the strong emotional ties and impending separation that arise as he prepares to embark on a journey to fulfill his aspirations as a physician. The interactions among Kenneth, his loving mother, and sister reveal the warmth of their family relationship, yet are tinged with sadness as they face the challenges of his departure. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for Kenneth's adventures and the trials he will confront in both his professional and personal life as he navigates the complexities of building a new future in a frontier environment.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Riflemen of the Miami
"The Riflemen of the Miami" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around a group of frontier riflemen, particularly focusing on the character Lewis Dernor, who leads a rescue mission to save a woman captured by Shawnee Indians. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the American wilderness, highlighting the perils faced by settlers during a time of conflict between Native Americans and expanding white settlements. The opening portion of the book introduces us to the Riflemen as they stealthily track a group of Indians who are transporting a captive girl through the woods. The main characters, including Lewis Dernor, his brothers George and Dick, and their companion Tom O'Hara, are depicted as skilled hunters and woodsmen, characterized by their ruggedness and keen senses. As they cautiously observe the Indians, they strategize a rescue plan. The group remains hidden as they discuss their next moves, showing their determination and camaraderie. The tense buildup establishes a vivid scene of the dangers that lie ahead, setting the stage for the dramatic encounters between the hunters and the Indians as they attempt to save the captive woman.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Ranger; Or, The Fugitives of the Border
"The Ranger; Or, The Fugitives of the Border" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds during a tumultuous time on the U.S. frontier, focusing on the experiences of George Leland and his sister, Rosalind, as they navigate the dangers posed by hostile Native Americans. The narrative explores themes of survival, bravery, and the bonds of family against a backdrop of imminent peril. The opening portion of the narrative introduces George and Rosalind Leland, who live in a large home in southern Ohio after being orphaned. As they converse about recent ominous reports of Indian attacks, their fears are confirmed when they realize they are surrounded by danger. Zeb, their loyal servant, shares his humorous yet alarming experiences with the indigenous people, which highlights the tension and underlying threat to their safety. The scene paints a vivid picture of the setting and the relationships among the characters, as the siblings prepare for the potential of a fierce confrontation with the Native Americans, setting the stage for the unfolding adventure.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
Oonomoo the Huron
"Oonomoo the Huron" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set during a time of conflict between Native American tribes and settlers, focusing on the life of a Huron Indian named Oonomoo and his interactions with various characters, including settlers and fellow Indians. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, love, and the daily struggles of both Native Americans and settler life as they navigate through a world marked by war and cultural clash. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Hans Vanderbum, a Dutchman married to an Indian woman, Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock. The scene unfolds in an Indian village in Ohio, showcasing their family dynamics, including their mischievous children. Vanderbum's lazy temperament contrasts sharply with the more active lives of those around him. As he embarks on various fishing attempts, he encounters Oonomoo, who is dealing with the aftermath of a Shawnee raid and is seeking to rescue a captured friend. The chapter sets the tone for the complexities of relationships in a world of cultural intermingling, anticipating the adventures and challenges that Oonomoo will face as he attempts to navigate the dangers posed by rival tribes.
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