Subject
Indian captivities -- 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.
Edwin Eastman
Seven and Nine years Among the Camanches and Apaches: An Autobiography
"Seven and Nine Years Among the Camanches and Apaches: An Autobiography" by Eastman is an autobiographical narrative written in the late 19th century. The book recounts the author’s harrowing experiences of captivity during his time with the Camanches and Apaches, detailing both personal trials and cultural observations. The narrative begins with Eastman’s transition from a farmer in Missouri to a victim of abduction by Native Americans, setting the stage for a vivid exploration of frontier life and conflict. At the start of the book, the author introduces the motivations for writing, emphasizing the often-ignored stories of those captured by Native Americans. He details his family’s move westward and the subsequent journey that leads to their ambush and his capture alongside his wife and brother. The tension escalates as the author recounts the harrowing attack by the Indians, the tragic loss of family members, and his ultimate captivity. Through this opening portion, the reader is immediately immersed in the emotional weight of survival, the complexities of human relationships under duress, and the gritty realities of life on the frontier.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Lost Trail
"The Lost Trail" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel set in the early 19th century that follows the adventurous journey of a young frontiersman named Jack Carleton. The story begins as Jack embarks on a quest searching for his friend Otto Relstaub, who has been spurred into a frantic gallop due to the threat of wild Indians, which was a real danger in the unforgiving wilderness of the American frontier. The book captures the essence of survival, friendship, and bravery against the backdrop of natural beauty and perils. The opening of the novel introduces Jack as he follows a horse's fleeing trail through the forests of Kentucky, tapping into the rich imagery of the landscape and Jack's acute awareness as a seasoned woodsman. As Jack navigates his environment, he encounters a cougar in a tree, highlighting his courage and composure in the face of danger. After a tense confrontation, he moves forward, worried for Otto's safety and suspecting Indian presence. The tension escalates as Jack must hide and strategize his next moves when he unexpectedly encounters Shawanoe Indians. The chapter is steeped in suspense, showcasing not only Jack's skills but also foreshadowing potential conflicts as he aims to outsmart the threats around him. Overall, the beginning of "The Lost Trail" presents an engaging introduction to the trials of frontier life and sets the stage for a tale of resilience and adventure.
T. C. (Thomas Chalmers) Harbaugh
The Island Trapper; or, The Young White-Buffalo Hunters
"The Island Trapper; or, The Young White-Buffalo Hunters" by Capt. Chas. Howard is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventurous Frontier Shack and two young boys, Charley Shafer and George Long, as they navigate the dangers of the American West, particularly focusing on their encounters with hostile Native Americans and their desire to hunt white buffaloes. The narrative is infused with themes of bravery, the spirit of adventure, and the stark realities of frontier life. The opening of this novel introduces us to Frontier Shack, a rugged frontiersman, who is accompanied by his iron-gray horse, Tecumseh. They hear music and Indian war cries, which leads Shack to investigate. He soon comes upon a group of Pawnee Indians who are torturing two captured youths, who turn out to be the boys seeking out white buffaloes. Just as the situation seems dire, Frontier Shack intervenes, brandishing his weapons to save the boys from certain death. He learns that they were part of a larger group that faced a massacre, and together they plan to rescue their companions, a pair of young women, from the clutches of the marauding Pawnees. The high stakes are set against the backdrop of intense action and the perilous nature of life on the frontier.
Frederic Remington
John Ermine of the Yellowstone
"John Ermine of the Yellowstone" by Frederic Remington is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the American West during the mid-19th century and explores the life of a mixed-race boy, John Ermine, who is adopted by the Crow Indian tribe. The narrative delves into themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the struggles between Indigenous peoples and white settlers. The opening of the novel introduces the bustling, rough-and-tumble mining town of Virginia City as miners engage in gold-digging activities, dreaming of a better life. A significant event takes place when Rocky Dan, a local gambler, excitedly shares his encounter with a white boy living among the Crow Indians. This revelation sparks a collective decision among the townspeople to mount a rescue mission to save the boy, who is believed to have been kidnapped. The chapter sets the stage for themes of loyalty, bravery, and the complex interplay between the differing cultures of Indigenous peoples and white settlers, all of which intertwine throughout John Ermine's journey.
Lettie Artley Irons
Nat, The Trapper and Indian-Fighter
"Nat, the Trapper and Indian-Fighter" by Paul J. Prescott is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Nathan Rogers, known as Wild Nat, an experienced trapper and fighter against Native American tribes in the Rocky Mountains. The narrative explores his adventures and the challenges he faces while navigating through dangerous territories, blending elements of action, survival, and encounters with various characters, including other trappers, settlers, and the indigenous peoples. At the start of the book, Wild Nat is riding through the plains when he feels a pang of hunger and stops to prepare a meal. However, he quickly finds himself in a precarious situation as he becomes surrounded by a group of hostile Indians. In a frantic bid for survival, Nat fights back fiercely before being captured and tied up, leaving him to ponder the severity of his predicament. Meanwhile, we are introduced to other characters, including Wayne Kent and Marion Verne, who become entangled in their own adventures involving encounters with Indians, showcasing the tension and unpredictability of life in the wilderness. This opening portion sets the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with danger, courage, and the enduring spirit of survival.
George L. Aiken
The Antelope Boy; or, Smoholler the Medicine Man A Tale of Indian Adventure and Mystery
"The Antelope Boy; or, Smoholler the Medicine Man" by George L. Aiken is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story presents a thrilling Indian adventure that unfolds in the American West, primarily following two boys, Percy Vere and Percy Cute, who are on a quest to find Vere's missing father, a rather eccentric man. They find themselves entangled in a conflict with Native Americans, led by the enigmatic Prophet Smoholler, and confront various challenges and supernatural elements in their pursuit. At the start of the novel, the surveying party, which includes two surveyors and American soldiers, is camped near the Columbia River. The two Percys, introduced as chain-bearers of the expedition, are characterized by their contrasting personalities, with Percy Vere being skilled and earnest, while Percy Cute provides comic relief and mischief. The camp is lively and infused with danger, as they receive a dire warning from an arrow message sent by Smoholler. The chapter sets the stage for a supernatural encounter, blending humor, adventure, and suspense, as the boys prepare to venture into the potential conflict with the Native Americans, quaking between their quest for the truth about Vere's father and the unpredictability of their surroundings.
Charles A. (Charles Albert) Curtis
Captured by the Navajos
"Caught by the Navajos" by Charles A. Curtis is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the experiences of Captain Curtis during the Civil War era, particularly focusing on interactions with the Navajo Indians as he serves in the military outposts of New Mexico. The story not only delves into the complexities of this period but also introduces the youthful characters of Corporals Frank and Henry Burton, the sons of a lieutenant colonel, as they navigate the challenges posed by their environment and the conflicts that ensue. At the start of the narrative, Captain Curtis reintroduces himself to the military camp at Santa Fé, where he encounters the young Burton brothers. As they bond over their experiences and aspirations, the tension rises as Curtis is ordered to venture into the Jemez Mountains to combat the Navajo tribes. The initial chapters present a rich backdrop of military life, camaraderie, and the stark realities of frontier warfare by emphasizing the interactions among characters and the looming threat of Native American conflicts. The chapters culminate with an immediate clash involving the Navajos, showcasing the dangers of military service against the backdrop of a beautifully harsh yet evocative landscape. This sets the stage for a series of adventures and trials shaped by the historical reality of the time.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
Mad Anthony's scouts; or, The rangers of Kentucky
"Mad Anthony's Scouts; or, The Rangers of Kentucky" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows a group of characters navigating the treacherous American frontier during a time of conflict with Native Americans. Two of the main characters introduced early on are Hezekiah Smith, a backwoodsman, and Pat Mulroony, an Irish adventurer, who quickly become friends as they venture through dangerous territories. The opening portion of the story sets the stage for an adventurous tale, highlighting the dynamic between Hezekiah and Pat as they meet by a campfire in the woods. Their dialogue reveals both humor and tension as they share their secrets and intentions while remaining wary of their surroundings. Suddenly, the prospect of danger arises when they spot signs of potential threats, leading them on a series of encounters with the wild and perils of Indian warfare. As they navigate the challenges of their environment, the groundwork is laid for thrilling adventures and tense confrontations that will test their courage and friendship.
Maro O. (Maro Orlando) Rolfe
The Phantom Rider; or The Giant Chief's Fate: A tale of the old Dahcotah country
"The Phantom Rider; or The Giant Chief's Fate: A Tale of the Old Dahcotah" by Maro O. Rolfe is a novel written in the early 1870s. The story unfolds in the North-west during a period when settlers faced dangers from both nature and native tribes. The plot centers around Vinnie Darke, the daughter of a frontier hunter, and her struggles against an Indian chief, Ku-nan-gu-no-nah, who is determined to claim her as his wife. At the start of the tale, the bleak atmosphere reflects the challenges faced by Vinnie and her father, Emmett Darke, as they prepare for a stormy night. Vinnie displays a courageous spirit as she confronts the chief's advances, while Emmett is depicted as a protective father, ready to defend his daughter against any threats. Their home, a log cabin nestled within the forest, serves as a backdrop for growing tensions, especially as Vinnie contemplates the danger posed by the chief's obsession with her. As the chapter unfolds, the reader is introduced to a rich landscape of peril and bravery, setting the stage for a gripping narrative filled with suspense and conflict.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
Dusky Dick: or, Old Toby Castor's great campaign A story of the last Sioux outbreak
"Dusky Dick: or, Old Toby Castor's Great Campaign" by Jos. E. Badger is a novel written in the early 1870s. The narrative focuses on the struggles of settlers during the Sioux uprisings and introduces the character Dusky Dick, a man with a notorious reputation whose motivations are shrouded in suspicion. As the story unfolds, the pivotal characters include Edward Wilson and his daughter Annie, who find themselves embroiled in a conflict that involves threats from both native tribes and their own neighbor. At the start of the novel, we meet Edward Wilson and his daughter Annie at their log cabin when Dusky Dick arrives with alarming news of impending Sioux unrest. While Wilson is initially wary of Dick, he recognizes the urgency of the situation. They soon learn that the Sioux plan to attack nearby settlements, and Dick proposes a controversial deal to Wilson, demanding Annie's hand in marriage in exchange for protecting their homestead. The tension escalates leading to conflict, as characters grapple with treachery, hospitality, and the looming threat of violence, setting the stage for a gripping tale of survival.
T. C. (Thomas Chalmers) Harbaugh
Midnight Jack, or The road-agent
"Midnight Jack, or The Road-Agent" by T. C. Harbaugh is a novel set during the late 19th century that explores themes of vengeance, bravery, and the clash between different cultures in the American West. The story revolves around Midnight Jack, a notorious road agent, and his quest to rescue his sister and avenge his family's honor against their Sioux captors. This work falls within the genre of adventure fiction and paints a vivid picture of the lawless era of the American frontier. The narrative follows Midnight Jack as he navigates the treacherous landscape marked by conflict between settlers and Native Americans. After his sister, Dora, is captured by Sioux warriors, Jack embarks on a perilous journey to save her, encountering various challenges including confrontations with enemies like the whisky smuggler Tanglefoot and the vile Golden George. Accompanied by allies like Rube Rattler and Gopher Gid, Jack must confront his past while striving for redemption. The climax unfolds against the backdrop of the sun-dance ritual, where Jack’s determination and courage are put to the ultimate test as he fights for his sister's freedom and faces profound moral dilemmas. Through thrilling encounters and emotional revelations, the book delivers a gripping tale of loyalty and retribution in a tumultuous period of American history.
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