Subject

Wyandot Indians -- Fiction Books

Best books

Albert W. Aiken

The skeleton scout; or, The border block

"The Skeleton Scout; or, The Border Block" by Major Lewis W. Carson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a hazardous setting during a time of conflict between settlers and Native Americans in the West. The central character is a tall, quirky Yankee named Seth Spink, whose humorous antics and bravery contrast with the tension surrounding his new allies, Captain William Floyd and the mysterious Dead Chief of the Pottawatomie tribe. This mixture of adventure, survival, and cultural encounters provides an intriguing backdrop as the characters navigate their precarious situation. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to the serene landscape alongside a great river that quickly gives way to suspense as a group of painted Native Americans, led by the chief Willimack, silently stalk a log cabin. However, the arrival of Seth Spink, who casually navigates the river on a log, disrupts the scene. His unexpected entrance leads to comedic exchanges, revealing his unique character traits. Despite the initial light-hearted tone, tension escalates when Willimack's deceptive intentions are uncovered, prompting a series of survival challenges that affect Floyd and Madge, a beautiful girl staying with the Floyd family. As the unfolding events spiral toward hostile confrontations, readers are left eager to see how Spink's exaggerated bravado and the supernatural specter known as the Skeleton Scout will intertwine to shape their fates against the looming threat from the savages.

Edward Sylvester Ellis

The phantom hunter; or, love after death

"The Phantom Hunter; or, Love After Death" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the early settlements of Kentucky and revolves around themes of justice and betrayal as it follows the wrongful punishment of Russell Trafford, who is executed for the murder of his uncle, Doctor Trafford, despite his claimed innocence. The narrative explores the intertwining lives and relationships of several characters, including the grieving Isabel Moreland, engaged to Trafford, and the nefarious Jim McCabe, who harbors ulterior motives. The opening of the novel introduces a significant event: the execution of Russell Trafford, who stands accused of murdering his uncle, Doctor Trafford, under mysterious circumstances involving a fire. The community's suspicion is fueled by circumstantial evidence, including the discovery of Trafford with an open tinder-box during the fire incident. Although the story begins with a grim and tense atmosphere as the townspeople gather for the execution, elements of love and the supernatural surface when Isabel mourns her lost love and the possibility of Trafford’s return from the grave emerges. This initial setup hints at a deeper exploration of themes like innocence, vengeance, and the hauntings of love that may lie ahead, engaging readers interested in historical romance blended with elements of suspense and potential redemption.

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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