This biography, written, but unpublished, in the 1930's by Muriel Kinney (1865-1940), follows the life of one of Ohio's early pioneers and state legislators, her grandfather, the Hon. John Carey (1792-1875). She says of him: "Although he cannot be classed as one of America's great men, he must be recognized as extraordinary". Many original letters, both family and historically significant to Ohio's early statehood, are quoted throughout this delightful visit to 19th Century America.

The author takes us on an incredible odyssey to the 1800's by describing the growing pains of a young nation and a fledgling state and the hardships endured by the early pioneers in the new territory. She utilized as her references many historical documents (researched by her before the age of the Internet) as well as family and political letters written during John Carey's tenure as a legislative figure while in Columbus, Ohio, and Washington City (now known as Washington, D.C.).

Beginning in John Carey's early years, the biography relates the story of his family's journey in the late 1790's that took them from their Virginia home to what is now the state of Ohio. Referencing John Carey's writings the biographer explains how his father, Stephen Brown Carey, instilled in him a sense of national pride that lead this young lad, at the age of twelve in 1804, to deliver the mail, alone and on horseback, from Chillicothe to Alexandria. And, at the age of nineteen, this young man was inspired to serve his country during the War of 1812. Throughout this book are accountings demonstrating the importance the Carey's placed upon patriotism, education and family, and how these early pioneers shaped the country we live in today.

John Carey's future wife, Dorcas Wilcox, in 1804, journeyed with her family, headed by her father, Roswell Wilcox, from Simsbury, Connecticut to Worthington, Ohio, to start their new life. In 1817, John and Dorcas were married beginning a lifelong relationship nurtured by love and mutual respect as evidenced by their letters written over the years while Carey was away serving his state.

Some of the letters quoted are personal accounts, such as those leading up to the Civil War which bring to light the difficulties Americans endured as they attempted to come to terms with such powerful issues as slavery and states' rights. There are excerpts from letters written by soldiers to John Carey such as one that describes life in the Union Army in 1864 and another from a nephew, a Confederate soldier, imprisoned and seeking assistance to gain his release. All of the letters and documents provide a window into a fascinating historical period.

Throughout this biography are countless examples of John Carey's integrity and work ethic along with his attempts to instill these values in his children and grandchildren. One example would be a letter written from Washington in 1860 to his family in Ohio where he says: "I am in the midst of the great men in the Capital of the Union, where politicians, demagogues and pickpockets assemble under the name of the Representatives of the people".

Muriel explains John Carey's influence in the promotion and development of railroading in the new state of Ohio. She also writes about his relationship with the Wyandot Indians who placed a high value on Carey's honesty and common sense judgment and considered him their friend.

Adding to this beautifully written biography are snippets of family history that show progression into the 20th Century. As John Carey's great-great-great granddaughter I must agree with Muriel's assessment of him: he was extraordinary.

Carol Kinney Grimes