This book tells of family life in an age past. Being an avid reader and history buff, it reminds me of stories and events that my grandmother told me about during her lifetime. It is my hope that readers enjoy the book as much as I did. Thanks, John! Jonna H. { Wishek } Hochhalter - Wishek, ND I truly enjoyed the opportunity of proofreading John's book. It was very interesting to see how he was able to tell the story using those private journals that he received. It's no wonder that he's received inquiries from readers asking if they are true stories. John brings the hardships and joys that the characters experienced back when Western America was expanding. Thanks. Mrs. (Rev. Lyle) Ruth Klemz - Lehr, ND I think this is a book for all ages. It tells of a time when our America was just beginning to expand its horizons to the western part of the US in 1849 - 1850. The story shows the hardships of travelers and other people on the rivers. A great, clean story that has appropriate language for anyone, no bad words. This book has so many good short stories, you are bound to enjoy most of them. Please enjoy them, as we did. Thanks John. As summed up from others. Brought your-self over here and sit a spell and I'll tell you this story. A story that was captured from entries within many journals. There are so many good short stories to tell, the kind folks tell about grand fathers, grand mothers, the family black sheep, uncle, aunts, brothers, sisters, and school mates. You know, like good tails of hunting, fishing, camping, bad scary storms, of people's travels, and of odd situations. You know the kinds of stories told around the kitchen table, when the little kids are out playing, when relatives or visitors are sharing. Good stories sparked by a crackling campfire, that is remembered, old history and funny stories. Stories wrapped in the hot sun, or of food lost in the camp fire, in the wet and cold camp. Great stories are like beans, ones that stick to you. Stories shared with family and the rest of you readers to enjoy. For me and you, as the spelling, people's entry and wording, as me before you are the way the journals were written, I think it is best if it stays this way. In September of 1986, some of the journals were reviewed by a member of Lawton, OK. County Historical Commission who says, yes the journals was written about the 1850's. Without any extra funds for more research they were returned and later went to John. In 1987, following his nose for historical adventure from his home state Iowa and out to North Dakota, he went through the pages of journal history, and he decided to investigate. He found a grandparent's story for us all in this adventure. This story is compiled from many journals parts, written by the four children and other adults. It really started back in Iowa, in the spring of 1849 when two families, amalgamated; four deaths due to smallpox and the rest decide to move from Iowa, to St. Louis, and then move to Montana. Tells of their family adventures on the Mississippi and now their winter in Missouri. Stories that are suitable for all ages. This story part focuses on the remaining family, each is given a journal by their mother and they begin to record their daily life, people they reacted with, events and some more good adventures with their Uncle James West and some paddle wheeler captains. In a time when America was beginning to expand its into the northwest and tells of the lives of paddle wheeler Captains, ship crew, Indians and people, folks who lived next to the river. This was written to activate the imagination of folks of all ages. People may understand how to endure life's tragedies today. How folks, young and old, can endure life's tragedies and then leap for joy over each of their victories.