Tag Archives: Bleeding Kansas

Chapter 10: Mayhem

Reuben was surprised to see his friend James Mongomery brushing past the crowd gathered in front of the Barnes General Store, which served as the Post Office and Polling Place for the brand-new hamlet of Sugar Mound. Had Mongomery changed his mind about boycotting the vote on the Lecompton Constitution, he wondered. Election day wasContinue reading “Chapter 10: Mayhem”

Chapter 9: 1857

“This court is now in session. Would the defendants please rise?” The three men looked around as if seeking allies in the crowd. Two of them slowly began to stand. “Git yer sorry ass up!” demanded the farmer serving as both guard and bailiff. He nudged the reluctant man with the butt of his SharpsContinue reading “Chapter 9: 1857”

Margaret

            There she was, her long dark hair flowing behind her as she ran toward the approaching wagon. “Reuben!” she exclaimed as the long months of worry washed away. The runabout rolled to a stop as Reuben leapt out. They ran toward each other in great anticipation, nearly colliding as Reuben’s arms folded around her.Continue reading “Margaret”

Chapter 7: Sam

            “Sam?” Reuben asked dumbfounded.             “You heard me Brother DeLay. You are taking Sam with you,” Montgomery retorted.             Many thoughts ran through Reuben’s mind as he pondered Montgomery’s demand. Sam was the slave he encountered on his first day in Linn County. How could he get him safely out of Kansas? What wouldContinue reading “Chapter 7: Sam”

Unbowed: The Saga of a Civil War Cavalryman-Index

I am in the process of converting my research on the life of my ancestor, Reuben DeLay, into a work of historical fiction. As each draft chapter is completed, I will post it here. Readers are invited to follow my blog to stay up-to-date on the book’s progress at: Blog – Outlaws, Outrages and OutrightContinue reading “Unbowed: The Saga of a Civil War Cavalryman-Index”

Chapter 4: Squatter

Chapter 4: Squatter             Kablam!             The man had jumped into the road from behind a bush. The first shot from his pistol was a warning, aimed over Reuben’s head. Now the gun was leveled at him. Before he could even think about grabbing the musket by his side, two more men emerged from theContinue reading “Chapter 4: Squatter”

Chapter 3: Montgomery

  “Hold up there!” called someone from behind. Startled out of the monotony of the trail, Reuben looked back. A rider was approaching. He looked like a rough, crude frontiersman; shaggy beard and all. Reuben brought the wagon to a halt and waited.             “Hello friend,” said the man as he approached Reuben’s perch onContinue reading “Chapter 3: Montgomery”

Damn Yankee

   “Git offa mah property you damn Yankee som beech!” commanded the little man with the tobacco-stained teeth. “And stay away from mah Niggah, you heah?”             Reuben’s first encounter with the residents of Linn County had rapidly gone south. He could tell the little man meant business because his hand had moved to theContinue reading “Damn Yankee”