Two years after leaving Kansas, Reuben was in the field checking the growth of his corn when a well-dressed man drove up to his Iowa farm in a buggy. He looked official. Was he trouble? Reuben peered at the stranger from the cover of the field. The man got out of the rig and knocked.Continue reading “Chapter 11: Wanted Man”
Tag Archives: Thill
Melancholia
Reuben sat on the bench reflecting on the War, his marriage, his family, his sorrow, and his guilt. Beside him sat his revolver, cold, hard, loaded. Next to the gun was a crock of rye whiskey. He twisted the cork off, cradled it in the crook of his arm, and took a long swig.Continue reading “Melancholia”
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”
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”
Chapter 6: Retribution
Kapow! Kapow! Kapow! Reuben had just settled down for a good night’s sleep when he heard the three shots. There was trouble, but where? The gunfire obviously came from one of his Sugar Creek neighbors. Reuben scanned the night as he exited his canvas shelter. A red glow came from Mace Johnson’sContinue reading “Chapter 6: Retribution”
Cecil and Chip
Cecil and Chip have the run of the house, Nothing gets by them, not even a mouse. Guarding their turf with a bark and a yap, Or settling down for an afternoon nap. When Mama is sad, they’ll lick at her face, They’ll follow Papa to most any place. They’ll sleep onContinue reading “Cecil and Chip”
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”
Line Camp Christmas
The cattle have all been fed, And Bowser’s lyin’ in his bed. The fire crackles in the stove, The hackamore is finally wove. He doesn’t have a Christmas pine, A tumbleweed will do just fine. Tinsel from store-bought smokes, Good enough for most cowpokes. Ornaments from cactus fruit, Strung upContinue reading “Line Camp Christmas”
Outlaws, Outrages and Outright Lies 