Westward Expansion

This is an exciting look into the Westward Movement beginning in 1793 through 1906. The focus is on the characters such as Lewis and Clark and their expedition once the Louisiana Purchase was complete. Other characters include such daring men as Kit Carson, Jeremiah Johnson, Daniel Boone, David Crockett, Jim Bridger and many many more. Our characters were Soldiers, Scouts, Guides, Trappers, Traders and business men of the times. The adventures are taken straight from Newspapers of the era. These are not fictional accounts; but real adventures captured from real Newspapers. You will discover new Heroes, Villains, and Tragedy's. This book will give insight to the early American life of the Mountain Men that carved the path to open territories from Louisiana to the Pacific Ocean.

This is a non-fiction book that opens the adventures of many historic characters (Kit Carson, Jeremiah Johnson, Daniel Boone, David Crockett, Jim Bridger and many many more). The stories are taken straight from the Newspapers of the time. Our time frame is from 1793 to 1906. An example of a true story found in the Gazette of the United States & Evening Advertiser. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1793-1794 UNITED STATES. BOSTON, March 28. PIRATES-some particulars of them. The brig Betsey, belonging to Mr. Daniel Sargent, of this town, and commanded by Joseph-Saunders of Cape Ann, failed from this port, in September last, for Balboa, and safely arrived there. Some of the crew, fearful of falling into the hands of the Algerines on her homeward bound passage, left the brig, which obliged Capt. Saunders to ship other hands. Accordingly he took on board one Flemish, an Italian, and a Portuguese sailor - who, when at sea, rose upon the vessel, entered the cabin, and killed a passenger by the name of Wood, belonging to New-London, in Connecticut, who had sold some cargo in Balboa, and had on board the Betsey the proceeds of the same, which the Pirates being acquainted with, occasioned the horrid deed, in hope of sordid gain. They like-wise attempted the lives of the Captain and Mate, the former of whom received three dangerous wounds, notwithstanding which they were drove out of the cabin. The master, mate, and one boy contrived ways to secure themselves in the cabin, by fastening, the companion and cabin doors. The pirates, not long after, being destitute of provisions, demanded some of the captain; upon being refused they drew lots for one of two lads that were on deck, which to destroy; and then informed the Captain that one of his boys on deck would soon be killed, except be furnished them with provisions. The Captain knowing it to be in his power to preserve the life of human being, and actuated by the feelings of humanity, consented thereto. Five days after, one of the lads espied fail near the Western-Islands, and secretly informed Capt. S. of the same; who in the evening hung a lantern or light out of the cabin window by means of which she was taken by British letter of marque, and carried into Barbados. The pirates were confined in irons and sent to this port. They arrived here on Saturday last in the brig Betsey, and were committed to jail yesterday, for trial. Captain Saunders is nearly recovered of his wounds; being well attended to by the skillful Doctor which was on board the letter of marque. The Mate likewise was stabbed in three places, but is recovered. One of the enjoyments of the book is the language being used, the spelling used (or lack thereof) and the obvious insertion of attempted humor by the News Correspondents.

A good deal of my childhood reading was about History. The stories of Davy Crockett, Kit Carson, Daniel Boone, Geronimo, Crazy Horse, Wyatt Earp and the long list of a young boy's heroes kept my interest. In later years the wife and I began exploring Genealogy back in the 70's. We had somewhat of a shared hobby. As a teen there was a variety of common jobs. Following graduation from high school the Army was my next adventure. I was Military Police in Vietnam, later stationed at Fort Hood Texas as Military Police. Following the army there were some opportunities as a Disc Jockey and Program Director for 4 or 5 Texas and Oklahoma Radio stations. Missing the study of History helped me decide to go to college. Completing a Bachelor's degree with a double major in History and Education was exhilarating (even with a Wife and three boys). There was full time work as a Municipal Police Officer while earning the Bachelor's Degree. A little extra money was earned by joining the Army Reserve and earning my Drill Sergeant Hat. A few years later opportunity came to became a Human Resource Director for a small municipality in Oklahoma. Then, years later back to school to earn a Master's in Human Resource Development. Back to school again; this time for a Doctorate in Adult Education. Teaching for Webster University, DeVry University, University of Phoenix and Western Governor's University was rewarding, but out of the history/genealogy circle which was more interesting to me. Retirement came about four years ago and now am content with studies of History and Genealogy. As a result, eight Genealogy books have been written (unpublished) for family members. My upcoming book is about Westward Expansion - News of the Westward Movement. This is about the period of the Louisiana Purchase and covers information from 1793 to 1906. The information in the book is straight from actual newspapers of the era. You can read about the Lewis and Clark expeditions, characters such as Daniel Boone, Jeremiah Johnson, Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and many more. Of the 80 plus characters in the book, 25 of them are my cousins ... and yes, I can prove it. Gearing up to work on a new book which will deal with actual news accounts of the Civil War. It was surprising how much information was actually printed during the war. The newspapers of the day were giving great detail about some of the major military campaigns and printed their stories the following day. My mother came from a family Surname "Wise". I am a descendant of Oliver Wise. Oliver was born approx. 1040 in England. We have researched proof that Oliver was at the Battle of Hastings in the year 1066. The Wise Family had a family motto: "Dare to Learn". Now that's a piece of History!