Missouri Books

My father read Stephen Ambrose's book Undaunted Courage : Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West, which described the upper Missouri river as one of the most beautiful locales in the USA. We made a family trip that autumn with Missouri Outfitters [...] and at intervals, the guides would read us appropriate passages from James Schultz' book. Sometimes it was a description of a particular landmark we paddled by, or a legend of the Blackfeet Indians. Reading the complete text on our return, we discovered a reverent, sometimes poignant, evocation of a world already disappearing in 1902. Schultz had hunted the once plentiful buffalo and elk near the river, and mourned their decline in favor of sheep and cattle. He admired the Plains Indian way of life, and several vignettes document its erosion or eradication. I am glad I live in time when I can be a tourist absorbing the Missouri's beauty, but after reading this book, I can understand Schultz' lament: "There are others -- white men as well as Indians -- who would gladly see the towns and the ranches and the railroads swept from the face of the earth, if they could once more roam these plains, as they were before all such thngs came to be."

Floating On The Missouri: 100 Years After Lewis & Clark is an engaging and informative historical travelogue of James Willard Schultz and his Blackfeet wife Natahki (Fine Shield Woman) who took a small boat along the route that the historic explorers Lewis & Clark once forged through uncharted territory a century after two of America's most famous explorers. A very highly recommended compendium of anecdotes, reminiscences, history, and much, much more fill the pages of this involving and absorbing narrative.

Charles Larpenteur's capabilities as a writer, his presence in the American wilderness at a time when many were not literate, his submersion in the fur trade in positions of responsibility, all make him a unique, worthy read.

The reader is removed from the adventure fantasies and romance, carried into the day-to-day details of the life of a man who became a mountain man early in life and remained one until the trade was no longer a viable institution. A mountain man worrying about profit and loss far more than fights with wild tribesmen, a man who knows white men and studiously avoids being tricked or ruined by their wiles and their competition for trade with the Indians.

Larpenteur has been used as a reference by almost every work written about the fur trade, but his own work needs no references.

Read it.

Captivating! This is an accurate and vivid account of the day to day and year to year activities associated with the early American fur trade era. Pick up any book on this subject and you will find that this book is used as a reference. Larpenteur spent much of his time at the Fort Union trading post in present day Montana where the Yellowstone River empties into the Missouri. This is his story of how the actual trading was carried on, relationships with the Indians and resulting battles that oftentimes would occur, along with the inner relationships amongst the fur companies and military, the hardships which had to be overcome, etc. He shouldered heavy responsibilities and it is apparent that at times he would get somewhat down on himself for not accomplishing or meeting his goals. If he were alive today, he would see that his journal would erase all those self doubts and misconceptions that he had of himself. A great book.

I have read many books about the Native American people and culture but I did not expect to pick up a book on the fur trade and enjoy it. This book is interesting... high praise indeed when the subject is usually written in a dry and sedating manner. The author has blended history with fascinating bits of mythology. She has written honestly about the people and presented them with their dignity and with their flaws. There were decent and fair traders such as Alexander Culbertson who cared about the Indians, and then there were the rats who sold the killer whiskey and killed and cheated them. The author showed that the Indians were not ignorant to what was happening with their world, but that they were hopelessly outmatched by the Europeans.

Alexander Culbertson's Blood wife, Natawista was an intriguing person. She lived effortlessly in both the white and the Indian worlds; as comfortable in a ball gown as she was galloping across the prairies on her horse. Perhaps the partnership between Natawista and her husband was a major reason for his success, for he was intelligent enough to listen to her advice.

This book is highly recommended for those interested in the fur trade, and in that period of time of Native American history.

This may well be one of the best fur trade history books written and delivered to the public in the last 25 years or more.

Frontier Diplomats: The Life and Times of Alexander Culbertson and Natoyist-Siksina is much more than a biography of Culbertson (1809-1879) and his Blood (Kainah) tribe wife Natoyist-Siksina (Holy Snake) (1825-1893). This 400 page book with maps and photos is a history of the Upper Missouri River, the American Fur Company, the upper Missouri Indian tribes and the western expansion of America.

In the bible of biography of the fur trade LeRoy R. Hafen's ten volume set of The Mountain Men and the Fur Trade of the Far West, published by Arthur H. Clark Company from 1965-1972, Culbertson's biography is covered by Ray H. Mattison of the National Park Service in a mere four pages. Mattison listed 14 references and used no primary source material in preparation of Culbertson's biography.

Wischmann spent an intense thorough 10 years researching Culbertson and his wife. She examined Culbertson's journals, that of his contemporaries, his business records and the business records of the American Fur Company and other companies of the times. Culbertson was also a liaison between Upper Missouri tribes and the politicals of Washington, D.C. These records were also examined. The bibliography 14 pages of hundreds of books, journal articles, newspaper articles, government documents, unpublished resources, archival collections of university, Fort Union Trading Post National Historical Site and other forts and posts of the west and state historical societies.

Wischnmann said that she was concerned about her lack of prior knowledge about the fur trade. This was not a hindrance but an immense help in that she goes back to the beginning of the Fur Trade era examining its development through Lewis and Clark and on through the St. Louis, Mo. company's exploitation of the tribes as fur and hide sources. She takes the history from the beaver to the hide trade to the delivery of annuities for the tribes as treaties with the "Great White Father" were made, signed and violated through the 1870s. She takes the time to give the background information so the setting is known during the time Culbertson was active as a part of this historical period in American development.

Culbertson was born near Chambersburg, Penn. to a Scottish-Irish family in 1809. He worked for his uncle on the frontiers of Florida and Minnesota before joining the American Fur Company in 1833. He headed west to Fort McKenzie near present-day Fort Benton, Mont. serving the Blackfeet. In 1840 he was put in charge of Fort Union near present-day Williston, N. D.

Culbertson and his wife worked together in creating good and relations with the upper Missouri tribes. John Ewers of the Smithsonian Institution described Natoyist-Siksina, or Natawista, as her family called her, as comparable to Sacagawea of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Culbertson and Natawista worked for more than 30 years to forge relations between the whites and the tribes of the Upper Missouri.

Culbertson founded and built Fort Benton, the "birthplace of Montana." He had a reputation as an honest trader which helped negotiate the end of the 1833 Crow siege of Fort Mckenzie. He also hosted a multitude of ministers, artists, world travelers, scientists and government surveyors during his tenure on the Upper Missouri.

They are referenced in the journals of John James Audubon, Charles Larpenteur, Nicholas Point and Pierre Jean DeSmet, among others. Culbertson was instrumental in the success of the Fort Laramie Treaty Conference of 1851, guiding the 1853 Northern Pacific Railroad Survey party under Isaac Stevens and played key roles in negotiating the treaty with the Blackfeet tribes in 1855 and other treaties in following years.

This is Wischmann's first book, an Arthur H. Clark Company publication released October, 2000. The book is Volume XXVIII of the Arthur H. Clark Company's Western Frontiersman Series. The red linen cloth book is printed on acid-free paper and with a foil-stamped spine and front cover, no dust jacket and was issued as a 750 limited edition and no doubt will go out of print quickly.

This thoroughly researched account of John Smith T is much more than a biography. The reader is introduced to an unsettling chapter in American history when the thirst for wealth and power resulted in treachery, murder, and warfare under the guise of westward expansion for the common good. Insight is offered into the ties between Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas power brokers as well as the inablility of the Federal Government to control land-grabbing conspiracies. "Frontier Swashbuckler" paints and intirely different picture of early settlement than the noble mountain man and covered wagon we're more familiar with.

This book is a MUST read for those interested in USA and/or Missouri frontier history. Dr. Steward has a penchant to use highly descriptive word usage, which adds greatly to the reader's learning experience.

This is another volume culled from the 10-volume MOUNTAIN MEN AND THE FUR TRADE OF THE FAR WEST by LeRoy R. Hafen. The men chosen for inclusion here were all associated with the fur trade in the Upper Missouri region. Some of the trappers and traders dealt with are John F.A. Sanford, Charles Larpenteur, Alexander Culbertson, William Laidlaw, and J.B. Moncravie. Personalities run the gamut from honorable and intelligent (Moncravie and Kenneth McKenzie, for example) to brave and able (just about everybody). The biographies are encyclopedic: all known pertinent facts are given, but not expanded on. I wish for this volume Hafen had perhaps broadened the category for inclusion a bit, because the book is about half the length of companion volumes; most of the biographies are only a few pages long. Other than that, it's an excellent source for biographical information on important figures of the Upper Missouri trade.

This book offers some very good, concise descriptions of eighteen lesser known fur trappers,traders and mountain men of the early American west. After reading several books on this subject myself,there were some names I never came across before who were very instrumental during this time period: James Kipp, Gabriel Franchere, William Laidlaw, David Dawson, William Gordon and John Sanford to mention a few. Each one of these men's lives had obstacles of hardships, disasters, frustrations, etc. to overcome and all had something to do with the founding and development of the early American west in one way or another. It was a fun book to read and the bibliographies in each chapter simply 'whet the appetite' to read more about these interesting early frontiersmen.

This book manages to smoothly move along several tracks. The historical track captures vividly the amazing
risks taken by families during that brief period of western expansion before the golden spike changed it
forever. The contemporary journey with Braden's family is full of hilarious observations of various things and people found along what's left of the Oregon Trail. The stops in what pass for "campgrounds" and the characters
encountered there made me put down the book to laugh. The third track, which was perhaps the most compelling, was the author's attempt at chasing down and describing some aspect of the American character that still permeates modern living, an ongoing search for deeper resonances than appear on the surface. I was struck by how he managed to conjure up intimations of this in me. Little shadows of epihanies hiding between
the words in this casually told but utterly engrossing tale.

This is a wonderful intermixing of a contemporary family and a historical account of a journey west following the trail of the early settlers as they traced the path of the 1840 wagon trail to Oregon. It fully recognizes the tragedies and challenges of the early settlers while sharing the humorous adventurous of the struggling efforts of the author's own family. A very good read!

What a great book on some wonderful mansions! The photographs are fabulous, but I'd like to see more of them. Information on each home includes year built, original cost, square footage, number of rooms, architectural style, name of architect and even the style of furniture! The text gives detailed info about the homes (construction and materials used) and surrounding areas. I hope the author considers doing a "sequel" for governor's mansions around the country!

I am a librarian in Texas, and I found this to be wonderful book for any collection! This volume presents a stunning architectural tour of the twelve governors' mansions of the Midwest. The unique grace and content of this book makes it a must-have for those who appreciate architectural style, as well as travelers and those who are native to the Midwest. Each mansion has its own chapter, complete with exquisite photographs that capture the impressive interior and exterior of each building. Each of the governors' mansions has a unique story to tell, and the author has captured the essence of each story through the details of the construction, the style, and anecdotes of the various First Families. Each mansion has had its share of First Ladies who have left their imprint and their sense of style. These mansions are far more than just dwellings for the governors and their families; they are cultural symbols for each state. Bravo to the author for writing a book of history, culture, architecture, and beauty. I hope we can look forward to more volumes on the rest of the fifty states.

Sue Hall, Librarian

Clyde Robert Bulla is my uncle. Every year on my birthday my aunt Maude, his sister would send me a book written by him. This one was very special for the obvious reasons. I highly recommend this, as well as any of his stories to anyone. A great read.

This book is an autobiography about the first ten years of Clyde Robert Bulla's life.
Clyde faced many adventures in his life. One of these was when he lost his memory in a
horrible accident. Once he almost burned his own house down. Another time
he learned how to swim. There are many more exciting events.

Clyde knew he wanted to become a writer when he was in first grade! This is a great book to read if you want to learn more about Clyde Robert Bulla.

Written by Danny and Nathan (Third Grade)

After inheriting the showboat the Jubilee Palace, The Barlows, mother Lillian daughter Gwen and brother Preston leave their staid existence in a small town and perform shows along the rivers of America. Their latest stop is Moss Hollow, Kentucky; an insular village that makes the star of the show Marianne Dresden acts very peculiar. Instead of acting like her casual out going self, she hides in her stateroom.

Gwen learns the reason the star is acting despondent and reclusive is because she came from this town and her real name is Mary Alice Kobb who left home in disgrace. Her father, a stern emotionally abusive man wants her to come home which she refuses to do and after the performances his body is found dead. The sheriff refuses to let the Jubilee leave until the murderer is caught and when another killing occurs, Gwen decides to snoop never realizing that she will be caught in a killer's trap.

Readers who like exciting amateur sleuth novels set in an American historical setting near the turn of the twentieth century will find the Jubilee showboat mysteries a pure delight. Cynthia Thomason creates characters that are easy to like and places then in situations that range from the comical to dangerous sometimes in the same scene. She creates a picture of a bygone era, one this reviewer finds enchanting.

Harriet Klausner

The Jubilee Palace showboat has stopped for a performance in Moss Hollow, Kentucky. It is soon discovered that Moss Hollow is the birthplace of the troupe's lead actress, Marianne Dresden.

Apparently Marianne Dresden was born Mary Alice Kobb and left her parents' cabin and a big secret and ran away from the river town. The town appears to be run by the Diggers family. Everywhere Gwen Barlow turns, there is another member of the Diggers family.

Gwen's mother inherited the Jubilee Palace and now lives on it with her daughter Gwen and her son Preston.

After the performance, Mary Alice's father is found murdered on the showboat, grounding it in Moss Hollow until the investigation is completed. Gwen had so hoped they could leave right after the performance to avoid problems with the Kobb family.

In an attempt to free the Jubilee so it can move on, Gwen begins to investigate the murder to try to assist the sheriff. She soon finds that many people had reasons to see Mr. Kobb eliminated. In her attempts to find the truth, she has to deal with small-town prejudice and a country preacher who takes a fancy to Gwen. Then there's the crude moonshiner who once dated Mary Alice. Mary Alice wants nothing to do with anyone in Moss Hollow.

Gwen is happy to have the handsome showboat captain, Carson Stockwell, assisting her in the investigation and protecting her when needed.

Before the Jubilee is finally freed to go, a miracle arrives for Gwen. Can Gwen solve the murder without putting herself in harm and losing a chance at the miracle?

I love this series set on an old showboat. The characters are so enjoyable. So many different personalities and yet it is easy to keep them straight as you read. The author has done a great job of creating them and making them come to life. I feel as if I've been aboard the showboat when I'm reading.

Gwen is a fun, but determined young woman. She has to be to be able to run the Jubilee. But there are some twists in this book that make her relook at her life.

I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next one.

This book truly is a delight. I could easily imagine being there and experiencing the hardships as well as the precious memories Nell exerienced throughout her life. I was captured by the love of the family members, although not show physically, it was an awesome and strong bond. It seemed to enable them to face the hardships and enjoy the good times all the more. I would highly recommend this book. It is a refreshing glimpse into ordinary lives that were lived in extraordinary times.

It always warms my soul to read stories of true life experiences told from the heart of those who lived them. In this work by author Nell M. Berry I was privileged to share the memories of her youth and her beloved family during his growing up years in Missouri.
Told in refreshing simplicity, the author shares numerous happenings of her childhood and the meaning and impact they had upon her life. Raised during the depression area, Ms Berry relates the hardships her family endured, but also shows the spirit of unity of family to survive through hard times. In this work, she communicates to the reader the commitment of friends, the importance of love, and the appreciation of the smallest blessings.
I found this book to be truly heart-felt in it's meaning. A sharing of an era perhaps forgotten by many, never known by some, yet one that is etched in the portals of time. A book about days of yesteryear that have helped fashion the world we live in.
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review