Out of Many Waters Summary Click here to purchase.
Joseph Howdeshell grows to manhood in the sparsely settled Virginia county of Kentucky before it becomes a state. He learns early that to stay alive, a man must be hard working, wary, and never far from his weapon. He has respect for the Indian but often finds himself tested against the strength and ferocity of the Native American. The frontier keeps expanding ever westward, and in 1811 he moves his family to the territory of Missouri only to find himself immersed in catastrophic upheavals of nature and horrors of Indian atrocities during the War of 1812.
Exerpt from Out of Many Waters by C.S.Lasater. Click here to purchase.
The hunting party spread out; the better not to frighten any potential game. When he was about a mile from camp, Joseph dismounted and positioned himself. Almost at once, he spotted a large elk about a hundred yards away across a narrow ravine. He lifted his musket slowly and took careful aim. As he steadied himself and his finger began a measured pull on the trigger, the elk suddenly lifted its head, and as it did so, the whole forest seemed to erupt in sound.
Far away in the direction of the camp, hideous yells from savage throats sent chills racing through Joseph’s body. The mare was tense with ears pricked forward, trying to identify the unearthly noises. Joseph flung himself into the saddle and headed back towards the camp, his gun across his lap.
The going was slow through the trees and brush. As nervous as the mare was, she moved steadily forward, and as they drew closer to the camp, Joseph heard other screams; screams of the injured and the terrified. Suddenly, Mary came to mind. “Oh, dear God, don’t let any harm come to her,” he breathed.
“What’s goin’ on?” Robert shouted as he rode up along side.
“Must be Injuns. Where are the others?”
“Took off, I guess. I seen Wade ‘n Jasper headin’ the other way.”
“Let’s go on foot from here,” Joseph said as he quickly dismounted. They tied their horses to a tree and began jogging toward the awful sounds. As the men hurried forward, Joseph’s thoughts were racing. If the camp was surrounded and outnumbered, it would be of no help for them to go rushing into the middle of it. But, he wasn’t a coward, either. He had to do whatever he could. When they came within sight of the camp, what greeted them was even more terrifying than he had imagined.
g howdy said,
March 16, 2010 at 4:08 am
Loved the book “Out of Many Waters”.. It was like I was there and one of the HOWDESHELL’s. Thanks
cslasater said,
March 19, 2010 at 12:21 am
Tina said,
December 5, 2009 at 4:59 pm · Edit
This book is awesome…I read it wanting more, more more. Your writing style and historical knowledge has brought to life our family’s history and I am eternally grateful. Tina Wells
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Amanda Werhane said,
December 6, 2009 at 8:54 pm · Edit
I’m looking forward to reading about the Howdeshells, who intermarried with several of my ancestral lines, and shared the same pioneer experiences! Thanks!
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John Howdeshell said,
December 23, 2009 at 1:59 am · Edit
Your book is amazing. It is wonderful to bring texture and personality to our ancestors. I am going to order another one at least. I have messed this one up reading it in the bathtub. Will you sign the next one to me, too? I will put it in my bookshelf for posterity (next to my other masterpieces). Thank you for writing it.
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Anna Hecox said,
December 27, 2009 at 10:52 pm · Edit
Just a note to congratulate you on your book. I have finished reading it and really enjoyed it. You did a great job.
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Carol and Gus Henry said,
December 30, 2009 at 12:32 am · Edit
We read your book and really enjoyed it even though we are not related to the Howdeshells. It kept us interested until the very end. We highly recommend it. You are a very good writer.
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Nancy said,
December 30, 2009 at 11:54 pm · Edit
Your book is a treasure. What a poignant account of adventure, hardship, redemption, and love! Thank you for writing it and sharing it.
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Saul BenHesed said,
January 11, 2010 at 12:38 am · Edit
“Out of Many Waters” is an action-packed saga. I could not put it down. I also enjoyed the many historical insights to the pioneer days of America.
Lu Ann Jones said,
June 19, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I wanted to let you know that I read ‘Out of Many Waters’ on my Alaska trip and thoroughly enjoyed it! I found that by the end of the book, I ‘cared’ about the characters, and was sad to reach the end! Also, as I read through it, I had consistently good ‘visual images’ in my mind’s eye of the scenery and events unfolding. You did great!!!
Roxanne said,
November 10, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Found out about this today at a family funeral but had to come home and order right away. My grandfather was a Howdeshell from Crawford county.
Tammy Waldrop said,
April 28, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Just thought I’d let you know I finally found time to read your book. I really enjoyed it! You did a great job describing what life was like for so many immigrants and settlers of the frontier. I thought you did a good job “fleshing” out the characters and just the right mix of humor, drama, tension and domesticity.