This book which was originally written in 1838, contains the true life stories of four of the greatest pioneers and frontiersmen who ever lived and participated in the early settlement of the territory northwest of the Ohio River which was opened for settlement by the Ordinance of 1787. In those days the old growth forest spread her canopy over the land and in her shadows lurked dangers of every kind. Many unwary pioneers and settlers lost their lives in wresting this land from the Indians who claimed it for their own and were willing to fight and die to keep it.

The author, John McDonald not only knew these men personally, he also shared in many of the same adventures right along with them. His first hand knowledge and experience of the events shows itself in his writing.