Frank Greerson and Gregory Young have been discharged from the Army and are headed to their childhood homes. They both defied their parents in 1861 when they joined the Army. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union of the United States of America, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Once they find their claim, they encounter common obstacles to life on the Kansas Prairie in 1866: Native Americans, tornadoes, wild animals, and weather.<br><br>When a prairie fire destroys their crops and takes their neighbor’s lives, Frank and Gregory are instructed to find their young son’s aunt. Faced with leaving a destroyed claim, the railroad coming through their land, and dwindling funds, Frank and Gregory must decide whether to leave the place they have worked hard to make their own or fulfill their friends' dying wishes.

A Place to Call Their Own

“You run now, boy, but you just wait ‘til I get a hold of you. Not even your mother can save your hide this time,” Young bellowed after him.


“Frankie, you ready?” Gregory asked.


“I’m glad your father didn’t ruin your love of animals,” Frank said as he climbed onto the wagon seat.


Gregory rolled his eyes, shrugged his shoulders, and giddyaped the nervous horses into motion. Both men hoped the weight of the wagon would break their spirits so they would become good farm horses once the men found their claims.


Already weary from a month of travel, Frank and Gregory continued on their journey with their new team and guard dog, Sally. Their lone wagon ambled across Eastern Kansas like a lone buffalo roaming across the wide open prairie. First, they traveled to Atchison, then nearly to Topeka, where they turned south and headed for the border near Indian Territory.


“When will we know where to stop?” Frank asked Gregory.


Chapter 19