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

“I think it would be a good idea. We’ll be here, but we’re four miles away. We’d never know if anyone came from the north or the west. I’m assuming the Nordhuffs would know if someone came from the south. If you’ll get us the stuff she put on the list, that would be great. Here’s some extra money. If there’s any left over, get her some nice cloth. She could use a new dress.” Mr. McAvoy blushed at the gift he was trying to arrange for his wife.


Frank smiled, trying to make him feel more comfortable. “We’d be glad to oblige.”


Mr. McAvoy waved goodbye and headed back east.


Later that afternoon, Gregory and Frank made their list. They used the back of the piece of paper Mr. McAvoy gave them.


“Don’t forget some cloth for new clothes. We’ll need some new pants for the winter, and a new shirt wouldn’t hurt,” Frank reminded Gregory.


Chapter 30