Daniel Boone: Wilderness Scout

by Stewart Edward White

When we think of American pioneers we recall automatically certain names-Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Kit Carson, perhaps Simon Kenton. Of course there were hundreds, yes, thousands of others, who met the same dangers, exhibited at least approximate skill, fought the same savages. But the names of most of them are and of the rest only the especial student is aware. Often the more obscure men have performed specific deeds that common legend ascribes to better knowa names. Columbus, as we know, was really not the first to discover America. Common belief has it that Daniel Boone **discovered** Kentucky; but actually, as we shall see, he first entered Kentucky lured by the glowing tales of a man named Finley who had, with others, preceded him. Did you ever hear of Finley? But we have all heard of Boone...

Genres: Biography, History, Classics, Historical, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

From about 1900 until about 1922, he wrote fiction and non-fiction about adventure and travel, with an emphasis on natural history and outdoor living. Starting in 1922, he and his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Grant White wrote numerous books they claimed were received through channelling with spirits. They also wrote of their travels around the state of California. White died in Hillsborough, California.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars & 10/10 hearts. This is my second favourite book ever. And I do not say that lightly. I have been a book lover for all of my life. I have read hundreds of books. I have dozens of books that I love. What makes this one so special?

This book is a biography—one of the best I’ve ever read. White does not only stick to Boone’s life, but also gives shows his times and surroundings with plenty of anecdotes and information, making Boone stand out all the more. The writing is very well done. Humorous, incisive, honest, it has all the beauty of simplicity and is both easy and enjoyable to read.

The hero of this book is a quiet, unassuming man. I had no interest in Daniel Boone before, but this book revealed him to me as a man to be admired. Every time I read it, I come away with more respect. He was a loyal man; an honest one; a kind one; a beloved one. Both his enemies and his friends admired him and even loved him. Few men can boast of this.

But besides Boone, this book also tells of Logan, Kenton, Cornstalk, and dozens of other interesting men, women, and children, well worth learning about. The stories abound. You are plunged into the excitement and uncertainty of mid-1700s America. The author is singularly fair-minded towards everyone, dispensing blame and praise where it is due, alike on Briton, American, and Indian.

This is a wonderful book, not only because of the main personage, such an amazing person; not only because of all the information concerning tools, manners, people, food, and so forth of backwoods America; but also because of the wisdom and common sense it has, teaching much about being a worthwhile person. It’s motivating, encouraging, and inspiring. I have reread it every year since 2016, and I still recommend it with all my heart. I cannot yet write a review worthy of this gem, but I hope to someday; and meanwhile, I hope you’ll try it out.

Content: some mentions of tortures.

A Favourite Quote: Drawing a moral is a priggish thing to do. Such a life speaks for itself. Yet one cannot help asking oneself why Boone's fame stands out so predominantly above the other forest men of his time. George Rogers Clark, for example, with his bold, picturesque, and successful campaigns would seem to have performed greater military service to the struggling settlements; Simon Kenton had as thrilling adventures. The answer is, in character. The picture that persists at the last is not the smoke and dust of battle and combat, but the figure of a serene, unworldly, kindly soul, fronting what fate brought him, whether of peace or of turmoil, with spirit unruffled and unafraid.
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: The clear brilliant dome of heaven had veiled. The aloof stars had dimmed, then had withdrawn one by one until the arch of the firmament was black. A little wind had sighed through the forest, a wind from the south, that in happier times would have carried with it the scent of damp things and the sound of croak-frogs. The night drew down closer and closer above the treetops. The little wind grew. And then with a crash and a flash, as though the "big gun" had again spoken, the sudden torrential thunderstorm of summer hot weather broke. Instantly the roofs began to stream. The brilliance of the fires was dimmed, flickered, died to dull redness, went out. Complete darkness took possession; and shortly complete silence, except for the roar of falling rain and the tinkle and drip of running water.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: So when the small Indian war parties finally swooped they got results, and several men were, as Boone spelled it, "killed and sculped." This brought about a panic among a great many of the newcomers. They had come into the country on the understanding that the Indians had made peace, and being "sculped" did not look very peaceful to them! A great many became panic-stricken and started back for Kentucky, for they had less than no relish to be caught in an Indian war. They had seen such things at first hand. Boone himself was undaunted. He sent a letter to Henderson stating in unexcited terms the "sculping," that the "people were very uneasy," and advising him that it would be a very good idea if he would hurry up in support. Boone had no information as to whether Judge Henderson had, yet started on his way; but as a matter of fact, that vigorous and energetic gentleman, three days after the signing of the treaty, had left Wantaga with a party that included forty mounted riflemen.

[Dennis F. Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Boone: Wilderness Scout

Simply superb. A must read for all fans of the early frontier. Daniel Boons was a one of a kind who not only blazed a trail through the wilderness but, was a states man and exceptional Indian fighter. Cheated out of his rightfully homesteads on several occasions by unscrupulous politicians, Boone continued to serve his country most admirably. One of the greatest hero's in American history.

[Tracy Sadowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history, but written in the 1920s, so not so PC

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Julian Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great delve into a cool time period. Very interesting approach to writing non-fiction (as an intermittent narrative with a protagonist). They kiss the dudes ass a little too much.

[Kelsey Grissom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This “biography” was written in the 1920’s and, in the style of the time, is more hagiography than biography. I read it as I would a Western, and it was fun.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea how instrumental the British were in inciting the Native Americans to massacre (scalp) the pioneers during the Revolution, and I now understand why they call parts of Kentucky & Tennessee "bloody ground". Unfortunately, the book almost ended on a sour note for me when I read that the United States took Boone's land away from him 3 times on false technicalities. Our government sure hasn't changed much. He saved so many & discovered so much it's truly amazing. This book will give you a true glimpse of Native Americans & some of our first "Western" settlers of the 18th century.

[Kjhorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book gave insight to the demographic conditions of the time more so than the life of Daniel Boone- still interesting.

[Tether Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

History at it's best. Told in a story. A good read for those who like nature and hunting.