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Just John #1
Just John
FROM SLAVE TO RANCHMAN – A HISTORICAL WESTERN BASED ON TRUE EVENTS.
In return for his freedom, a slave is tasked with the job of delivering a valuable stallion to a horse farm in Tennessee. The Civil War is dying down, and the roads are dangerous. But with some help, the horse is delivered and the slave sees freedom.
Wishing to be freed from any remembrance of the slave farm, John has a last name that he refuses to use. John’s skill with horses opens doors for him which eventually takes him to Fort Worth, Texas. More open doors, over a period of years, find him on a cattle drive to Montana, followed by a second drive into Alberta, Canada. From there, he chooses the name Ware. John Ware stays in Alberta, where he becomes a much loved and respected Alberta rancher.
The John Ware story is well known, however since he never learned to read or write he left no historic record of his background.
In return for his freedom, a slave is tasked with the job of delivering a valuable stallion to a horse farm in Tennessee. The Civil War is dying down, and the roads are dangerous. But with some help, the horse is delivered and the slave sees freedom.
Wishing to be freed from any remembrance of the slave farm, John has a last name that he refuses to use. John’s skill with horses opens doors for him which eventually takes him to Fort Worth, Texas. More open doors, over a period of years, find him on a cattle drive to Montana, followed by a second drive into Alberta, Canada. From there, he chooses the name Ware. John Ware stays in Alberta, where he becomes a much loved and respected Alberta rancher.
The John Ware story is well known, however since he never learned to read or write he left no historic record of his background.
- GenresWesterns
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
218 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Reg Quist
31 books17 followersReg Quist’s pioneer heritage includes sod shacks, prairie fires, home births, and children’s graves under the prairie sod, all working together in the lives of people creating their own space in a new land.
Out of that early generation came farmers, ranchers, business men and women, builders, military graves in faraway lands, Sunday Schools that grew to become churches, plus story tellers, musicians, and much more.
Hard work and self-reliance were the hallmark of those previous great generations, attributes that were absorbed by the following generation.
Quist’s career choice took him into the construction world. From heavy industrial work, to construction camps in the remote northern bush, the author emulated his grandfathers, who were both builders, as well as pioneer farmers and ranchers.
It is with deep thankfulness that Quist says, “I am a part of the first generation to truly enjoy the benefits of the labors of the pioneers. My parents and their parents worked incredibly hard, and it is well for us to remember”.
Quist’s heart was never far from the land. The family photo albums testify to how often he found himself sitting on a horse, both as a child and into later life, when he and his wife owned their own small farm, complete with kids and horses.
Respect for the pioneers, working alongside skilled, tough workmen, and learning from them, marrying his high school sweetheart and welcoming children into the world, purchasing land for the family to grow on, and riding horses with the kids, all melded together to influence Quist’s life and writing. Over, and under, and wrapped around his life is Quist’s Christian heritage. This too, shows itself in his writing.
Quist’s writing career was late in pushing itself forward, remaining a hobby while family and career took precedence. Only in early retirement, was there time for more serious writing.
Quist’s writing interests lie in many genres including children’s work, short lifestyle stories, cowboy poetry, western novels, plus Christian articles and novels.
Woven through every story is the thought that, even though he was not there himself in that pioneer time, he knew some that were. They are remembered with great respect.
Out of that early generation came farmers, ranchers, business men and women, builders, military graves in faraway lands, Sunday Schools that grew to become churches, plus story tellers, musicians, and much more.
Hard work and self-reliance were the hallmark of those previous great generations, attributes that were absorbed by the following generation.
Quist’s career choice took him into the construction world. From heavy industrial work, to construction camps in the remote northern bush, the author emulated his grandfathers, who were both builders, as well as pioneer farmers and ranchers.
It is with deep thankfulness that Quist says, “I am a part of the first generation to truly enjoy the benefits of the labors of the pioneers. My parents and their parents worked incredibly hard, and it is well for us to remember”.
Quist’s heart was never far from the land. The family photo albums testify to how often he found himself sitting on a horse, both as a child and into later life, when he and his wife owned their own small farm, complete with kids and horses.
Respect for the pioneers, working alongside skilled, tough workmen, and learning from them, marrying his high school sweetheart and welcoming children into the world, purchasing land for the family to grow on, and riding horses with the kids, all melded together to influence Quist’s life and writing. Over, and under, and wrapped around his life is Quist’s Christian heritage. This too, shows itself in his writing.
Quist’s writing career was late in pushing itself forward, remaining a hobby while family and career took precedence. Only in early retirement, was there time for more serious writing.
Quist’s writing interests lie in many genres including children’s work, short lifestyle stories, cowboy poetry, western novels, plus Christian articles and novels.
Woven through every story is the thought that, even though he was not there himself in that pioneer time, he knew some that were. They are remembered with great respect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 3, 2023
🐎Here is a fine novel, meticulously researched, about a black slave, set free at the end of America’s North and South War, making his way in a world that has literally changed overnight. You will find it fascinating and instructive and entertaining.
There is a lot of long drawn-out talking, more like philosophizing. That’s how the author chooses to present much of the info we need to know about post Civil War America. The main protagonist, John, talks in dialect, and not easy dialect to follow, through the whole book. Personally I’d have preferred the author sprinkled John’s dialogue with dialect, to give us the flavor of his speech, rather than reel out yard after yard of it. And there is the matter of putting the future in the past. I’ve noticed this issue with other books from this publisher like Along Came Jenny (but many other publishers are at fault here too). Cowboys in 1870 don’t say “get ‘er done” like they (and the rest of us) do in 2022. It wasn’t an Old West expression. We know that from newspapers, magazines and dime westerns of the 1800s. Please, editorial staff. Keep historical fiction authentic by keeping its language authentic.
A clean, interesting and invigorating read, and also a compassionate one, as a man learns how to be free and overcome a stigma he should never have been afflicted with in the first place.
🐎Many people will enjoy this book not just those who read westerns. Recommended.
There is a lot of long drawn-out talking, more like philosophizing. That’s how the author chooses to present much of the info we need to know about post Civil War America. The main protagonist, John, talks in dialect, and not easy dialect to follow, through the whole book. Personally I’d have preferred the author sprinkled John’s dialogue with dialect, to give us the flavor of his speech, rather than reel out yard after yard of it. And there is the matter of putting the future in the past. I’ve noticed this issue with other books from this publisher like Along Came Jenny (but many other publishers are at fault here too). Cowboys in 1870 don’t say “get ‘er done” like they (and the rest of us) do in 2022. It wasn’t an Old West expression. We know that from newspapers, magazines and dime westerns of the 1800s. Please, editorial staff. Keep historical fiction authentic by keeping its language authentic.
A clean, interesting and invigorating read, and also a compassionate one, as a man learns how to be free and overcome a stigma he should never have been afflicted with in the first place.
🐎Many people will enjoy this book not just those who read westerns. Recommended.
August 10, 2022
This is a Historical Fiction telling of the life of John Ware one of the most famous black cowboys of the old west. This book is the start of Johns journey from Slavery to ranch owner is Canada. It is written in an engaging style though the written accent of john can be rough at times and I plowed through the book so I obviously enjoyed it. I only have one problem with it and this is more a me thing, this is written in a After School Special type of way, all the people are generally good and will like black people better once they get to know them, the war wasn't about slavery but northern intervention etc. This sort of diminishes the accomplishments of the man in my opinion. This being said this is a style of writing and is not meant to be perfectly accurate so once i got past this I really enjoyed the book.
Recommended. A fun well written Western about one of the more famous cowboys of the era. The only caveat being that this is written in a heart warming, readers digest, type style so don't come into it looking for gritty realism. The facts are as accurate as they can be and that is enough for this type of book.
Recommended. A fun well written Western about one of the more famous cowboys of the era. The only caveat being that this is written in a heart warming, readers digest, type style so don't come into it looking for gritty realism. The facts are as accurate as they can be and that is enough for this type of book.
August 29, 2022
I feel that Just John is one of the author's best. Steeped in history and set at the end of the Civil War, it traces the freedom of the slave, John. Thrown into a world of prejudice and mixed feelings, he makes his way to fit into an ever-changing world. Working for a cattle ranch, he finds his passion is with the horses, not cattle.
The author paints a wonderful description of cattle ranching and the time period of the evolving western states and Canadian life. The characters are well-developed, and I felt John's disappointment, frustration, and his Christian faith as I turned the pages. I was mesmerized by John's strength and ability to overcome all obstacles with a joyful heart. He was an amazingly strong person in spite of the racial tensions he dealt with.
Another great read from the author that wrapped everything up nicely. If you like historical western fiction this is one you don't want to miss. Highly recommended.
The author paints a wonderful description of cattle ranching and the time period of the evolving western states and Canadian life. The characters are well-developed, and I felt John's disappointment, frustration, and his Christian faith as I turned the pages. I was mesmerized by John's strength and ability to overcome all obstacles with a joyful heart. He was an amazingly strong person in spite of the racial tensions he dealt with.
Another great read from the author that wrapped everything up nicely. If you like historical western fiction this is one you don't want to miss. Highly recommended.
October 25, 2021
Reg Quist – Bk 1 - Just John – Reviewed 10/24/21 – Read 10/11-12/21
It’s almost the end of the war and John has been given an important mission, then he will be free!
In the last days of the Civil War John’s owner gave him a very important mission, he was to take a stallion and deliver him to a buyer in Tennessee. Now you have to understand John was born a slave and he knew no other life. He was a big man, comely but not handsome, the best thing about John was he was a very gentle man, and he had a special touch with horses. His master had given him the job of training their very last stallion that they had hidden from the Union Army when they last raided the plantation for stock and food. He was given three letters to carry with him, one gave him permission to travel and his purpose, the second gave him ownership of the horse he was riding, and the third stated that he was granted his freedom. For doing this John would be free to go where ever he wanted.
John understood that this was a mission that he had to complete, not just because he would be free, but because his master was depending on him as they needed the money from the sale of the stallion. The Union soldiers were still rounding up Confederates, plus the slave catchers could steal the horses and then turn him in as a runaway slave, so caution had to be his best friend. Knowing that he could trust the people from churches, his plan was to camp near one at night, also it was very important to never act aggressively toward any white men. This was a dangerous trip, but John would do it because he knew it was important, and the journey begins.
Join John as he begins the long journey filled with danger, Union soldiers, slave catchers, hatred, and many unknown miles facing him…
What did I like? It seems like lately; I have been reading books that have truly opened my mind to the past. Everyone alive knows about the Civil War and its outcome, but do they indeed know what happen to the people involved? What the southerners went through, either color, or how did they survive? Then what or how did they accomplish this? I have read many historical books but this one hit my heart. John was just John, a man that was given a job and he knew that he had to do what was needed of him. Never thought about the rewards, just what he needed to do to get the job done! If he completed his mission then he would think about the future, but not until then!
What will you like? We know that this is a historical western based on true events, also that the author took a little license to fill in on the area that lacked information, but wow! You are going to be amazed at the strength and determination of the man, facing this task with more nerve and guts than anyone that I know. In addition to the task, and the danger, he also faced inner turmoil. One that none of us have ever faced! Here is the story of a man of courage that lives to become a very respected and loved rancher, a part of our history! Pick up your copy today of Reg Quist’s account of “Just John” which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B08XYCB285
• Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing
• Publication Date: 4/7/2021
• File Size: 3957 KB
• Print Length: 354 pages
• Genre: Teen & Young Adult Biographical Fiction, Teen & Young Adult Canadian Historical Fiction, Teen & Young Adult United States Civil War Historical Fiction
It’s almost the end of the war and John has been given an important mission, then he will be free!
In the last days of the Civil War John’s owner gave him a very important mission, he was to take a stallion and deliver him to a buyer in Tennessee. Now you have to understand John was born a slave and he knew no other life. He was a big man, comely but not handsome, the best thing about John was he was a very gentle man, and he had a special touch with horses. His master had given him the job of training their very last stallion that they had hidden from the Union Army when they last raided the plantation for stock and food. He was given three letters to carry with him, one gave him permission to travel and his purpose, the second gave him ownership of the horse he was riding, and the third stated that he was granted his freedom. For doing this John would be free to go where ever he wanted.
John understood that this was a mission that he had to complete, not just because he would be free, but because his master was depending on him as they needed the money from the sale of the stallion. The Union soldiers were still rounding up Confederates, plus the slave catchers could steal the horses and then turn him in as a runaway slave, so caution had to be his best friend. Knowing that he could trust the people from churches, his plan was to camp near one at night, also it was very important to never act aggressively toward any white men. This was a dangerous trip, but John would do it because he knew it was important, and the journey begins.
Join John as he begins the long journey filled with danger, Union soldiers, slave catchers, hatred, and many unknown miles facing him…
What did I like? It seems like lately; I have been reading books that have truly opened my mind to the past. Everyone alive knows about the Civil War and its outcome, but do they indeed know what happen to the people involved? What the southerners went through, either color, or how did they survive? Then what or how did they accomplish this? I have read many historical books but this one hit my heart. John was just John, a man that was given a job and he knew that he had to do what was needed of him. Never thought about the rewards, just what he needed to do to get the job done! If he completed his mission then he would think about the future, but not until then!
What will you like? We know that this is a historical western based on true events, also that the author took a little license to fill in on the area that lacked information, but wow! You are going to be amazed at the strength and determination of the man, facing this task with more nerve and guts than anyone that I know. In addition to the task, and the danger, he also faced inner turmoil. One that none of us have ever faced! Here is the story of a man of courage that lives to become a very respected and loved rancher, a part of our history! Pick up your copy today of Reg Quist’s account of “Just John” which is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B08XYCB285
• Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing
• Publication Date: 4/7/2021
• File Size: 3957 KB
• Print Length: 354 pages
• Genre: Teen & Young Adult Biographical Fiction, Teen & Young Adult Canadian Historical Fiction, Teen & Young Adult United States Civil War Historical Fiction
June 1, 2021
Not a fast moving series of events, but one that successfully portrays compassion and empathy from beginning to end! I was, most certainly, held in complete of him, as he, although being a slave, he pulled useful by his boot straps and found an exciting future for himself, overcoming one hardship after the other!
Certainly very deserving of the five stars I have awarded to this, another exceptionally well written series of unending excitement by Mr. Quist, who once again proves himself to be reckoned with when it comes to writing about our realistic old American western folklore adventures! John, another rendition of how so many of the Southern slaves escaped their captivity and became productive individuals and successfully strived to improve their station in life.Outstandingly heartwarming renditions of one success story after the other!
Mr. Quist is very adept in his successful descriptive storylines of how this deprived young black man, once confined to slavery, was charged with delivering his owner's expensive stallion to another man, many miles away! Too the superbly selections of his characters were effectively chosen for their compelling assignments from beginning to end! No slow downs in this compelling rendition of realistic old Southern culture at its very best!
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated story to all readers, as it is very believable, and I can assure you to be unable to put it aside until the final paragraph has been read! Regardless of your reading pleasure, you will be compelled to finish the book, once you begin John's ongoing journeys, as each new adventure is more descriptive than the previous one! To not read these fascinating adventures will definitely be your loss I assure you!!!😃
Certainly very deserving of the five stars I have awarded to this, another exceptionally well written series of unending excitement by Mr. Quist, who once again proves himself to be reckoned with when it comes to writing about our realistic old American western folklore adventures! John, another rendition of how so many of the Southern slaves escaped their captivity and became productive individuals and successfully strived to improve their station in life.Outstandingly heartwarming renditions of one success story after the other!
Mr. Quist is very adept in his successful descriptive storylines of how this deprived young black man, once confined to slavery, was charged with delivering his owner's expensive stallion to another man, many miles away! Too the superbly selections of his characters were effectively chosen for their compelling assignments from beginning to end! No slow downs in this compelling rendition of realistic old Southern culture at its very best!
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated story to all readers, as it is very believable, and I can assure you to be unable to put it aside until the final paragraph has been read! Regardless of your reading pleasure, you will be compelled to finish the book, once you begin John's ongoing journeys, as each new adventure is more descriptive than the previous one! To not read these fascinating adventures will definitely be your loss I assure you!!!😃
August 1, 2023
Interesting little book. It starts as the Civil War is near the end. John was to leave his family and master, given his freedom upon safely bringing a prize stallion from one South Carolina slave ranch to a free ranch in Tennessee called The Macintyre.
From there all John could think of was Texas. He worked for a time on the Macintyre ranch, but at the first opportunity to leave with a group headed for Texas John departed with Jessie Macintyre's blessing.
John was an excellent horseman who earned a reputation as among the best from Tennessee to Texas. Humble and unassuming, John was admired, but never let it go to his head, leading a life any ex-slave would envy.
The book is not overtly Christian, but had mild elements of faith such as praying and Godly wisdom interspersed.
Very simple book, but I rather liked it.
From there all John could think of was Texas. He worked for a time on the Macintyre ranch, but at the first opportunity to leave with a group headed for Texas John departed with Jessie Macintyre's blessing.
John was an excellent horseman who earned a reputation as among the best from Tennessee to Texas. Humble and unassuming, John was admired, but never let it go to his head, leading a life any ex-slave would envy.
The book is not overtly Christian, but had mild elements of faith such as praying and Godly wisdom interspersed.
Very simple book, but I rather liked it.
September 1, 2024
The headline is misleading
The book is a wonder story of the life of a former slave after the Civil War. I think some liberties were taken with the timing of some events but they don't detract from the story.
Some people won't read this book because of the word Christian in the title and they're missing out. Other than a few instances where characters mentioned praying there are no other mentions of religion.
The book is a wonder story of the life of a former slave after the Civil War. I think some liberties were taken with the timing of some events but they don't detract from the story.
Some people won't read this book because of the word Christian in the title and they're missing out. Other than a few instances where characters mentioned praying there are no other mentions of religion.
April 12, 2021
Just John: A Historical Christian Western
This certainly broadened my perspective about just what the civil war truly did to the people of this country. This book is kind of a eye opening look at the danger that every person was in no matter what race they were. The war left nothing untouched. This was a 👍GREAT READ, as well worth the time!
This certainly broadened my perspective about just what the civil war truly did to the people of this country. This book is kind of a eye opening look at the danger that every person was in no matter what race they were. The war left nothing untouched. This was a 👍GREAT READ, as well worth the time!
April 16, 2021
John was a slave with a special talent for working with horses. He is offered his freedom to deliver a horse to Tennessee. This book gives a real good glimpse of what life was like ex-slaves following the Civil War. We also see how those maimed in the war are able to cope, especially when they find out they have nothing to come home to.
May 17, 2021
A Man Existed Where Other Could See No Man
Enjoyed this book..great images of what life could look like for newly emancipation slaves. A man not allowed to be a man proves he is more man then those who enslaved him. Wisdom, good judgement and honesty could not be suppressed in John as his tormentors couldn't see what they believed couldn't exist.
Enjoyed this book..great images of what life could look like for newly emancipation slaves. A man not allowed to be a man proves he is more man then those who enslaved him. Wisdom, good judgement and honesty could not be suppressed in John as his tormentors couldn't see what they believed couldn't exist.
April 18, 2021
An excellent story! Well worth reading!!
I did not want it to end! I hope there is another one like it! This is the second book by Reg Quiet that I have read. Both were excellent!
I did not want it to end! I hope there is another one like it! This is the second book by Reg Quiet that I have read. Both were excellent!
May 22, 2021
Food for thought
Very thought provoking storyline, told from the viewpoint of a slave who is granted his freedom before the end of the war between the North and the South. Well written!
Very thought provoking storyline, told from the viewpoint of a slave who is granted his freedom before the end of the war between the North and the South. Well written!
June 3, 2021
Enjoyable!
Thanks to the author for writing this story with so much thought given to authenticity for this period of time in history. Thank you for writing a clean, decent story that is appropriate for all ages.
Thanks to the author for writing this story with so much thought given to authenticity for this period of time in history. Thank you for writing a clean, decent story that is appropriate for all ages.
July 12, 2021
Good western
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a “western” but I really did enjoy this one and hearing not only of John’s story but of finally reading a story on the trail ride to Texas from back east as that was probably a similar route that my moms side of the family took.
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a “western” but I really did enjoy this one and hearing not only of John’s story but of finally reading a story on the trail ride to Texas from back east as that was probably a similar route that my moms side of the family took.
October 28, 2021
Excellent Story
Reg Quist has written several enjoyable, God honoring western novels. I have enjoyed each one. Reg is a good writer and writes believable stories. I wish there were many more.
Reg Quist has written several enjoyable, God honoring western novels. I have enjoyed each one. Reg is a good writer and writes believable stories. I wish there were many more.
October 1, 2023
Excellent story about difficult times and how some men handled that time. The author did a good job or portraying the sort of feelings the characters would have likely experienced had they been living people.
I have read a couple of books by this author and this is the best yet- it is his best quality of writing and the characters are well-developed and interesting as are the times and events they go through. It is a long story- which I liked since the interest level was maintained. I definitely recommend this book.
I have read a couple of books by this author and this is the best yet- it is his best quality of writing and the characters are well-developed and interesting as are the times and events they go through. It is a long story- which I liked since the interest level was maintained. I definitely recommend this book.
October 1, 2023
If you love a good western or even history of America and the early west, get this book. What a well written saga of a man of integrity! The various characters are surely people we would love to know, maybe have known. Rich in virtues long gone from our North American countries.
April 7, 2021
A Great Read with Great Feeling!
An easy read with an enjoyable and entertaining my fictional journey through a part of history worth re-visiting. Emotionally satisfying.
An easy read with an enjoyable and entertaining my fictional journey through a part of history worth re-visiting. Emotionally satisfying.
April 9, 2021
Interesting
A different kind of western but an enjoyable one looking forward to the next follow up .So get cracking young man
A different kind of western but an enjoyable one looking forward to the next follow up .So get cracking young man
April 23, 2021
JUST JOHN
This was terrific. I enjoyed this entire book. You made the characters come alive for me. I couldn't put this book down. I'm greatly anticipating book 2
This was terrific. I enjoyed this entire book. You made the characters come alive for me. I couldn't put this book down. I'm greatly anticipating book 2
May 4, 2021
Just John
This was a good read, one you can get caught up in. No blood and guts, just a good idea that made a good story.
This was a good read, one you can get caught up in. No blood and guts, just a good idea that made a good story.
May 22, 2021
The Statement : A. Christian Western says it ALL.
I would recommend this as what is needed to help solve the problem we are expecting at many levels. A great READ!
I would recommend this as what is needed to help solve the problem we are expecting at many levels. A great READ!
June 3, 2021
Good book
Very good read kept my interest from the beginning. Storyline well written and entertaining without being violent for a western
Very good read kept my interest from the beginning. Storyline well written and entertaining without being violent for a western
July 7, 2021
Great book, demanding a conclusion
Great book, great understanding though the end was unsatisfactory. It clearly needs a followup! But good story, clean and satisfying.
Great book, great understanding though the end was unsatisfactory. It clearly needs a followup! But good story, clean and satisfying.
July 27, 2021
A different perspective
I've very much enjoyed a glimpse into a life that, thankfully, I'll never know.
John is quite a man. He's a man I'd happily call friend.
I've very much enjoyed a glimpse into a life that, thankfully, I'll never know.
John is quite a man. He's a man I'd happily call friend.
October 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down.
November 9, 2021
Very enjoyable book to read! Will be reading more from this author through his writings you can visualize his story! Excellent writer.
January 23, 2023
Enjoyable read
This is a good book to sit and relax with. Easy story line that kept my interest from cover to cover. Pick one up and read it, you won’t be disappointed.
This is a good book to sit and relax with. Easy story line that kept my interest from cover to cover. Pick one up and read it, you won’t be disappointed.
April 14, 2023
Just John
Just John is a great, must read. The black cowboy is forgotten no more. He has taken his rightful place in history.
Just John is a great, must read. The black cowboy is forgotten no more. He has taken his rightful place in history.
July 29, 2023
had me gripped from first few pages.recommend this story to all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews