Parrish (1858-1923) was an American author of popular and historical novels. He trained as a lawyer, spent time as an attorney, and for many years was a newspaper journalist, with stints as a railroad worker and sheep driver in between. In 1886, while managing editor of the Grafton (Nebraska) Leader he was persuaded to join the Congregational ministry and was given charge of churches at Leigh and Howells, Nebraska. He was later ordained by the Blue Valley Association and held a number of pastorates, and was also chairman of the Home Missionary Committee for Southern Illinois. This historical novel subtitled A Tale of the Illinois Country was his first work of fiction, accepted for publication when the manuscript was only half completed, and published in April 1904. Further editions followed in rapid succession - a remarkable sale for a first book, and he went on to establish himself as a successful writer. Reprinted from the third edition with illustrations by the husband and wife team Troy and Margaret West Kinney (The Kinneys).