James O. Pattie wrote this historic autobiography to tell tales of his life in the Old West with a group of settlers as they traversed the North American frontier in the early 19th century. Pattie was a headstrong young man and archetypal pioneer facing many dangers inherent to such life. He would traverse the great Western plains, encounter Native Americans who were variously friendly, neutral or hostile, set up a successful sawmill business, and experience all the adventures and adversity peculiar to his era. Rather than be split into chapters or otherwise, Pattie's recollections are told in one lengthy story. However, this edition contains an introduction from the editor, who personally summarizes and notes tha major factors which shaped the author's life. Unusually for men on the frontier, Pattie expresses devotion and worry for members of his family - the death of his father and mother are a source of emotional outpouring, as the young Mr. Pattie seeks to honor both.