Benton's Books

The time period is from the last year of the Civil War, until about 1968. To be published by Saga Books!

THE DRUM SERIES, VOLUME 1

The exciting saga of men and women strong enough live their dreams and to settle a wild land.

Jeb Patton— during the years he fought for the Southern Cause in the Civil War, Jeb Patton should have died countless times. Carrying only the precious memories of the girl he left behind, he survives until one night near a no name town in Arkansas when he is severely wounded.  When he returns home a cripple, he quickly discovers he has lost more than just a leg.  The woman he loved has turned her back on him and will marry another man.  Angry at the world, he heads west toward the shinning mountains and a new life.

Moses—a runaway slave with just one desire, to remain free.  Moses is an old black man with a lifetime of severe beatings, poor food, and frustration behind him.   He is just the person to help Jeb overcome his losses as they head to the mountains together with little but dreams.  Survival smart, quick minded, and with a deep sense of humor, he quickly becomes a father figure for Jeb Patton.

Faye—a young black girl who joins Jeb and Moses as she runs from her fathers killers—members of the Union army.  Pretty, shapely, and intelligent, she will do what she must to survive.  While she loves Jeb and knows their colors will keep them apart, she continues to ride by his side.  Can she have what she knows can never be hers?

Dusty—an old wiley mountain man who is deathly afraid of water and totally dedicated to his life rough style.  Can he continue to live the only life he has known for over thirty years, or must he bend with the flood of outsiders entering his mountains?

Buffalo Hump—the war chief of the Sioux people.  Can he remain friends with the white eyes and yet keep them from stealing his lands?  A strong and intelligent man, he knows he must do what is required to protect his people’s way of life.

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