Book excerpt: "The purpose of this book is to record woman’s part in working out the plan of our Western civilization; no other civilization, perhaps, bearing so conspicuously the imprint of her hand and her brain." So wrote Mary Douthit, herself a pioneer woman. She continued: "In patience, courage, and endurance, woman proved man’s equal. In her ability to cope with strenuous conditions, she was again his recognized peer. In property rights woman enjoys far greater privileges here than in the older portions of our country. These Northwestern States are among the few in the nation that make the mother a legal custodian of her children, and entrust her with the property of minor heirs." Seldom will you find a book that brings so many personal stories of early western pioneers together in one volume. For less than you'd spend on gas going to the library, this long out-of-print volume is available as an affordable, well-formatted book for e-readers and smartphones. Be sure to LOOK INSIDE by clicking the cover above or download a sample.