THE VALLEY

About the Book

THE VALLEY is a historical novel set near Jackson, Wyoming. Randolph Schmidt’s life story begins in Omaha, Nebraska, where he meets and befriends Standing Bear, a Chief of the Ponca Indians. This relationship later allows Randolph to gain title to a valley in its virgin state. He vows to keep it in that condition. He must defend it against intrusions by road construction, an electric power company, and land developers. Along the way he meets actual historical characters from Wyoming’s past Some of the historical personalities beside Standing Bear, are Lillian Heath, first woman doctor in Wyoming, Clifford Hansen and Lee Simpson, and Nellie Tayloe Ross, former Governors of Wyoming, Many of these men and women possess the same characteristics as Randolph. Jules Schmidt, Randolph’s son, is an outdoor guide who also crosses paths with personalities from America’s past. When Randolph dies, his grandson, Andrus inherits the valley and pledges to continue his grandfather’s dream.

About the Author

77 year-old James Whaley has spent 34 years in the public classroom. During part of that time he also taught in a senior citizen program through a community college for 25 years. James has always enjoyed the art of creativity. Writing is a fascination that has intrigued him for a lifetime. James lives in Chanute, Kansas with his wife Elinor.