Beyond the Far Horizon

About the Book

Beyond the Far Horizon is based upon the true life story of Alexander Henry, a brave and adventurous young man who, as a fur trader, dared to risk his life and fortune on the vast lakes and in dark forests of the Great Lakes frontier. Henry’s life, far from the comforts of the American colonies he left behind, was so dangerous that he was no stranger to the threat of death. As he pursued his fur trade venture during the years between 1760 and 1765, he nearly drowned, starved, and froze to death, and on several occasions, barely escaped being killed by hostile Indians. He was lost, alone in the winter forest, had escaped the charge of a great bear, and was taken prisoner in an Indian attack.

Henry survived and prospered not only by his own strength and courage but also with the love and support of his adopted Indian family. Not only did he share the risk and hardships of his family but also came to know and respect the enduring beauty and harmony of Ojibwe culture.

About the Author

Charles Cleland was born and raised in Kane, Pennsylvania. After earning an undergraduate degree in biology at Denison University and a master’s degree in zoology at the University of Arkansas, Cleland entered the University of Michigan to study anthropology and archaeology, where he received a master’s degree and PhD in these subjects. After graduation, he began a thirty-six-year career of teaching and research at Michigan State University. During this period, Cleland published over ninety scholarly articles and five books, which were focused on the culture and history of the native people of the upper Great Lakes region. In 1978, Michigan State University named Dr. Cleland Distinguished Professor of Anthropology. Cleland also supported his professional organizations and served as president of both the Society of Professional Archaeologists and the Society of Historical Archaeology. In 2002, the latter organization awarded him its highest honor, the JC Harrington Medal, for his contributions to the field. Besides his teaching and research duties, Dr. Cleland also provided expert testimony in many federal court cases on behalf of Great Lakes Indian tribes, which were suing for the recognition of their rights under nineteenth-century treaties with the United States. Cleland retired in 2000 and now lives with his wife, Nancy, in Northern Michigan, where he remains active in research and writing.