Heroes of the Wild West: Trail Guides

There’s something timeless about the Wild West. Maybe it’s the echo of hoofbeats on prairie ground or the image of a wagon cresting a ridge at sunset. For Christian readers of western historical romance, these wide-open landscapes offer more than scenic beauty—they provide stories of courage, faith, and the kind of love that thrives in hard places.

Imagine such a story with the hero as a trail guide. You know the type—quiet, rugged, full of knowledge and secrets. He’s the one helping settlers cross rivers, scale mountain passes, and make it to the other side of danger. He might not wear a tin star or ride into town with a posse, but he’s brave in ways that count. He leads others through the wilderness—sometimes even when he’s lost inside himself.

And what’s more romantic and evocative--not to mention literary--than a hero on a journey?

Real-Life Trailblazers

While fictional guides have captured our hearts, the history behind them is just as compelling—and even more inspiring. Let's look at three trail guides who truly walked the path, each with a story worth remembering.

1. Thomas “Broken Hand” Fitzpatrick

Thomas Fitzpatrick (1799-1854) trapper and Indian Agent; public domain image

Known as one of the most respected mountain men and trail guides of the 19th century, Thomas Fitzpatrick earned his nickname after a hunting accident, but his legacy runs far deeper. He led countless wagon trains west, including pioneers on the Oregon Trail, and helped guide military expeditions. Later in life, he served as an Indian agent and peacemaker, respected by both settlers and Native American tribes. Fitzpatrick was known for his integrity, fairness, and moral compass—traits that fit beautifully with the Christian ideal of servant leadership. His dedication to justice and peace makes him an excellent model for a trail guide hero grounded in faith and conviction.

2. Sacajawea’s Son: Jean Baptiste Charbonneau

Sacajawea and Jean-Baptiste sculpture in Washington Park, Portland; public domain image

Born during the Lewis and Clark expedition, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was the son of Sacajawea, a Shoshone woman who was one of the most famous Native American guides in history. Jean Baptiste grew up multilingual and deeply skilled in frontier life. As an adult, he became a scout, guide, and interpreter. What makes his story unique is how he navigated two worlds—Native and European—just like many mixed-heritage trail guides in western fiction. His life reminds us of the deep contributions Native Americans made to westward expansion—and how God works through all people, across all cultures.

3. Medicine Calf (also known as George Bent)

George Bent in wedding attire for the camera in 1867. A survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre, Bent continued to translate for peace chiefs and Indian Agents of the Cheyenne; public domain image

Now here’s a story tailor-made for historical romance readers. George Bent, or Medicine Calf, was the son of a prominent Cheyenne woman and a white trader from Bent’s Fort in Colorado. Educated in both white and Cheyenne traditions, he later fought in the Civil War, then returned west to serve as a mediator, scout, and interpreter during a time of immense cultural upheaval. His mixed heritage gave him a unique perspective that helped him guide others—not just across physical terrain, but between two worlds at war. Imagine the kind of quiet strength and identity struggle he must have lived with. A character based on George Bent could easily step off the pages of a novel: scarred, spiritual, and steady in the storm.

These men, and others like them, weren’t just skilled at reading landscapes—they were navigating history, culture, and faith in incredibly complex times. And that’s part of what makes trail guides such captivating heroes in our favorite stories.

Why We Love Them

Trail guides often aren’t the loudest or flashiest characters. They’re the ones who’ve seen too much, said too little, and carry maps in their heads and burdens in their hearts. But in Christian romance, they often become the protectors, the steady hands, and sometimes the prodigals finding their way back to the Father.

They also have a habit of falling in love with strong, stubborn heroines who challenge them—ladies who are just as determined to survive the journey west and make a life out of the wilderness. These relationships aren’t built on ballrooms and pretty words—they’re forged in hardship, patience, and prayer.

And really, what better soil is there for love?

Final Thoughts

Maybe one of the reasons we love trail guides so much is because we’re all on a journey of our own. We might not be dodging rattlesnakes or crossing rivers on horseback, but we are trying to find our way. And just like in the stories, we need guides—mentors, pastors, friends—who’ve walked the path before us and can point us to truth when the trail gets hard to see.

Ultimately, the best trail guide in any story—and in life—is the One who promises to never leave us or forsake us. As Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Whether we’re walking the Oregon Trail or facing a personal wilderness, God goes before us.

So the next time you open a western romance and meet a brooding, Bible-carrying hero with trail dust on his boots and a mysterious past—pause and remember: you’re meeting someone with roots in real history. Someone who reflects the human longing for purpose, belonging, and the faithful God who guides us every step of the way.

Over to You

Which historical trail guide would you love to see as the inspiration for a romance hero?

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Fall in Love with the Wild West!

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The Captivity of Fanny Kelly: A Story of Faith and Resilience

Imagine that you're traveling across the American frontier, seeking a fresh start with your loved ones, when suddenly, everything changes in the blink of an eye. This was the reality for Fanny Kelly, a woman whose incredible story of survival and faith would become one of the most remarkable captivity narratives from the Old West.

In 1864, Fanny’s life took a drastic turn when she was captured by the Sioux, one of the most powerful tribes of the Great Plains. But instead of letting her circumstances defeat her, Fanny’s strength, perseverance, and faith in God carried her through months of hardship. Her story is one of tragedy, yes, but also of incredible courage, and it’s a reminder that no matter how bleak life may seem, God’s grace is always present—even in the darkest moments.

A New Life on the Frontier

Fanny Kelly was born in 1829 in Pennsylvania, and after marrying Samuel Kelly, she moved west with him to start a new life in Colorado. Like many settlers of the time, Fanny and Samuel were filled with hope for a better future as they journeyed westward. They were part of a wagon train that was making its way through southeastern Colorado. The year was 1864, and tensions between Native American tribes and settlers were running high as the U.S. government pushed westward, encroaching on the lands that many tribes had lived on for generations.

Library of Congress, Public domain

The Kellys, along with other travelers, were ambushed by a group of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. It was early in the morning on August 20 when the attack began. The settlers were unprepared for the brutal assault, and many were killed, including Fanny’s husband, Samuel. In the chaos, Fanny became separated from the group and was taken captive by the Sioux.

Library of Congress, Public domain

Life in Captivity

Fanny’s life changed overnight. She went from being a settler woman with a family, a home, and a hopeful future to a prisoner, surrounded by strangers. At first, the Sioux kept her with several other captives, mostly women and children. The conditions were harsh. Fanny was terrified, and it wasn’t just the physical hardship that wore her down, but the emotional toll of losing her husband and the uncertainty of her future.

The Sioux were not quick to harm their captives, but they didn’t exactly show mercy either. Fanny was forced to endure a life for which she was unprepared—struggling to survive on little food and enduring extreme weather while separated from everything she knew. The customs and language of her captors were unfamiliar, and she had to learn how to live in this new world, even though she didn’t want to.

But what stands out most in Fanny’s captivity is her faith. She was a Christian woman, and though she was far from her home and her church, she clung to the belief that God had a purpose for her, even in the midst of trial. During her captivity, Fanny would often pray, and though her circumstances seemed hopeless, her heart remained steadfast. In her darkest moments, she believed that God was watching over her, even when it seemed like no one else cared.

The Escape and the Journey Home

Fanny Kelly, Public Domain

After four months of captivity, Fanny found a chance to escape. One evening, the Sioux camp became distracted. Historians don't know the reason for the disruption. Some speculate that the warriors were preoccupied with gathering food or preparing for travel. Even a simple conversation could have created a lapse in vigilance. Fanny seized the opportunity and slipped away into the night. Alone, scared, and surrounded by wilderness, she nonetheless determined to survive. Fanny traveled through the unforgiving Rocky Mountains, not knowing if she would make it out alive but trusting God to guide her steps.



Fanny wandered in the wilderness for weeks, facing starvation, exposure, and the constant fear of recapture. Through it all, Fanny's faith, courage, and will to survive kept her going. Eventually, Fanny came across a group of soldiers that rescued her.

Although physically weak by the time she made it back to civilization, Fanny felt spiritually strong. She wrote down her story, which was published as Narrative of my Captivity Among the Sioux Indians.The book tells a story of courage, survival, faith, and ultimately God's deliverance that struck a chord with readers of her time, and it continues to inspire many today.

A Legacy of Faith and Courage

Fanny Kelly’s story is more than just a tale of captivity—it’s a testament to the power of faith, hope, and resilience. In a world that often seems out of control, Fanny’s unwavering belief in God’s protection and purpose reminds us that we, too, can face our own struggles with strength and courage.

Her experience reflected many of the trials faced on the frontier. It reminds us that even in the midst of great suffering, God can provide the strength to persevere. Whether in the wilderness of the American Plains or in the wilderness of our own lives, Fanny’s story shows us that hope is always worth holding onto.

As you reflect on Fanny Kelly’s story, consider how her faith and resilience might inspire you in your own life. No matter what challenges you face, remember that God is always with you, and He can help you find a way through—even when it seems impossible.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books and subscribe to her e-letter at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Cheyenne Sunrise

Many of the events in Cheyenne Sunrise (Montana Gold, book 2) are based on Fanny Kelly's account of her captivity. 

Bry, the heroine of Cheyenne Sunrise, travels West by wagon train to start a new life on her brother's ranch. When Sioux warriors capture her, she wonders if she will have the chance. The wagon train's half-Cheyenne trail guide rides after her, even though returning to his mother's tribe opens old wounds.

Cheyenne Sunrise and the six-book Montana Gold series is based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America. Each book in the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the Wild West. Learn more.

Wild West Circuit Preachers: A Funny Place to Hold Church

Photograph of the Circuit Rider, a sculpture by A. Phimister Proctor; public domain image

Wild West circuit preachers rode many miles alone through the wilderness to bring light and solace to their “charges.” This was no small undertaking, as a preacher's circuit could traverse between 200 and 500 miles, taking up to six months to complete. It wasn’t uncommon for a saddlebag preacher (as they were also called) to travel thousands of miles per year. Such a rough lifestyle didn’t leave much room for marriage. Most remained single.

Circuit preachers were often zealous for the Word of God. Neither attacks from Indians, wild animals, and outlaws nor bad roads, storms, or sicknesses could dent their dedication. These unsung knights laid down their lives to bring the gospel to towns swarming with saloons and dance halls with nary a church in sight. Here’s how Francis Asbury, an itinerant Methodist bishop who logged an estimated 300,000 miles in 45 years of service, put it: "We must reach every section of America, especially the raw frontiers. We must not be afraid of men, devils, wild animals, or disease. Our motto must always be FORWARD!"

Illustration from The Circuit Rider:
A Tale of the Heroic Age by Edward Eggleston
depicting a Methodist circuit rider on horseback.

In exchange for the privations they endured, circuit preachers received scant wages. They sometimes accepted payment in crops—from their impoverished congregations. This created hardships, particularly for those with families, and contributed to a heartbreaking statistic. The Methodist church reports that, of the 737 circuit preachers it sent out prior to 1847, nearly half died before reaching age 30.

William Wesley Van Orsdel stood out among circuit preachers. His straight-forward honesty and zeal charmed the rough-and-ready denizens of Montana’s Fort Benton. Soon after his around 1874 arrival, they affectionately dubbed him Brother Van. Saloons, mining camps, and even Indian villages welcomed him. Local lore grew up around him, much of it true.

Reverend William Wesley Van Orsdel;

public domain image

Fort Benton historian Ken Robinson, describes an incident in which a lone gunman held up Brother Van and a group of tourists in Yellowstone.

Brother Van turned out his pockets. “You wouldn’t rob a poor Methodist preacher, would you?”

After asking him to confirm that he was, indeed, a Methodist preacher, the outlaw told him to lower his hands. “I am a Methodist preacher myself,” the man stated.

This story illustrates the unfortunate fact that a few circuit preachers did go astray.

According to historian Myron J. Fodge in “Montana: The Magazine of Western History” the townspeople of Radersburg, Montan, once accused Brother Van of horse thievery. He tried to persuade them that this wasn’t the case, but to no avail. Desperate, he climbed onto a wagon, using it as a makeshift platform. He launched into singing, giving renditions of hymn after hymn. The townsfolk gave up and let him leave in peace.

Afterwards, Brother Van loved to boast that he had once saved a man’s life with his singing. When asked whose life he had saved, he would reply, “Mine!”

Like other circuit preachers, Brother Van gave his sermons wherever he could. In the absence of a church, a field, barn, or home would do. The only buildings in town large enough for a worship service might normally be used for quite different purposes—as a saloon or dance hall. Brother Van went down in Bannack, Montana history for striding into the saloon on a Sunday morning and calling for the building to be given over for a church service. The owner agreed and shut the bar for an hour. He kept the hymns simple for the miners in attendance. The men did their best to warble along with Brother Van and even made requests.

I modeled Shane Hayes, the hero of Hills of Nevermore (Montana Gold, book 1) after Brother Van and wrote a similar scene as a tribute. You can find out more about the books in the Montana Gold series at the end of this post.

Meanwhile, what do you think of Brother Van’s way of spreading the gospel?

What's New with Janalyn Voigt

Life is a whirlwind since The Whispering Wind (Montana Gold, book 6) launched on April 5th. That's only ten days ago, so I suppose this is normal. Bringing a brand new book into the world is not unlike giving birth to a child--laborious, but then you forget what you went through. Of course, it's all worth it to bring readers into the stories in my head. Each person creates a unique story while reading, and I'll never tire of that miracle.

We're busy putting in a garden here. The seedlings sprout as the cold of early spring melts into warmth. It's a reminder that, despite all the shadows in our world these days, that the God who loves us will not neglect to bring us new life. 

For more encouragement, read "Finding Serenity in a Crazy World" at Janalyn Voigt's website.

The Montana Gold series follows the lives and loves of a family of Irish immigrants surviving during a troubled time in America. Based on actual historical events, the books explore faith, love, and courage in the Wild West. Learn more>>

 

Wild West Sayings We Use Today, Part 37

Greetings and welcome, literary adventurer. Let’s take a journey into a brand new bag of idioms that traveled through the Wild West into modern times. Soap, solder, wooden barrels and George Washington all enter the discussion, so let’s get going.

Wild West Sayings We Use Today, Part 37

Soft Soap

Today, as in the Wild West, using persuasive flattery in order to gain a benefit is to 'soft soap' another person or persons. This colloquial expression likens the slipperiness of soft soap to such cajolery.

Historical Reference: The earliest use of ‘soft soap’ in the figurative sense I could find occurred in 1840: “To see them flattering and soft soaping me all over.” “John Beedle’s Sleigh Ride" by John Neal

A now-obsolete synonym, ‘soft sawder,’ made its debut in "The Trotting Horse," a short story by Thomas Haliburton, who apparently coined it. Although much-used in the 19th century, it fell out of use by 1950. ‘Soft sawder’ was a phonetic spelling of soft solder, which melts at a lower temperature. It’s not hard to see the connection between the literal and figurative meanings.

Example: “No matter how much you try to soft soap me, I’m not interested in buying that car.”

Squatter

Someone who occupies land or a building without legal title or the owner’s permission is called a squatter.

Historical Reference: Squatting seems to have been going on for centuries, at least on land. This sense of the term dates from 1788, according to many reputable sources. It is recorded in 1880 in reference to buildings.

In a letter to George Washington dated 18 October 1788, one Brice McGeehon threw himself on Washington’s mercy. He requested that land belonging to Washington that he was living on with his family be given to him. The letter gives an interesting perspective on the problem of squatters, which was prevalent in America through Wild West times, and it still exists today.

Example: “I’m having trouble getting a squatter off my property.”

Stave Off

‘Stave off’ means to fend off, avert, delay, or hold someone or something threatening at bay. It is so old that it harkens to a now-defunct definition of the word stave. A curved slat that forms part of the side of a wooden barrel is what we know as a stave today. However, in the mid-1400s, ‘stave’ was the plural form of staff. Around 1595, stave developed a verb form which described warding off someone or something with a staff. From there, the figurative sense evolved.

Historical Reference: The first recorded use of ‘stave off,’ according to Merriam Webster, occurred in 1611.

Example: Take Elderberry extract to stave off a cold.

Thanks for exploring the often-fascinating history of words with me. I’m curious whether any of the expressions are familiar to you and which of them you’ve never heard before. What are your thoughts on the letter to George Washington?

What's New with Janalyn Voigt

The manuscript for The Whispering Wind (Montana Gold, book 6) has returned to me for line edits. If you didn't know, this is when an author or editor examines each line of a manuscript in detail. This results in a story that is very close to print-ready. It's exhaustive work that calls for alertness and concentration, but it's one of my favorite stages in developing a book for publication.

Once the line edits are done, several beta readers will check the manuscript for typos and other errors. Then I'll proofread it. My editor's turn will come next. 

When every question is answered and each 'i' dotted, the manuscript will go to my publisher's interior formatter to create Kindle and print versions. I'll receive a proof copy of the book to look over and approve. At some point I'll also work with the graphic designer assigned to create a winsome cover.  

Bringing a book to print really does take a village.

Learn more about Janalyn Voigt and the Montana Gold books.

To celebrate reaching 3 Million views, HHH is hosting a HUGE giveaway of over 60 books in 18 prizes, so there are many chances to win! One grand prize will consist of 10 books, two readers will win a second prize containing 5 books, and there will be 15 winners of a third prize containing 2 books each. There are several ways to earn entries, such as following, or commenting on the HHH blog each day. Thank you for being part of the HHH community, and best wishes in the giveaway!

 

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Wild West Sayings We Use Today, Part 34

Bannack, Montana Jail

Wild West Sayings We Use Today, Part 34

It's time for another deep-dive into Wild West idioms and their histories. But first, let's discuss the image, above. This is a picture of the original jail in Bannack, Montana. When Sheriff Henry Plummer erected this building, he oriented the windows to offer his prisoners a sobering view of the gallows. Little did the sheriff realize that one day he would gaze through these barred windows himself. Sheriff Plummer and the dramatic events in Bannack comprise the historical background of Hills of Nevermore (Montana Gold, book 1).

Skinflint

They called a tight-fisted person a skinflint in the Wild West, just as we do today. We don't know the genesis of this slang term, but several theories provide clues.

Lexicographer Craig M. Carver suggests that 'skinflint' came from a thrifty practice of certain riflemen. Flintlock rifles contained a small piece of flint. A flint, if you don't know, is a fragment of hard rock that sparks easily. Modern cigarette lighters use flints to generate sparks. When someone pulled the trigger of a flintlock rifle, the spring-loaded cock struck the flint against a steel plate. This sent a shower of sparks into a pan below the plate. The priming powder in the pan ignited the charge in the bore, firing the rifle. When a rifle flint wore out, most people replaced it. However, a miserly individual would pull out a knife and sharpen, or “skin,” the flint.

Another idea is that ‘skinflint’ derived from ‘skin the flint,’ an earlier idiom denoting a person who ensured frugality through excessive measures. The existence of similar phrases (shave a louse, shave a flea, and the French shave an egg) makes this theory seem likely. 

Both of these suggestions may be true, for all we know. 

Historical Reference: ‘Skinflint’ was first recorded in A New Dictionary of the Terms Ancient and Modern of the Canting Crew by B. E. Gent (1699): “Skin-flint, a griping, sharping, close-fisted Fellow.”

‘To skin a flint’ made its print debut in a poem from The Legend of Captaine Jones: relating his adventure to sea, his first landing, and strange combat with a mighty beare : his furious battell with his six and thirty men, against the army of eleven kings, with their overthtow [sic] and deaths : his relieving of Kemper Castle : his strange and admirable sea-fight with six huge gallies of Spain, and nine thousand soldiers : his taking prisoner and hard usage : lastly, his setting at liberty by the Kings command, and returne for England by David Lloyd (1656):

’Mongst all those Blustering sirs that I have read

(Whose greatest wonder is that they are dead)

There’s not any Knights, nor bold Atchivers Name,

So much as Jones’s in the Booke of Fame:

They much of Greeces Alexander bragg,

Hee’d put ten Alexanders in a Bag:

Eleven fierce Kings, backt with two thousand Louts,

Jones with a Ragged Troope beats all to Clouts.

But sure it was a Conquest by Compact,

For he could never be accus’d of fact:

And yet no story a Romancer sings,

That ere exploited more stupendious things;

Quixot a winged Gyant once did kill,

That’s but a flying tale, beleiv’t who will:

This were but petty hardship, Jones was one

Would Skinne a Flint, and eat him when h’had done.”

Example: My uncle is such a skinflint that, after a party, he goes through the trash to salvage all the plastic cups and cutlery.

Skulduggery

Here’s a colorful word that’s fun to say. It brings pirates to mind. Yes? ‘Skulduggery’ means treachery, which certainly helps the association. The first syllable sounding like ‘skull’ doesn’t hurt either. Well, and the second syllable recalls digging. (But I digress.) The slang term, 'skulduggery,' is thought to have come from ‘sculdudrie,’ a Scottish word of uncertain origin used by at least 1713. It described adultery and other bawdy misbehavior. This is the most popular origin theory, but it's interesting to note that the modern meaning of skulduggery differs. Other opinions on its origin exist. Several attach it to similar-sounding words for guilt.

Historical Reference: ‘Skulduggery’ arose as a separate term in America, where it meant subterfuge. William Faulkner is credited with creating a verb form (skuldug). The first known print citation, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, dates from 1867: “From Minnesota had been imported the mysterious term ‘scull-duggery’, used to signify political or other trickery.” Apparently, this word mystified folks in the nineteenth century, too. 

Example: What sort of skulduggery are they up to?

What’s New with Janalyn Voigt

Books take time, and the wheels of publishing move slowly. I’m still editing The Whispering Wind (Montana Gold, book 6). Catching up on my writing and household duties is a bit challenging after suffering a burn injury while on deadline. Thank the Lord, I'm in a lot better shape now. Unfortunately, my email inbox isn’t. I have to admit that focusing is hard, with everything going on in the news. I regularly have to cast my crown at Jesus’s feet, and surrender my worries to Him. 

If you want to know more about the books I write, visit the bookstore at my website.

About Hills of Nevermore

Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish preacher bent on helping her survive? 

In an Idaho Territory boom town, America Liberty Reed overhears circuit preacher Shane Hayes try to persuade a hotel owner to close his saloon on Sunday. Shane lands face-down in the mud for his trouble, and there’s talk of shooting him. America intervenes and finds herself in an unexpectedly personal conversation with the blue-eyed preacher. Certain she has angered God in the past, she shies away from Shane. 

Addie Martin, another widow, invites America to help in her cook tent in Virginia City, the new mining town. Even with Addie’s teenage son helping with America’s baby, life is hard. Shane urges America to depart for a more civilized location. Neither Shane’s persuasions nor road agents, murder, sickness, or vigilante violence can sway America. Loyalty and ambition hold her fast until dire circumstances force her to confront everything she believes about herself, Shane, and God. 

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America.

Sayings that Use Shine (Wild West Sayings We Use Today)

All aboard the Wild West train for another journey into the history of words. Today, we’ll explore colloquial expressions that use ‘shine.’ Some of the older senses of the word surprised me. All brought to life a bygone era.

Wild West Sayings We Use Today, Part 34

Take a Shine To

An individual who develops a fondness for a person, animal, or object is said to ‘take a shine to’ someone or something.

Historical Reference: The origin of this phrase is lost in time, but we do know that it emerged in America during the nineteenth-century. It may have originated from an earlier phrase. 'To shine up to’ once meant to ingratiate yourself to someone, particularly a suitor. 

The earliest print citation is from High Life in New York, Volume 1, by Ann Sophia Stephens: “If she wanted to take a shine to a Yankee, why couldn’t she a found a fellor worth a looking at?”

Example: His parents sure took a shine to you.

Rise and Shine

This phrase comes in handy to urge another person to rise from bed and get to work.

Historical Reference: One of the earliest print references for 'rise and shine' as a colloquial term appeared in The Testimony of William Erbery (1658) by William Erbery: “They shall so rise and shine, that the glory shall rise upon them.”

“They” in the citation refers to Christians. That’s unsurprising, when you consider that ‘rise and shine’ comes from the Bible: ”Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1; KJV).

Example: “Rise and shine, sleepyhead, and get ready to hoe the garden.”

Make Hay While the Sun Shines

You may not be a farmer, but you may have been told at some point in your life to ‘make hay while the sun shines.’ This timeless proverb inserts practical country wisdom into modern times. A proverb, if you don’t know, is a saying that crams a lot of wisdom into few words. ‘Make hay while the sun shines’ definitely qualifies.

The literal sense of this term, in use from the 1500s, is obvious. Farmers need to cut hay on sunny days. Weather patterns being unpredictable, a wise farmer should take advantage of a dry spell to make hay.

The phrase took on its figurative meaning by the 1600s. We still use it to suggest taking advantage of favorable conditions while they last.

Historical Reference: “Make hay while the sun shines is truly English, and could have had its birth only under such variable skies as ours.” On the Lessons in Proverbs (1852) by R.C. Trench, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Example: To claim the store’s early-bird prices, I’d better make hay while the sun shines and check out.

Monkeyshines

Monkeyshines, a colloquial expression dating from the early 19th century, describes a mischievous prank or otherwise boisterous behavior. It is one of many slang comparisons of humans to primates (‘monkey business,’ ‘monkeying around,’ ‘more fun than a barrel of monkeys,’ and the like). The ‘shine’ part may come from an obsolete nuance of ‘shine’ that denoted a party, ruckus, or commotion.

‘Monkeyshines’ was used as another way to describe cutting a caper from 1819. People spoke of 'cutting monkeyshines.' 'Monkey business' cropped up in 1858. Both terms may harken to an era when monkeys were imported to America in increasing numbers to entertain audiences in circuses and zoos.

Historical References: The term appeared in “Jump Jim Crow” (1828), a song by Thomas “Daddy” Rice, considered the father of minstrelsy: “I cut so many munky shines, I dance de gallopade.” The gallop, or gallopade, was a lively country dance.

“‘I’ll boun you pulled ’em out, some o’ your shines,’ said Aunt Chloe” Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Example: Stop your monkeyshines and quit pestering your sister!

Over to You

Thanks for riding along into another fun adventure with words. I’d love to know your thoughts on today’s sayings. Did any surprise you? Have you used any of them? Were any unfamiliar? Which is your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know.

What’s New with Janalyn Voigt

I’ve decided to celebrate spring as my personal new year. The season of emerging life is the best time for new beginnings. My editor needed more time before she could take on my manuscript. That means I can give The Whispering Wind a better polish before turning it in.

Funny how that went. The story came so readily that I should have known God would make a way for it. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to give a writing project to God, only to receive it back. I had no idea at the beginning of my writing career that the measure of success would not be book sales, social media likes, or accolades—but surrender. 

Learn more about me and my books at the website for Janalyn Voigt.

Strike Gold! Discover Romance and Adventure in the Wild West

Word History is So Delightful! (Wild West Sayings We Use Today)

The weather outside may be frightful, but learning the history of words is so delightful. So, fellow word-lovers, pour a cup of your favorite warm drink and settle down in a cozy spot. Let’s go time-traveling together!

Wild West Sayings We Use Today, Part 30

What do shooting, boxing, and textile mills have in common? All relate to this month’s selection of words that passed through the Wild West to us today. Curious? Read on.

Scoot

From 1758, people have said ‘scoot’ when they mean ‘take off in a hurry.’

Historical Reference: This slang term of uncertain origin may relate to the Old Norse ‘skjota’ (to shoot). It’s not hard to imagine the connection. In an interesting sidenote, the noun, ‘scooter,’ first emerged from the verb to designate ‘one who goes quickly’ in 1825. Scooter was also applied to a kind of plow and a syringe. The child's toy we are more familiar with today, is documented in 1919. It may have derived from motor scooter, which had its genesis two years earlier.

Example: “We’d better scoot or we’ll miss the beginning of the play.”

From Scratch

Today, as in the Wild West, making something ‘from scratch’ calls for basic ingredients or components.

Historical Reference: Scratch dates to the 1400s. It probably fused the Middle English words, ‘scratten’ and ‘crachen,’ both of which meant ‘to scratch’ and are of unknown origin.

As a noun and verb, 'scratch' developed a wide range of meanings. The nuance that concerns us here emerged in the late 18th century as a boxing term. It came from the practice of drawing (or ‘scratching’) a boundary or starting line in the dirt. At that time, crossing a line between fighters, rather than a bell, marked the beginning of a round. The boxer who could no longer cross the line was declared not ‘up to the scratch.’

This phrase eventually referred to other sports. A player who ran a race, for instance, without a head start, was said to run ‘from scratch.’ The earliest citation I could find for this use appeared in the Bicycle Journal, August 18, 1878 edition: "Mr. Tom Sabin, of the Coventry Bicycle Club, has won, during last week, three races from scratch."

By the late-19th century, “from scratch” meant starting with nothing at all, as this snippet from George Orwell’s satirical novel, Coming Up for Air (1939), makes clear: “We’d no fishing tackle of any kind, not even a pin or a bit of string. We had to start from scratch.”

This sense of the phrase is the one that attached to cooking from basic ingredients. While that context dominates today, we still use this phrase to denote other items made from basic components.

Example: Aunt Mae makes her delicious cakes from scratch.

Example: Uncle Joe built that barn from scratch.

Have a Screw Loose

This idiom indicates an eccentric person or someone with an unsound mind.

Historical Reference: ‘Have a screw loose’ might seem modern but actually goes back to the 1780s. That’s when the industrial revolution ushered in the mass production of textiles. Large mills were erected to house numerous machines to keep the cheap labor busy. Keeping all the machines running was difficult, however. When one malfunctioned, it was said to ‘have a screw loose’ somewhere.

Example: “Don’t stare like you’ve lost your wits or people will think you have a screw loose.”

Further Thoughts

Personally, a connection between a scooter and shooting seems appropriate. I think of the phrase, ‘take off like a shot.’ How interesting that ‘scoot’ is so old. I’ll never think of from-scratch cooking again without picturing boxers. The history of ‘have a screw loose’ surprised me. I had no idea it originated with the early textile industry.

What are your reactions to this batch of Wild West sayings we use today? I’d love to know.

What’s New with Janalyn Voigt

Christmas seems especially precious this year. Set apart to celebrate the coming of our Savior, it stands as a marker of holiness. I feel that way not despite the chaotic world in which we live, but because of it. Jesus was born, lived, died, rose again, and lives today. In Him, through repentance, we are able to really live. This is the truth that sings in my heart this Christmas and each day of the year. May you also join the angels in a chorus of praise to God.

Merry Christmas, dear friends.

My personal history: I fell in love with literature at an early age when my father read chapters from classics to me as bedtime stories. After I grew older, I put herself to sleep with tales "written" in my head. Today I'm a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all my novels. I am represented by Wordserve Literary Agency. Learn more about me and the books I write at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Christmas Specials

My publisher has both Hills of Nevermore (Montana Gold, book 1) and The Promise Tree (Montana Gold, book 5) on special. I honestly don't know when the sale will end, so if you want to claim either of these titles, sooner is better than later. 

Hills of Nevermore: America Reed hides her secret shame, certain that God is angry with her. She does her best to avoid Shane Hayes, the blue-eyed circuit preacher, never guessing that Shane is trying to live down his own past.  

For readers who enjoy redemptive love stories.

The Promise Tree: America Hayes's daughter, Liberty, is all grown up and ready to sort out her priorities. A preacher's daughter shouldn't marry a troublemaker, like Jake. She should never have made that unfortunate promise to him. If he would stop pursuing her, keeping herself from falling in love with him would be a whole lot easier.

For readers who enjoy multi-layered love stories. 

Please note that The Promise Tree cover states it is Montana Treasure, book 1. However, my publisher and I decided to place this book in chronological order in the Montana Gold series instead of creating a spin-off series. The cover will soon reflect the change. Meanwhile, this is a rare opportunity to obtain a limited-edition cover. :)