Heroes of the Wild West: Circuit Preachers

When you picture the Wild West, images of cowboys, saloons, and gunfights might spring to mind. Yet, another force shaped life on the frontier — the itinerant ministers determined to spread Christianity in an untamed land. These heroes of the Wild West brought spiritual guidance and a sense of community to settlers, even in areas lacking basic human needs — like shelter, food, and water. Circuit preachers earned their place of honor in Western history—and they did it the hard way.

Hundreds of Miles by Horseback

A circuit preacher traveled on horseback, sometimes for hundreds of miles across rugged terrain, to cover an assigned “circuit.” He moved from one settlement or homestead to another to offer religious services, sermons, and other pastoral care to settlers with little access to clergy. He often preached in unusual locations, including makeshift buildings, barns, or even open fields. 

The preacher returned to each settlement on a regular schedule that provided a sense of stability to settlers. Amid the violence, sickness, and loneliness they endured, they could look forward to his faithful arrival.

Author’s Note: While researching Hills of Nevermore, the first book in the Montana Gold series, one circuit preacher in particular stood out. I was charmed to read how Brother Van persuaded a saloon owner to close the bar and hold church for an hour one Sunday afternoon. He reportedly had the miners singing hymns. I decided as a tribute to base the character of Shane Hayes, the hero of Hills of Nevermore, on Brother Van. One of the liveliest scenes in the book is when Shane attempts to hold church in a saloon. 

The Incomparable Brother Van

William Wesley Van Orsdel, a Methodist minister, stands out as one of the most notable circuit preachers of the American West. Van Orsdel traveled west as a circuit preacher in the 1850s. Brother Van, as the settlers affectionately dubbed him, rode from one tiny, isolated community to another, preaching the gospel in homes, schoolhouses, and even the open air. His circuit took him enormous distances, through remote areas of what is now Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. Needless to say, this tested his physical stamina, emotional endurance, and spiritual resilience.

Brother Van often faced perilous weather, health struggles, and the constant threat of danger on the frontier. Despite these challenges, his determination never wavered. He was beloved for his deep compassion, infectious optimism, and tireless work ethic. Brother Van’s ability to adapt his sermons to the needs of his audience made him an extraordinary preacher able to connect with people from all walks of life. The gift of speaking directly to the hearts of his listeners made him much beloved. In a world where the West was often defined by its tough, gritty nature, Brother Van’s compassion and faith brought hope to many.

The Importance of Circuit Preachers in the West

Circuit preachers like Brother Van were often the only ones who could offer a semblance of stability to the frontier’s isolated communities. The West was full of people seeking new beginnings — pioneers who had left behind their homes in search of opportunity. Many settlers found themselves far from civilization, with few, if any, resources to draw upon in times of crisis.

The church, therefore, became a critical institution in these frontier towns, offering not only spiritual guidance but also practical assistance. Circuit preachers were often involved in social work, helping to establish schools, orphanages, and hospitals in the harshest of conditions. They served as counselors to the weary, peacemakers in times of conflict, and sometimes even as the only voice of reason in the midst of the violent struggles that defined life in the Wild West.

The presence of these ministers in the West also had a significant impact on the establishment of communities. It’s no coincidence that towns often formed around churches, which became hubs for settlers to gather, share news, and provide support to one another. These gatherings were not only for worship but also for socializing and the building of relationships. In this sense, circuit preachers were pivotal in the formation of the social fabric of the Wild West.

The Challenges of the Circuit Preacher

The Circuit Preacher by Alfred Waud.

Circuit preachers lived hard lives. The demands of traveling hundreds of miles on horseback in often inclement weather and through dangerous terrain were daunting. Preachers faced physical exhaustion, health issues, and the constant threat of isolation. They relied on the hospitality of settlers to offer them food, shelter, and sometimes safety.

In many cases, they were forced to live off the land, surviving on minimal resources. It is a testament to their dedication that these preachers continued to serve—sometimes for years. Many never married and died young. Nearly half of the 737 circuit preachers the Methodist Church sent out prior to 1847 died before age thirty,

The Legacy of the Circuit Preacher

Circuit preachers of the Wild West brought hope and help to settlers of an unforgiving land. They built communities, brought solace in times of hardship, and provided constancy to offset the uncertainties of frontier life. Preachers like Brother Van left an indelible mark on history, reminding us that even in the wildest places, faith can shine its light.

These humble servants are unsung heroes of the West. Many of their names are lost to time but their influence remains an indelible part of American history.

About the Author

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. Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, and subscribe for updates at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Fall in Love with the Wild West

The Montana Gold western historical romance series follows the lives and loves of a family of Irish immigrants surviving in the Wild West. Read these stories to reaffirm your faith in the power of God's love. Learn More> 

Heroines of the Wild West: Preacher's Daughters

Ever wonder what it was like to be a preacher’s daughter in the Wild West? Picture wide-open spaces, dusty towns, and a whole lot of folks trying to strike it rich—not to mention survive. Against this backdrop, the community relied on the local preacher and his family for stability.

In many booming frontier towns, the preacher wasn’t just a guy in a black suit reading from a dusty old book. He was often the moral compass for everyone around, a duty in which his family was expected to oblige him. Preacher's daughters must embody all good Christian values: compassion, kindness, and integrity.

No pressure there, right? Keep reading.

Everday Life

From organizing Sunday school to planning potluck dinners, a preacher’s daughter kept busy. At church activities, she helped her hurried parents ensure that everyone felt welcomed and included.

She attended community events, like picnics, dances, and charity drives. These gatherings gave her a chance to mingle, forge friendships, and maybe even catch the eye of a potential suitor. Her active social life came with the expectation that she would maintain a spotless reputation.

A preacher's daughter was well-educated, thanks to her families’ emphasis on learning. Besides reading the Bible, she consumed literature to expand her knowledge. This practice might lead her to become an informal teacher in her community, helping others learn to read and write. Some preacher’s daughters opened schools in Wild West towns.

Author's Note: While researching Hills of Nevermore, the first book in the Montana Gold western historical romance series, I learned of Clara L. Streeter, daughter of a Methodist minister who in 1863 taught school in Bannack, Montana. Clara’s diary provides valuable insights that informed my understanding of Bannack, where much of the action in the story takes place. Clara deserves a lot of respect. She braved the rigors of a wild and wooly boom town to teach the children of miners and settlers in a small, makeshift schoolhouse.

Living Under Observation

A preacher's daughter existed under the careful watch of her community. Imagine living with the constant pressure to be perfect with every little thing she did under scrutiny. If she slipped up—say, by dancing a little too close at a barn dance—it could reflect poorly on her entire family.

If a preacher’s daughter developed dreams and desires that clashed with the expectations of her position, pursuing them would be next to impossible. I highlighted this reality in the story of preacher's daughter Liberty Hayes, heroine of The Promise Tree (Montana Gold, book 5). Liberty has a long-standing friendship and a secret promise with her neighbor, Jake, who often finds himself misunderstood. Liberty has to decide whether to honor her preacher father or follow her heart's desire.

The very nature of a preacher's daughter's role led to feelings of isolation. Although surrounded by people, she didn’t know many who understood the weight of her responsibilities.

Leading through Influence

Despite these challenges, a preacher’s daughter wielded a unique kind of influence within the community. Others might bring her their troubles, seeking her advice on problems beyond her experience. She would do her best to connect them with her father’s teachings from the Bible. 

Because of her compassion, gentle manners, and prominent position, it wasn’t uncommon for the townsfolk to romanticize the preacher’s daughter into a cultural icon.

Leaving A Legacy

Although privileged, preacher’s daughters in the Wild West did not have it easy. Finding their own life paths while under the lens of other’s expectations demanded strength and perseverance. Becoming community leaders, teachers, and advocates, these young women contributed to the culture of the Wild West in ways that remain the stuff of legends. Their stories speak of the courage to live authentically, even when society had a lot to say about how they should act. Next time you dive into a Wild West story, keep an eye out for the preacher’s daughter. She’s not just the good girl; she’s a powerhouse in her own right, navigating the complexities of frontier life with grace and grit.

Do you think that preacher's daughters today encounter the same challenges as those in the Wild West? 

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.

Fall in Love with Montana Gold

Discover faith, courage, and romance in the six Wild West adventures. Go here. 

Heroines of the Wild West: Life on a Homestead as a Widow

The American frontier during the 19th century was challenging under the best of circumstances, but for a widow managing a homestead, the struggle proved daunting. The absence of a spouse could make the daily grind of survival, already difficult, even more of a trial. In a hostile environment that demanded grit from its settlers, wild west widows stood apart. 

The Homestead Experience

In the Wild West, homesteaders were typically responsible for carving out their own slice of land from the untamed wilderness. For a widow, this responsibility often fell solely on her shoulders. A homestead was more than just a plot of land; it was a small farmstead with a house, outbuildings, and cultivated fields. The work was relentless, from plowing fields and planting crops to tending livestock and maintaining the home.

With the loss of her husband, a widow faced the immediate burden of these tasks alone. While neighbors often helped each other in times of need, support was not always reliable or available. The widow had to balance the physical demands of farm life with the emotional strain of her loss, all while navigating the social dynamics of a tight-knit frontier community.

Daily Responsibilities

A typical day for a widow on a homestead began before dawn. She needed to start a fire to heat the house, cook breakfast, and prepare for the day’s work. The farm chores were extensive. Livestock required feeding, milking, and grooming, while fields needed to be plowed, sowed, and harvested depending on the season. Gardens were vital for providing fresh vegetables and herbs, so they, too, required constant attention.

Maintaining a homestead also meant handling repairs and construction. Whether it was fixing a leaky roof or building new fencing, a widow had to be resourceful. Many women learned these skills out of necessity, often with limited tools and supplies.

Community and Isolation

Despite the rugged independence required, homesteaders were not entirely isolated. Communities were small but tightly knit, and mutual aid was a cornerstone of frontier life. Neighbors would lend a hand during harvests or in times of illness, and local churches often served as social hubs. For a widow, church services and community gatherings provided not only spiritual support but also a chance to interact with others, share experiences, and find solace.

However, the emotional toll of isolation was significant. The frontier was vast and sparsely populated, which meant that a widow might go for weeks without seeing another person. The solitude could be both a comfort and challenge.

Financial and Social Challenges

A widow’s situation could be precarious. Homesteading was not always profitable, and the death of a spouse often meant a loss of income and support. Some widows managed to sustain their farms through hard work and frugality, but others faced the prospect of selling their land or seeking employment in nearby towns. Many widows took on additional work, such as sewing, baking, or taking in boarders, to make ends meet.

On a social level, widows sometimes faced judgment or scrutiny. In some frontier communities, a widow could be seen as a burden or an outsider, particularly if she was new to the area or if her husband had been a prominent figure. Navigating these social challenges required resilience and, often, a strong network of allies within the community.

Legacy and Resilience

Despite these hardships, many widows in the Wild West demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. They were pioneers in their own right, overcoming the obstacles of frontier life through determination, ingenuity, and faith. Their contributions were integral to the settling of the American West, and their stories, though often overshadowed by the more famous figures of the era, reflect the profound strength and spirit of the frontier women.

In retrospect, the life of a widow on a homestead in the Wild West was a testament to endurance and fortitude. It was a life marked by hard work, community support, and a fierce will to persevere against the odds. These women, with their indomitable spirit, played a crucial role in shaping the history of the American frontier, leaving a legacy of resilience that endures in the stories of the Wild West.

An Author's Tribute

I wanted to honor the brave widows of the Wild West by featuring them as some of the heroines in the Montana Gold western historical romance series. The first story is about America Ellis, who gives birth on her homestead while snowed in following her husband's death. She assesses her chances of survival and comes to a decision. After the spring thaw, America visits her husband's grave one last time, hitches her horses, and leaves her homestead behind. Hills of Nevermore, book one in the series, follows America into a rough mining town during Montana's gold rush, where she attempts to start a new life with her baby. A blue-eyed Irish circuit preacher takes an interest in her, but a shameful secret holds her back from accepting his friendship. Only God's love can free her, but America suspects she has angered the Almighty. 

• Learn more about Hills of Nevermore. 
• Learn more about the Montana Gold western historical romance series.

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 and the books she writes: http://janalynvoigt.com.

 

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 36

All aboard as we begin another journey on the word-history train! Come along for the fun of it, and learn as you go. :)  

Clean as a Whistle

This phrase describes something that is spic-and-span. You might ask yourself, what’s so clean about an object you blow through? That’s a good question. It doesn’t help that the origin of ‘clean as a whistle’ is uncertain, but the best answer is that the meaning of this phrase evolved from its 18th-century meaning of ‘utterly complete’ to ‘pristine.’ Both nuances remain with the term today. When a child licks his ice cream bowl until it is empty, he leaves the bowl ‘clean as a whistle.’ I would still wash it though, and so would you. Once your dishes are ‘clean as a whistle,’ you wouldn’t mind using the bowl.

To complicate matters, the early form of this phrase was ‘clear as a whistle.’ Call to mind the peal of a whistle cutting through the air, and the ‘complete’ meaning becomes a lot more understandable. Why the phrase took on the meaning of ‘pure’ is not known, but theories abound. Maybe it comes from the fact that brass train whistles were kept clean. Or it could have happened because whistles need to be kept clean to exude their purest sounds. My favorite is that the clean, piercing sound of a whistle inspired the shift in meaning.

Historical Reference: The Oxford English Dictionary places the first occurrence of the idiom in the “The Dialect of Craven V1: In the West Riding of the County of York, with a Copious Glossary by A Native Of Craven, William Carr (1828): “The dialect of Craven, in the West-Riding of the County of York (anon.) 1824, 1828. s.v., ‘As clean as a whistle’, a proverbial simile, signifying completely, entirely.”

Example: She polished her silver teapot until it was clean as a whistle.

Small Potatoes

Today, as they did in the Wild West, ‘small potatoes’ described something of little consequence, importance, or worth. 

(Side note: I feel the need to defend the potato, which is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Studies indicate they can balance blood sugar, reduce the risk of heart disease, and boost the immune system. Potatoes may also improve digestive health and combat signs of aging. Because potatoes are filling, they can curb hunger pains and cravings during weight loss.)

Small potatoes was well-established in America during the first part of the 19th century. It originated much earlier, however.

Historical Reference: Samuel Taylor Coleridge used a strikingly similar phrase with the same meaning in a letter to another English poet, Roberty Southey. Coleridge referred to William Wordsworth in the letter, which he dated ‘17th July 1797’: “Wordsworth is a very great man, the only man to whom at all times and in all modes of excellence I feel myself inferior, the only one, I mean, whom I have yet met with, for the London literati appear to me to be very much like little potatoes, that is, no great things, a compost of nullity and dullity.”

(Side note #2: What an interesting word he created there: ‘dullity.’ I like it.)

What may be the earliest instance of ‘small potatoes’ appeared in The Boston Morning Post (Boston, Massachusetts) on September 7, 1832: “The Onion Crop on Cape Cod, it is feared, will turn out rather “small potatoes” this year.” However, the usage seems to imply that the phrase was in wide use by this date.

Example: My paycheck is small potatoes compared to what my brother makes.

We're back at the station for another month. Thanks for traveling along with me on another fun exploration of Wild West Sayings We Use Today. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the double meaning of 'clean as a whistle.' Do you agree that potatoes are much-maligned? 

What's New With Janalyn Voigt

I'll admit to some doubt that summer would ever arrive. In the Pacific Northwest, where I live, spring brought more rain than the area has seen in eighty years. With the sun shining, it's harder to remember the storms  Bootsy is a stray cat that adopted me. I don't let him roam, although I might if coyotes didn't regularly snatch up pets. 'Boo,' as I like to call him, is harness-trained, and he takes me on regular walks. We linger more on our jaunts these days, due to the balmy weather. 

I had a little more time to indulge my cat while The Whispering Wind (Montana Gold, book 6) was in my editor's capable hands. The manuscript just returned to me for edits, however. I hope to strike a balance between my home life and writing life. I haven't been good at this in the past, but I think I've learned my lesson. Slow and steady wins the day. 

Want to know more? Visit the website for Janalyn Voigt.

Discover Montana Gold 

Set during a time of unrest in America, the Montana Gold series follows the lives and loves of a family of Irish immigrants who must call upon their faith to survive in the Wild West.  Learn more. 

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