Ashland County

Henry Gaines, tired of 1830s Ireland and the hardships of his fisherman's life, decides to head for Australia and a better life. When he receives a letter telling him that his brother, Patrick, has vanished, Henry searches the slums of New York, following a trail of misery and taking on gangsters. With him is his devoted friend Solomon, a former slave.With Patrick retrieved, the three move to Ashland County, where they settle and Henry becomes a philanthropist, farmer and father. Henry's three sons join him in running the farm, growing up as the Civil War darkens the horizon - and then arrives at their door when the brothers enlist. While Jacob is taken prisoner and Daniel promoted, Ethan begins his journalistic career on the battlefield and their womenfolk are left behind to deal with the war in their own way.Lives are made, broken and changed in this delightful family saga.