Published: 2000
Currently Out of Print
Paperback, 254 pages, line drawings, map, bibliography, index 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Who came Gliding to a Better Place?

As the first state to be settled by U.S. citizens, Ohio is the start of our nation's westward movement. Gathered here are the stories of some of the most fascinating characters who came. They collectively tell the story of Ohio's Territorial Era. Here, you will read about:

• the Father of our Country's role in westward expansion
• the female frontier scout who was as tough as any man
• the old man who went to the sea again by being the first to sail down the Ohio River
• three Ohio Natives who tried to forge tribal unity in the face of white encroachment
• the U.S. General who tried to undermine Anthony Wayne while being paid by the Spanish government as Agent 13.
• It's all here: the true stories behind the legends, tales of the courageous and the curmudgeonly, the sagas of the saints and schemers and the soldiers and settlers who came gliding to a better place and carved a new state out of the wilderness.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: George Washington Slept Here
• Chapter 2: John Gibson: Unsung Hero
• Chapter 3: John Heckewelder: A Bridge Between Worlds
• Chapter 4: Anne Bailey: Lady of Legend
• Chapter 5: James Wilkinson: They Weren't All Heroes
• Chapter 6: Pontiac, Joseph Brant, Tecumseh: A Trio of Natives
• Chapter 7: Abraham Whipple: Last Voyage of the Commodore
• Chapter 8: William Maxwell and Nathaniel Willis: Pioneer Printers
• Chapter 9: Benjamin Tappan: The Curmudgeonly Politician
• Chapter 10: John Chapman: The True Story of Johnny Appleseed

What others are saying about Gliding to a Better Place:

• "Gary Williams shares my fascination for Ohio history. Books like the one he has written are important because they keep Ohio’s stories and heroes from fading from our memory.” - John Switzer, Columbus Dispatch
• “The lives of these people tell the story of Ohio’s territorial era.” - Louise Zimmer, Marietta Times
• “Highly entertaining! Well done!!” - Dr. Lorle Porter, Professor Emeritus of History, Muskingum College
• “Totally entertaining and informative!… I will eagerly await your next book.” - Ken Williams, former Noble County Commissioner