William Donohue Ellis (1918–2000)

I bought this book at a library discard sale on a whim, based upon the cover. This time the cover method actually worked!

Jonathan Blair is what is referred to as a "Five Dollar Lawyer" by people on the northwestern frontier of the early 1800s, in what is now known as the state of Ohio. He helps the settlers with land deeds, treaties with the natives, etcetera, armed with just his three water-stained law books, doing his circuit on his unnamed bay mount. When a banker with a desire for more show more control tries to foreclose on the settlers, they find themselves in need of a 100 dollar lawyer, but all they have is Blair. Is he up to the challenge?

I really liked this book, definitely well-researched and full of early US/American history, but never overwhelmingly so. There's a lot of legal discussions, but I never felt bored, nor did the courtroom scenes slow down the story. And you get to know the characters, their strengths and weaknesses. The writing style reminded me of Conrad Richter and other good frontier fiction authors, but Ellis also adds just a bit of humor to keep the realities of the time from being too grim. Definitely recommended, if you can find a copy. show less

The book I have is a first edition, from my husband's grandmother's library of books which we acquired at her death. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this book. It truly is a great piece of history telling of the 1800's and the banking system started and all the different notes issued. But mainly this is the story of a young lawyer known as the 5 dollar lawyer, bounty land lawyer who fought to make things right for the early settler's. It truly is an engaging story filled with show more characters who are so well described that they all leave a lingering impression. The Addenda at the end of the book and the notes attached authenticate the book well beyond my expectations. I absolutely loved this book, and although I loved the ending, it was bittersweet to close the cover it left me with wanting more. show less

Fiction, yet took awards in both history and literature