Cowboy is the story of people who contributed to the civilization and cultural aspects of the American West, instead of exploiting it. The Bennett family and Rod Anderson were just a bit above the ordinary; they take us on an imaginary trip to the historical expansion of the western Dakota Territory and Deadwood Gulch.

These pioneers did not always shoot their enemies. Whenever possible, they insisted on justice by law and reason. On the prairies they associated with many nationalities as well as Native Americans. Women stood up for their rights as human beings and promoted education, churches, schools and laws. They were firm in their convictions of right and wrong. New ideologies were born as social customs of nationalities clashed with one another and those of the native people.

The women stood shoulder to shoulder with their husbands through dust storms, Indian raids, drought and grasshoppers. So many died . . . Those who survived were hard working and as tough as the prairie itself. They lived as fully as they loved!

Written by Avonelle Kelsey (1931-2009)