'Recollections of Life in Ohio, from 1813-1840' Summary

William Cooper Howells, father of the renowned novelist William Dean Howells, recounts his life in Ohio from 1813 to 1840. The book captures the essence of early frontier life, detailing the arduous tasks of farming, logging, and building a community. It delves into the social fabric of the time, highlighting the strong influence of religious revivalism and the diverse denominations prevalent in the region. Howells also candidly shares his family's evolving religious beliefs, starting with Quaker roots, transitioning to Methodism, and ultimately embracing Swedenborgianism. His accounts of log barn raisings, encounters with nature, and attendance at boisterous camp meetings paint a vivid picture of the social and religious landscape of the time. Throughout his memoir, Howells showcases a keen interest in politics and writing, foreshadowing his later career as a printer and journalist. "Recollections of Life in Ohio" serves as a valuable historical document and an engaging personal narrative that illuminates the struggles and triumphs of early American settlers.