Palmetto Pioneers: From Harmony to Hostility

In an unlikely union, the beautiful but illiterate Mary, a Florida pioneer cattleman's daughter from South Carolina, marries William, a refined gentleman from Washington, DC. Their life in Florida in the 1850s seems idyllic-until external forces threaten their happiness.

This gripping true story, set nearly two hundred years ago, unveils the enduring love and unyielding spirit of William H. Andrews and Mary Adeline Walker. Their journey unfolds through a golden era of prosperity, a crushing economic collapse, and the brutal upheaval of a war in early Florida.

After surviving an Indian war, William and Mary now face the ultimate test: can they and their children withstand a conflict that engulfs an entire nation? The historical nonfiction Palmetto Pioneers series vividly chronicles their trials through prosperity, the Civil War, and its aftermath.

The author weaves a tapestry of story lines: the bond of William and Mary's marriage, Mary's steadfast role at home, and William's multifaceted life as a lawman, railroad agent, politician, and soldier. Littlejohn integrates these elements into an unforgettable portrait of the family.

From Harmony to Hostility delves into Mary's fierce resilience at home, as she yearns for William and her family's men, who battle across the country from Memphis to South Carolina and from Florida to Ohio. The narrative highlights the strength of women and the far-reaching impact of war.

In the harsh frontier of early Florida, Mary confronts economic hardship, multiple pregnancies, illiteracy, and her worries and fears amidst the chaos of war. Dive into the dramatic biographical saga of Mary and her husband. Witness their relentless struggle and resilience in a land fraught with challenges and change.

Mary's story in Palmetto Pioneers evokes the spirit of A Land Remembered but tells a true Florida history tale from thirty years earlier. Crafted in the evocative styles of McCullough, Shaara, and Rutherford, this book immerses readers in an authentic Old Florida experience.

As the second installment in the acclaimed three-book series about Mary, it follows the award-winning Palmetto Pioneers: The Emigrants, which earned an IPPY bronze medal for nonfiction in the Southeastern US and three medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association for history, biography, and cover design. While the first book adds depth to the series, it is not necessary for understanding the second book.