Proud Flesh

Inspired by true events, Proud Flesh is the story of a young man named Drew Darby who grew up in the turbulent times of Civil War reconstruction. Bound and determined to live the life of a dime novel hero, he leaves his existence as dirt farmer to fashion his dream. The world he discovers is not the world of a visionary. East Texas during post war days was a turbulent and violent era in Texas history. Outlaw gangs, Klu Klux clans, and disgruntled citizens ran so rampant and destructive the Union Army had to step in and take over control. Drew Darby enters this turbulent area in search of his real father. He succeeds in his endeavor but the realization of his dime novel dream is paved with sorrow.
In post war times, outlaw gangs run by the famous Cullen Baker terrorized East Texas and Southwest Arkansas. The Union Army headed by Captain Thomas Tolman in the Sulphur Springs area spent a lot of time protecting the area citizens, black and white. Drew Darby becomes involved with Baker, Tolman and the ex-slaves during his search for his kinfolks and his quest to become a dime novel hero.