These books are dedicated to all children, recognizing in particular, the students educated at St. Peter's Lutheran School in Columbus, Indiana. Their request for stories about the author's childhood memories have inspired the publication of these books. May these works of historical fiction bring a spark of inspiration to all who take time to scan these pages.

I wish to thank my sisters and brothers for their input and verification of the experiences recorded on these pages. Furthermore, I am indebted to my parents, who by persisting in faith, triumphed over their trials and hardships, when hope was dim and times were difficult. Many thanks to Charlotte Pardieck, Shirley Duncan and Helen Mellencamp for their proofreading assistance and editing suggestions. I would like to give special thanks to my wife, Kathy, for her encouraging words, and for editing the final manuscript. All thanks and praise to Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who has made this completed work possible.

Paul Eisenbraun