In Old Kentucky

"In Old Kentucky" by Edward Marshall and Charles Turner Dazey is a story that unfolds in the Kentucky mountains around the year 1910, presenting a blend of romance, struggle, and self-improvement. The narrative centers on Madge Brierly, a lively young woman determined to get an education and find her way in the world, even as she navigates her family's long-standing feud and the changes coming to her rural home. Readers first meet Madge singing happily while riding an ox down Nebo Mountain, but her cheerful mood shifts when she meets Joe Lorey, a local boy who is in love with her. Their conversation highlights the conflict between Madge's desire for knowledge and a life beyond the mountains, and the traditional ways of her community. This sets the scene for Madge’s personal journey, as well as the broader societal shifts happening around her.