Jacob

Following the Revolutionary War, Jacob Serviss leaves his boyhood home in the Mohawk Valley of New York to seek his destiny in the Western frontier beyond the Allegheny Mountains. His sole desire is to distance himself from the family burial plot, a constant reminder of the guilt he carries because of his father's death. Following a nearly-fatal mishap in the wilderness, Jacob is rescued by an Indian and his three wives on their way downriver to Illinoistown on the Mississippi to trade their catch of furs. With no other choice, Jacob joins the group and soon begins to appreciate the Indians' compatibility with nature. Once in Illinoistown, Jacob is caught up in the excitement of the town auction. He impulsively spends most of his inheritance to free a young, female slave from her abusive owner. Not realizing the responsibility and consequences of owning a slave, Jacob soon finds he has his hands full with the young black girl, near his own age, who seems to defy his every attempt at kindness and understanding, much to the delight of the Indian brave and his wives with whom they are travelling. Lila, who had been the victim of abuse at the hands of previous owners, feels nothing but hatred for white men. She takes every opportunity to harass her new young and naive owner.