The Doctor's Apprentice — John Raffensperger

The Doctor's Apprentice is a young adult novel that takes place during the 1870s when most doctors ridiculed the idea that germs caused disease. Sandy Ford, a small river town in southern Illinois, appeared tranquil, but the Ku Klux Klan terrorized ex-slaves and a local banker was stealing farms. A new doctor with a shady past operated on a girl who had been thrown from a pony. The doctor also shot a mad dog that belonged to the KKK leader. Tom, a boy who dreamed of fighting Indians, assisted the doctor and fell in love with the girl. She lived a long buggy ride out in the country; her Amish father wanted her to marry a rich farmer. The outlaw leader of the Klan swore vengeance on the doctor, and Tom was in danger as well. In the course of learning medicine, Tom assisted with operations, helped fight an epidemic, treated sick Indians and rescued injured coal miners. After many adventures and set-backs, it looked as if Tom could have a chance with the girl just as he set off to medical school.