Although this is a work of fiction, the roots of the story lie in historical fact, and I am greatly indebted to Reverend Thaddeus Lewis, who recounted, albeit briefly, the tale of the girl in Demorestville in his autobiography published in 1865. As well, I borrowed several other incidents from the colourful life of this faithful Methodist circuit rider. But the sentiments and philosophies expressed in the book belong, of course, to the fictional Thaddeus Lewis and not to the historical figure.
A number of sources were invaluable in providing background to the story, most particularly: Petticoats in the Pulpit: The Story of Early Nineteenth Century Methodist Women Preachers in Upper Canada by Elizabeth Gilliam Muir (United Church Publishing House, 1991) for insight into the lot of women preachers and their subsequent demise; My Neighbour’s Keeper by David R. Taylor (1994), which described early law enforcement in Upper Canada; the excerpts provided to me in 1992 from Reverend K.J. Crawford’s monumental work on the history of Methodism in Canada; The Firebrand: William Lyon Mackenzie and the Rebellion in Upper Canada by William Kilbourn (reprinted in a new edition by Dundurn Press, 2008); and the incredible array of publications, websites, pamphlets, and history books produced by both small volunteer historical societies and individual history buffs across eastern Ontario.
On a personal level, I would like to express my gratitude to Evelyn Beaumont, direct descendant of the real-life Thaddeus Lewis, who supported the use of both his book and his name in a fictionalized fashion; the Quinte Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society for their enthusiastic encouragement; readers of my other works who have continued nagging me for another book; J.D. Carpenter for his generous sharing of the secret handshake; Beth Bruder at Dundurn for championing the manuscript and Allison Hirst for editing it; and, as always, my husband, Rob, who steadfastly supports the obsession.