Press Release

For further information contact Mary Chrastil,

260-982-1813, or 260-982-0672 at the Center for History

marygrace@hoosierlink.net or  nmhistory@cinergymetro.net

The North Manchester Historical Society will host author Joe Krom for its September 9 program.  The program begins at 6:40 PM.; a meal precedes by reservation. Mr. Krom will be speaking on “William Wells on the Indiana Frontier.”

Krom’s historical novel “Heart of a Warrior: The True Saga of Sweet Breeze and William Wells” covers the Indiana frontier from the end of the Revolutionary War to the beginnings of the War of 1812. The fledgling United States government called this region the Northwest Territory. The Miami and Potawatomie nations called it home. The resulting clash of cultures erupted into war along the Eel, the Wabash, the Tippecanoe, and the Mississinewa Rivers. Sweet Breeze, the daughter of the acclaimed Miami Chief Little Turtle, and her husband William Wells, embodied this conflict.

Mr. Krom grew up in Wabash County along the Eel River. He was a member of Northfield’s first graduating class in 1963. He earned a BS from Manchester College and an MS from Indiana State University. He taught mathematics and coached track in Indiana public schools for many years. Upon retirement, he began researching events contained in his novel. He and his wife Anita visited libraries, museums, and historic sites along the highways and byways. Tidbits of fact are woven with major historical events into a narrative that carries the reader through these troubled times. 

The program will be held in the Assembly Room of Timbercrest Senior Living Community, 2201 East Street, at 6:40 p.m.  There is no cost for the program, which is free to the public.  All are welcome.  While many attend only the program, the public is also invited to come to the Assembly Room at 6 p.m. for a meal prior to the presentation.  For those who wish to attend the dinner, reservations must be made no later than noon on Friday, September 6.  The cost of the meal is $8.50.  Reservations may be made by calling the Center for History at 260-982-0672, Mary at 260-982-1813, or Evelyn at 260-982-6777.