Brother Van

"Brother Van" by Stella Wyatt Brummitt is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows William Wesley Van Orsdel, known as Brother Van, as he embarks on a journey of devotion and service in the American West, focusing on his life as a missionary and his impact on both the settlers and Native American tribes, particularly the Blackfeet. At the start of the story, we meet William during the Battle of Gettysburg, where as a boy he carries water to soldiers and witnesses the horrors of war. This profound experience ignites a desire for adventure and service in him. Shortly after, we see his longing for the untamed West, fueled by the stories of explorers and pioneers. The opening sets the stage for his later work as a fearless missionary, revealing his character molded by hardship and compassion, and hints at the significant relationships he forms with both the Native Americans and the settlers in his journey westward.