Three Strong Western Women

Historical characters reach across time to tell poignant stories about their lives in the play Three Strong Western Women. A Mormon handcart pioneer, a Lutheran missionary and an Apache warrior woman describe how they struggled to help others survive hardships and tragedies during dramatic turning points in the history of the American West. Emma Lee was the 17th plural wife of John D. Lee, the only man to be convicted and executed for the massacre of settlers in the wagon train at Mountain Meadows in Utah. She did many heroic things during her turbulent life, including running Lee s Ferry and saving lives in a tragically ill-timed handcart caravan. Minnie Guenther, the wife of a Lutheran minister, lived on the Fort Apache Reservation for 61 years. She played a crucial role in helping members of the tribe survive horrific epidemics. Lozen, a powerful shaman, healer and warrior, rode with Geronimo. She served as an important advisor to her brother, the Apache chief Victorio. She was revered for helping her people evade the enemy and her exceptional skill and bravery in battle. Three Strong Western Women, a play, which also reads as a fascinating book, has been performed before enthusiastic audiences and received critical acclaim. This book includes the play as well as 17 chapters of historical background to provide insight into the lives and times of these three exceptional women.