John Beck

In Cottonwood, Texas, claim-jumper Alexander Stiles killed John Clayborn's parents when they refused to sell their ranch to him. Ten years later, John, now a lawyer, returns under the name of John Clay to exact vengeance.

In 1860s Mississippi, the Dabneys, founders of the Dabney plantation in Levington, experience tragedy and turmoil when they refuse to join either side of the American Civil War.