Jacques Marquette and The Legend of the Black Squirrel

This is an extraordinary account of the life, trials and explorations of Father Jacques Marquette in North America. Jacques Marquette was born in France in 1637 and grew up with a fascination for becoming a Jesuit Father. He desired to travel to the “New World” to explore, convert and baptize the Native Americans who had no knowledge of Christianity. His sufferings and those of his fellow “black robes” were astounding, and many hardships were endured by the brave missionaries and martyrs. As Father Marquette spent more time with the Native Americans, he learned of a vast river that he felt compelled to explore. The story is narrated by a young boy named Davey, whose beloved Grandfather, Arnie, enjoys telling stories around the campfire outside their cottage. He is eager to relate the story of Father Marquette to Davey and young Max, Davey’s cousin. Marquette’s explorations are intertwined with many memorable characters. You will meet a crusty old fur trader, a brave Ottawa tribesman, an Ottawa maiden, a beautiful orphan girl, courageous voyageurs, Louis Joliet, and a giant bird believed to have been haunting the Mississippi River for centuries. Despite many obstacles, Father Marquette is able to live his dream of exploring the “Father of Waters,” the mighty Mississippi. During his explorations Father Marquette encounters a lovable squirrel named Louis. Louis, through his interaction with Father Marquette, undergoes an amazing transformation, thus becoming the first black squirrel in Northern Michigan. Author BIO: Vicki Nuetzel Kirk Holton was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. She is married to David Holton and resides in Glendale, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Vicki is the proud mother of 5 adult children and 3 step children. She is presently blessed with 6 grandchildren and the anticipation of many more to come. She attended DePauw University and graduated with a degree in Education. After a few years of teaching and raising 5 children, she became a Real Estate professional and has been active in the industry for 32 years. Vicki began vacationing in Northern Michigan in 1970 and has been an avid visitor to the area almost every summer since. Her travels have taken her to Sault Saint Marie, Mackinac Island, the Les Cheneaux Islands, Saint Ignace, Harbor Springs, the Indian River and Good Hart. During her travels, she became fascinated not only with the beauty of Northern Michigan, but its historical riches, early exploration and Native American lore. Vicki related many of these stories to her children on their vacations. With no television in the cottage, the evenings could become rather long, so book reading and story telling were a welcome diversion. One island where the family vacationed was Marquette Island, a part of the Les Cheneaux Islands. The fact that the island where they stayed was named after Jacques Marquette fed her curiousity regarding the region. When Vicki began to vacation in Harbor Springs, she was further compelled to learn of Father Marquette’s involvement in the Little Traverse Bay area, St. Ignace and Mackinac Island. Vicki was inspired to write this book because so little is known about Father Marquette and his contributions to the Great Lakes Region, especially in Northern Michigan. It is dedicated to her family and all lovers of Northern Michigan. Likewise, it is dedicated to all the brave explorers, missionaries, martyrs and Native Americans who toiled and sacrificed for what Michigan is today.