Faxon Dean, orphaned at a young age, struggles with poverty and loss. He and his family become members of the wandering poor, but the persevere and eventually prosper through hard work, love, and reliance upon their talents. Faxon survives to an old age, but is then lost in a tragedy. This story illuminates life in New England in the 18th century, a tumultuous time in our country, prompting comparison with our contemporary lives.