All Daniel wanted was to escape the cruel man who had been left in charge of the family farm. Little could he guess that his path to freedom would intersect with the desperate fight for his nation’s independence.

Based on a true story, Daniel Applegate is a tale of a young man coming of age, facing painful truths and discovering his inner strength. Told with wit and realism, this is a narrative that will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.

About the author

Terry Applegate

Chasing family legends and turning them into stories.

“Look before, or you’ll find yourself behind.”
– Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1735

I started this project in 2015 on a whim that soon grew into a passion to find the family story of Daniel Applegate within the landscape of the American Revolution.

I hope that you find Daniel’s adventure entertaining as well as thoughtful.

As for me, I live in a log cabin surrounded by a forest with my husband, our two dogs, and the wildlife of the wilderness.

You can contact me at: terryapplegate@danielapplegate.blog

What readers said

“Terry’s book is excellent for the young teen market. It is classroom material for sure. The plot line is great and she has woven so many little known real characters from history into the story.” – SM

“Terry painted a picture of each of Daniel’s adventures in a way that puts the reader right there with him” – LM

“This author LIVED every word and Rev War action right along with her ancestor and SO DID WE!! Bravo!!” – PD

The story of Daniel quickly draws you in and keeps your attention. Although fiction (but based on a true story), it is a good reminder of the treacherous conditions soldiers in the Revolution faced, which are often overlooked. This adds depth to the sacrifices made. At the same time, it presents the tension between justification for the Revolution and the perspective of Indigenous people. It is thoughtful and just a really good read. – AS

A wonderful novel of history, compelling and beautifully written. I highly recommend this book! – LY