Brother Van

A vivid portrait unfolds of a young farmhand who, as a teenager, found himself at the heart of the Battle of Gettysburg, ferrying water and aid to wounded soldiers on both sides. His early compassion and bravery set the tone for a life devoted to service, hinting at the calling that would later carry him far beyond the Civil‑war fields.

The narrative follows his transformation from that modest Pennsylvania boy into “Brother Van,” a missionary whose boundless energy and deep respect for Native peoples made him a beloved figure across Montana and the wider Northwest. Through lively anecdotes and historic sketches, listeners discover his daring journeys up the Missouri, his close ties with Blackfoot leaders, and his role in shaping frontier communities—all while maintaining the humility of a man whose greatest achievement was the trust he earned from those he served.