In the year of 1858, Jess Swinson and his sons, Jesse and James began a journey from Ireland to America in hopes of reclaiming the family fortune and reuniting their family. As Jess stands on the deck of the ship bidding farewell to his wife and five other children, he exclaims, "With God as my witness, I vow that an heir of my seed will one day reclaim the family fortune!" After a harrowing voyage across the Atlantic, Jess and Jesse make their way to the wilderness of eastern North Carolina to start a new life. In Clinton, Jesse sees Colista Anita Batts, a young woman of courage and determination that matches that of Jesse. The wide canvass story that evolves will keep the reader waiting to see the end result. Swinson is a story of great loss, greater love and the promise of a new tomorrow, as Jess's vow is never forgotten as it is passed down after his death to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.