Shenandoah - James Stewart Classics

In the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1864, during the Civil War, family patriarch Charlie Anderson and his six sons Jacob, John, James, Nathan, Henry, and Boy (who is 16) run the family farm, while his daughter Jennie and daughter-in-law Ann take care of the housework. The family has no slaves. Though Charlie attends church weekly and considers himself a "God fearing" man, he doesn't give God credit for anything, but takes credit for himself especially during dinner prayer. He internally blames God for taking his wife from him. His family is regularly late for church and will force people out of their seats to make room for his family, to the annoyance of the preacher and congregation.

Charlie is an archetype of a rugged individualist . Although the Civil War has been raging around him for some three years, literally being fought within miles of his farm, he does not concern himself with the issues or with loyalty but only with his own and his family's welfare. Charlie's oldest son Jacob wants to join the Confederate Army to defend Virginia, but Charlie repeatedly tells his family that they won't become involved in the war until it concerns them directly. Although a few of the boys want to join up, they respect their father's wishes and remain on the farm. Jennie is courted by a young Confederate officer named Sam. He wants to marry Jennie, and when Charlie gives his permission, the wedding occurs a few days later. As soon as the vows are said, a corporal who has been waiting in the rear of the church comes forward to announce that Sam is wanted back immediately. Sam leaves, much to the sorrow of his new bride. Shortly after Sam leaves Ann goes into labor, giving birth to a baby girl, whom they name Martha in honor of Charlie's late wife.