Autobiographical, The Homesteader expands on and continues the life of a black pioneer first described in the Conquest (also a bison book). In this incarnation, Jean Baptiste is his name. He has just purchased land in South Dakota when he meets his 'dream girl, ' but to his mind marriage is impossible because she is white. Willful but warm- hearted, refusing to act as if he has no power to shape events, Baptiste cultivates his land and plans his future.