Steeley is a coming of age character study of a fictional young boy, beginning in Missouri in the 1870s. This novel about a young, uneducated boy, having to forage for himself. His Mother died at an early age, leaving Steeley with no father, family, or home. Existing alone prevented Steeley of a home, education and dependent upon others for his existence. Steeley is befriended by a livery stable owner, who aided him with a job, and home in the stable. Robert James Walker, pseudonym is Steeley. This name given by a drunk cowboy from 'The Stealer". He was forced killing two men protecting himself with a stolen pistol. The townfolks forced Steeley from their town, not wanting him attracting other gunfighters. Steeley escaped poverty,and death, followed by a stint in the confederate army. Arriving in North Carolina Steeley killed one of three brothers, protecting two sisters. Steeley had to escape these two vengeful brothers, and their family, who continued stalking Steeley. Steeley travelled on an old horse, through parts of North Carolina, in his efforts escaping these brothers.