NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster’s 80-year-old resident, Thomas M. Kruger published his book “White Eagle” in 2016. “White Eagle” is a 62-page paperback book that observes a family, parents and a son, who went into the beautifully dangerous wilderness mountains in the West.

The 10-year-old boy ventures through nature to fend for himself after a devastating tragedy, befriending a wolf caught in a trap as well as saving a Native American during a vicious bear attack. Through his journey, he encounters wars between natives and mountain men along with other interesting characters both good and bad. The boy learns of survival in the magnificent but unforgiving land.

The beautiful nature theme can be attributed to Kruger’s own appreciation for the wilderness. Pierceton born, Kruger’s family moved a bit until they settled in North Webster where family roots laid and acres of land were free to roam for 10-year-old Kruger. To him, the area was paradise. There was adventure around every corner as he searched for Native American arrowheads in freshly plowed fields, had quite a few hunting dogs and became a hunter himself to help provide food for the family. Kruger’s favorite sport of hunting was fly fishing.

Kruger continues to live humbly at his home in North Webster. He previously published one other book in 1996, a 76-page paperback titled “Poems of Different Shades.” Little is known if Kruger plans to published another book.