Pain of Rebirth

About the Book

Pain of Rebirth is a story of a young man, Jake Striker, and his five brothers, who were left to fend for themselves, following the death of their loving mother and abusive father. The story is set in the 1850s and 1860s, prior to and during the Civil War. In order to survive, Jake, the oldest brother, formed what became known as the Striker Gang. They were notorious horse and cattle thieves and bank robbers, constantly keeping one step ahead of the law. To keep from being captured by the county sheriff and his posse, they joined the army. The brothers fought in the first two battles of the war at Bull Run, where Jake and his youngest brother were seriously injured. After his recovery, Jake was discharged from the army and was recruited by our country’s first Secret Service agency to help protect the life of the president. After playing a key role in preventing a rebel plot to kidnap and perhaps assassinate the president, Jake’s life was threatened, causing him to go into hiding for a time. Upon his return, a new life emerged. He married his former nurse Jo Anne, continued his work at the agency, witnessed Lincoln’s second inaugural address, and covered events involving President Lincoln’s assassination. The book ends with the close of the war.

About the Author

Robert Snater was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He was adopted by Anna and Herman Snater of Ackley Iowa. His adopted parents were divorced during the Great Depression. Nevertheless, he was raised by a caring mother and enjoyed a happy childhood. He graduated from Drake University with a major in Music Education and minor in the Social Sciences. His teaching career spanned 34 years. Nearly half of those years were as a Band Director, along with teaching History and American Government. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Administration, and later earning a Specialist Degree, he gained a reputation as a strong and innovative Administrator. He is an active composer and writer, and published his Autobiography, “A Life of Gratitude” in 2010. He married Marjorie Shipley, an elementary teacher in 1958. They have three adult children, all of whom live in Northern California. Mr. Snater is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a 44-year member of Kiwanis. He continues to lead an active life.