Marcus Baldwin is a giant of a man—tall, all muscle, and totally focused on the farm, the place. He is the son of an alcoholic ne'erdo-well of a father and a strong, religious woman willing to sacrifice her own happiness to have a son and daughter who will help her carve a farm out of the prairie.

Baldwin inherits his mother's fierce hatred of alcohol and her dedication to church and work. Baldwin is a good man, but he is also uncompromising in his principles. He works relentlessly. A loyal man, he inspires loyalty in those who work for him. He believes— and acts on his belief—that "A man shouldn't look down on another man. But rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." And on that note...