The Whip: A Novel Inspired by the Story of Charley Parkhurst

The Whip is inspired by the true story of a woman, Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst (1812-1879) who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man in the old west. As a young woman in Rhode Island, she fell in love with a runaway slave and had his child. The destruction of her family drove her west to California, dressed as a man, to track the killer. Charley became a renowned stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo. She killed a famous outlaw, had a secret love affair, and lived with a housekeeper who, unaware of her true sex, fell in love with her. Charley was the first known woman to vote in America in 1868 (as a man). Her grave lies in Watsonville, California. The Whip Is Inspired By The True Story Of A Woman, Charlotte Charley Parkhurst (1812-1879) Who Lived Most Of Her Extraordinary Life As A Man. As A Young Woman In Rhode Island, She Fell In Love And Had A Child. Her Husband Was Lynched And Her Baby Killed. The Destruction Of Her Family Drove Her West To California, Dressed As A Man, To Track Down The Murder. Charley Became A Renowned Stagecoach Driver. She Killed A Famous Outlaw, Had A Secret Love Affair, And Lived With A Housekeeper Who, Unaware Of Her True Sex, Fell In Love With Her.charley Was The First Woman To Vote In America (as A Man). Her Grave Lies In Watsonville, California.