SOLVED. Western Novel (w/multiple storylines). [s]

[Jon]

I read this book in February 2011. It's a western novel with multiple storylines (like 2-4 it would switch back and forth between). Specifics:
--vaguely remember a character named "Cleveland"? who was trying to win over a lady. Had a gambling problem, I think. They were on a train for a good deal of the plot. There was a battle with Indians at one point.
--(other storyline) vaguely remember family struggling down a raging river, dad's name was Zephaniah or Zebadiah maybe?? Remember them being tricked in a tavern by some swindler or something and held against their will.

That's about all I can remember. If anyone knows the name, that would be so amazing and helpful! Thanks in advance for any help!

[Jon]

Just wanted to make this visible again since it was on the second page.

[Ash]

This might be a long shot, but is it 'Green grass running water''? Although it wasn't Cleveland but Charlie. The book is more of a parody of Western novels. It definitely has multiple story lines and most of the other aspects you mentioned seem to fit.

[Jon]

No, that's not it, unfortunately. None of what I read about it seems familiar, character- or plot-wise. Thanks for trying, though. The one I'm thinking of is a genuine Western novel.

[Jon]

After searching through various Western novel descriptions, I'm pretty sure it's "How the West Was Won!"

[Kate]

Should we mark this as solved, Jon? Or are you still checking it out? We love closure, so please let us know!

[Jon]

You can mark it as solved! :)

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Jon! Thanks for the update. Here's the link - How the West Was Won by Louis L'Amour.