An orphan boy from the Kentucky hills joins the Union Army and rescues his adopted family from Morgan's raiders. He learns his real identity when he returns after the war.

After the death of his foster parents, Chad runs away from his home in the Kentucky mountains. He is taken in by the Turner family, in the Valley of Kingdom Come. There, a girl named Melissa secretly loves him. The schoolmaster in the Valley takes an interest in Chad because of the boy's hard work. He rewards Chad with a trip to Lexington, but Melissa is disappointed over the news. Chad bids goodbye to Melissa. In Lexington, Chad is taken under the wing of Major Buford, who believes the boy is a relative and adopts him. General Dean, a neighbor, objects to Chad's presence. The General's daughter, Margaret, falls for Chad. Chad goes off to fight for the Union in the Civil War. Major Buford fights for the Confederacy and is killed. Chad returns to Lexington a hero. He then wins Margaret's hand.—scsu1975