Joe Kagan was one of the very few African-American residents of Walnut Grove. Kagan was a champion prizefighter until illness eventually all but ended his career. His obsession with winning one more bout cost him his marriage and his family. He moved to Walnut Grove to put up a challenge for one final fight but became exhausted and near-suicidal. Joe Kagan also had a fond relationship and friendship with Hester-Sue Terhune.