Geographic names that honor him include Lewis County, Idaho, Lewis County, Kentucky; Lewis County, Tennessee; Lewisburg, Tennessee; Lewiston, Idaho; Lewis County, Washington; the U.S. Army fort Fort Lewis, Washington, the home of the US Army 1st Corps (I Corps), and especially Lewis and Clark County, Montana, the home of the capital city, Helena. Meriwether Lewis was a famous explorer who became famous as the co-leader of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-06, which explored the territory of the Louisiana Purchase after the United States acquired it from France in 1803, as well as the Pacific Northwest.. She never explained why, at the time, she didn't investigate further concerning Lewis's condition or the source of the gunshots. Mrs. Grinder, the tavern-keeper's wife, claimed Lewis acted strangely the night before his death. At home in Albemarle County, he pursued his studies with Dr. Charles Everitt, a physician, and then Rev. The State of Tennessee erected a monument over his grave in 1848. When Clark and Jefferson were informed of Lewis' death, both accepted it as suicide, but his family contended it was murder. Native America, Discovered and Conquered: Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and Manifest Destiny. No completely satisfactory explanation for his death has ever been found. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31. After his father died of pneumonia, he moved with his mother and stepfather Captain John Marks to Georgia in May 1780. His mother, Lucy Meriwether was his father's cousin. His opportunity for the graceful exit arrived when Jefferson asked Lewis to command an expedition to find an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean, and study the land along that route. Library of Congress, https://memory.loc.gov/service/mss/mtj/mtj1/029/029_0175_0184.pdf. At thirteen, he was sent back to Virginia for education by private tutors. In June 1803, Jefferson provided Lewis with basic objectives for the mission, focusing on the exploration of the Missouri river and any related streams which might provide access to the Pacific Ocean. Meriwether Lewis Gov. On August 11, 1806, near the end of the expedition, Lewis was shot in the left thigh by Pierre Cruzatte, a near-blind man under his command, while both were hunting for elk. However, the two men were quite different in education and temperament. Four years after Lewis' death, Thomas Jefferson wrote: The alpine plant Lewisia (family Portulacaceae), popular in rock gardens, is named after Lewis, as is Lewis's Woodpecker. He died shortly after sunrise. ), In 1882, the house was sold to Mrs. Bearley, releasing the house from Lewis family descendents for the first time. It has absolutely rekindled interest in family history, said Carol Bronson, executive director of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation in Great Falls, Mont. After he excused himself from dinner, he went to his bedroom. Jane married Edmund Anderson in 1785, at age 14 at marriage place, Virginia. The Mysterious Death of Meriwether Lewis. He moved with his family to Georgia when he was ten. It is believed that he committed suicide. Family & Relationships; Fiction; Games; Gardening; Health & Fitness; History; See Full Categories List. HOHENWALD, Tenn.Meriwether Lewis conquered rivers, mountains and bears leading the Lewis and Clark Expedition across 8,000 miles of wilderness from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back. Lewis was a poor administrator, often quarreling with local political leaders and failing to keep in touch with his superiors in Washington. The Cherokee lived in antagonistic proximity to the white settlers, but Lewis seems to have been a champion for them amongst his own people. According to K. Edward Lay, a professor in the Architecture School at the University of Virginia, the present-day structure was probably built around 1900, perhaps incorporating a stone chimney from 1825. A deer however had been cornered onto the grounds of Locust Hill by the party hounds, and Mrs. Lewis-Marks shot it and turned it into a succulent dinner before the party even returned. Lewis was a Freemason, initiated, passed and raised in Door To Virtue Lodge No. Meriwether Lewis was not known to have married (though he apparently considered it at one point). Reenactors who participated in the official bicentennial marched to Lewis' grave in period uniform accompanied by drum and fife. When Jefferson began to formulate and to plan for an expedition across the continent, he chose Lewis to lead the expedition. Ministers . Lewis, who had not been publicly mourned when he died, was honored on that occasion with his first public memorial service. At some point in the night she heard multiple gunshots, and what she believed was someone asking for help. [9] He was related to George Washington by marriage: his first cousin once removed was Fielding Lewis, Washington's brother-in-law. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Lewis and Clark to explore the territory that was acquired in the "Louisiana Purchase". He kept in touch with his mother and family through long, chatty letters (Anderson, p. 501, Bakeless). There were songs and poems written about him. Meriwether Lewis at Natchez Trace Par Hohenwald, Lewis County, Tennessee, United States, American explorer, soldier, and public administrator, co-leader of Lewis and Clark Expedition also known as the Corps of Discovery, with William Clark, whose mission was to explore the territory of the Louisiana Purchase., explorer, BIRTH 18 Aug 1774, Ivy, Albemarle County, Virginia, USA, DEATH 11 Oct 1809 (aged 35), Hohenwald, Lewis County, Tennessee, USA, BURIAL Pioneer Cemetery, Hohenwald, Lewis County, Tennessee, USA Show Map. And now Lewis, the consummate adventurer, suddenly found himself stuck in a desk job. By 1794 he had joined the Virginia militia and was sent as part of a unit involved in putting down the Whiskey Rebellion. Yet even now, precious little is known about the events of October 10, 1809, after Lewis armed with several pistols, a rifle and a tomahawk stopped at a log cabin lodging house known as Grinders Stand. 2 2.William Lewis, born 1733; died November 17, 1781.He was the son of 4. In 1795 he joined the U.S. Army, as a Lieutenant, where he served until 1801, at one point in the detachment of William Clark, who would later become his companion in the Corps of Discovery. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Before he left St. Louis, Lewis had given several associates the power to distribute his possessions in the event of his death; while traveling, he composed a will. Descendants of Slaveholder . He had an older sister, Jane, and later a little brother, Reuben, would be born into the family. Lewis and Clark were respectful . More information is available at her website: abigailtucker.com, 2023 Smithsonian Magazine The last item in the side bar to the left contains links to some that we have identified. Lucy Meriwether was well known in Albemarle County throughout her adult life. The group he was with was called the Corps of Discovery. He had at least 1 son with Ikpasarewin Sara Windwalker. After returning from the expedition, Lewis's life had the potential to become that of a politician and stateman, and in 1807 President Jefferson appointed him as Governor of the Louisiana Territory. certify direct and collateral descendants of the Lewis and Clark Expedition 1803-1806. He is best known for his role as the co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a pioneering expedition that explored the western portion of the Louisiana Purchase in 1804-1806. A bronze bust of Lewis commissioned for the event was dedicated to the Natchez Trace Parkway for a planned visitor center at the grave site area. The expedition was tasked with exploring the Missouri River and its tributaries, mapping the western territories, and making contact with Native American tribes. Describe the background of Meriwether Lewis. Between 1804 and 1806, the Corps of Discovery explored thousands of miles of the Missouri and Columbia River watersheds, searching for an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean. Clark was more pragmatic and practical. After returning from the expedition, Lewis received a reward of 1,600 acres of land. William Clark is known for his expedition to explore and discover the land west of the Mississippi River, the land that the United States brought from the French in 1803. . )," and his mother's name as "Winona. Sitemap; Home Dashboard; Records . It is always preferable to locate primary records where possible. . Lucy Meriwether gave birth to Jane Meriwether Anderson, Meriwether Lewis, Lucinda Lewis (who died in childhood) and Dr. Reuben Lewis while married to William Lewis and John Marks and Mary Garland Marks while married to Captain John Marks. . Lewis became intimately involved in planning the expedition and was sent by Jefferson to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for instruction in cartography and other skills for making scientific observations. They dropped the inquiry for lack of evidence or motive. These are fantastic!!! Lewis and Clark descendants and family members, along with representatives of St. Louis Lodge . Between 1804 and 1806, the Corp of Discovery explored thousands of miles of the Missouri and Columbia River watersheds, searching for an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean. FamousKin.com cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy and reliability of these sources. [9], During the first half of the journey east, it is reported that on the riverboat he twice attempted to take his own life before becoming the victim of gunshot wounds, at a Natchez Trace inn, in what was either a murder or suicide. By some accounts, Lewis arrived at the inn with servants; by others, he arrived alone. Lucy Meriwether Lewis Marks was widowed a second time in 1791. Lewis died under mysterious circumstances of two gunshot wounds in 1809 at a tavern called Grinder's Stand, about 70 miles (110 km) from Nashville, Tennessee, on the Natchez Trace, while in route to Washington to answer complaints about his actions as governor. Meriwether Lewis became an American hero upon his return from his expedition across what is now the Northwestern half of the United States. A broken column, symbol of a life cut short, marks his grave. Sadly, William Lewis died of pneumonia when his son was five, and so Meriwether spent most of his formative years in Georgia with his mother Lucy and stepfather John Marks. Please try again. The explorer was buried not far from where he died. http://rs5.loc.gov/service/mss/mtj/mtj1/028/028_0177_0182.pdf, http://international.loc.gov/service/mss/mtj/mtj1/028/028_0636_0639.pdf, https://memory.loc.gov/service/mss/mtj/mtj1/029/029_0175_0184.pdf. (Henley, 2002) She lived there until her death in 1837 with her widowed daughter Jane Meriwether Anderson. The next morning, she sent for Lewis's servants, who found him weltering in his blood but alive for several hours. (Lay, 2002). William Douglas Meriwether became his legal guardian and his Uncle Nicholas Lewis exercised unofficial oversight (Bakeless). During his time in Georgia, Lewis enhanced his skills as a hunter and outdoorsman. Examples of plants Lewis discovered on the expedition were also brought from the Trail states and laid on his grave to honor him. However, those closest to Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and William Clark, fully accepted the reports of suicide. With regards to her cooking, Thomas Jefferson reportedly remarked "Merriwether Lewis' mother made very nice hams-better than even Monticello could produce." Gary Stella. She married William Lewis of Locust Hill; he died in 1779 and she married Captain John Marks six months later. Our Family Tree: Branch: Ray's Extended Family Tree : View. 10664People12Records12Sources Meriwether Lewisfound in 40 treesView all Meriwether Lewisfrom tree Railey and Allied Families Record information. His wound hampered him for the rest of the journey. Even at his early age he was interested in natural history, which would develop into a lifelong passion. She gave the property to her daughter as a wedding gift. IE 11 is not supported. An American icon, Lewis was also a human being, and the expedition was the pinnacle of Lewiss life, Newman says. Lewis, who had a better education, possessed a philosophical and speculative outlook and was at home with abstract ideas. He also showed an interest in plant knowledge, and his mother, an herbalist, encouraged that interest. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, Aug 18 1774 - Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virgina, Oct 14 1809 - Natchez Trace, Breton County, Tennessee, Aug 18 1774 - Locust Hill, Ivy, Albemarle County, Colony of Virginia, Oct 11 1809 - Grinder's Stand, Lewis, Tennesssee, United States, Jane Meriwether Anderson, Lucinda Lewis, Reuben Lewis, Aug 18 1774 - Locust Hill, Charlottesville, Albemarle, Colony of Virginia, British Colonial America, Oct 11 1809 - Grinder's Stand, Natchez Trace, Lewis, Tennessee, United States, riwether Lewis, Jane Meriwether Anderson (born Lewis), Lucinda Lewis, Dr. Reuben Lewis, John Hastings Marks, Mary Garland Moore (born Marks), Aug 18 1774 - Locust Hill, Ivy, Albemarle, Virginia, United States, Aug 18 1774 - Locust Hill, Albemarle, VA, USA, Oct 11 1809 - Natchez Trace, Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee, United States, Aug 18 1774 - Albemarle County, Virginia, Verenigde Staten, Oct 11 1809 - Hohenwald, Lewis County, Tennessee, USA, Aug 18 1774 - Locust Hill,Near Charlottesville,Virginia, Oct 11 1809 - At Grinder's Inn in Lewis County,Tennessee, Aug 18 1774 - Charlottesville, United States, Oct 11 1809 - Natchez Trace, Tennessee-Murder Or Suicide, Locust Hill Plantation, Albemarle County, Virginia, British Colonial America, Natchez Trace Parkway, Mile Post 385.9, Lewis County, Tennessee, United States, Pioneer Cemetery, Hohenwald, Lewis County, Tennessee, United States, Navigation-Navigators/the Science of Navigation, http://lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=2295. [2] Originally, he was to provide information on the politics of the United States Army, which had seen an influx of Federalist officers as a result of John Adams's "midnight appointments." Everyone who knows anything about Meriwether Lewis beyond that he was one half of the famous exploring duo knows that he died a violent death at the age of 35, just three years after the completion of the most successful exploration mission in American history. Geographic names that honor him include Lewis County, Idaho, Lewis County, Tennessee; Lewisburg, Tennessee; Lewiston, Idaho; Lewis County, Washington; the U.S. Army fort Fort Lewis, Washington, the home of the US Army 1st Corps (I Corps), and especially Lewis and Clark County, Montana, the home of the capital city, Helena. [7], Meriwether needed someone else to help him lead the expedition. - If the inscription on the. He is best known for his role as the co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a pioneering expedition that explored the western portion of the Louisiana Purchase in 1804-1806. Lewis was a Freemason, initiated, passed and raised in Door To Virtue Lodge No. In 1801, Meriwether Lewis left the army due to an invitation to serve as Thomas Jefferson's secretary while Jefferson was in office. IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE CAUTION WHEN DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION. Due to her knowledge and hard work, the expedition was a success. These combined skills would later be useful in his expeditions. On August 2, 1808, Lewis and several of his acquaintances submitted a petition to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in which they requested a dispensation to establish a lodge in St. Louis. Marks raised Meriwether and his two siblings along with his own two children with Lucy, John Hastings Marks and Mary Garland (Marks) Moore (1787-1864). Lewis was a good administrator, but due to quarreling local political leaders, approval of trading licenses, land grant politics, Indian depredations, and a slow-moving mail system, it appeared that Lewis was a poor administrator who failed to keep in touch with his superiors in Washington. Thomas Jefferson recruited Lewis as his secretary-aide that same year and he soon became involved in the planning of the Corps of Discovery expedition across the Louisana Purchase. He moved with his mother and stepfather Captain John Marks to Georgia in May of 1780. "[12] This claim and another by a Joseph DeSmet descendant, Martin Charger, are explored in some detail on the Joseph DeSmet Lewis documents WikiTree page. In her will, she was careful to address the dispersion of the books among her offspring; appraisers valued the total collection at the modern equivalent of several hundred dollars. Lewis suggested that the expedition would benefit from a co-commander and, with Jefferson's consent, offered the assignment to his friend and former commanding officer, William Clark. Lewis resided in the White House, and frequently conversed with various prominent figures in politics, the arts, and other circles. It was also in the Broad River Valley that Lewis first dealt with a native Indian group. Single Family Residence - Monroe, NC 3004 Meriwether Lewis Trail, Monroe, NC 28110 This lovely single-story home features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms. In 1793, Lewis graduated from Liberty Hall (now Washington and Lee University), joined the Virginia militia, and in 1794 he was sent as part of a detachment involved in putting down the Whiskey Rebellion. Capt. With Jefferson's consent, Lewis offered the post of co-captain of the expedition to William Clark. He died of gunshot wounds in what was a murder. But I dont know if it would change anybodys mind one way or the other.. Re: Meriwether Lewis/Woodson Connection By Gary Stella February 06, 2005 at 12:59:36. This much we know: on September 4, 1809, Lewis, then governor of Louisiana Territory, left St. Louis for Washington, D.C., to take care of some personal and professional business. . Meriwether is 15 degrees from Jennifer Aniston, 16 degrees from Drew Barrymore, 17 degrees from Candice Bergen, 18 degrees from Alexandre Dumas, 13 degrees from Carrie Fisher, 27 degrees from Whitney Houston, 18 degrees from Hayley Mills, 15 degrees from Liza Minnelli, 13 degrees from Lisa Presley, 19 degrees from Kiefer Sutherland, 14 degrees from Bill Veeck and 21 degrees from Brian Nash on our single family tree. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Missouri governor and corps of discovery expedition leader, William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame. She advocated an assassination theory in Meriwether Lewis: A Historic Crime Scene Investigation (co-authored with James E. Starrs), . Meriwether Lewis (August 18, 1774October 11, 1809) was an American explorer, soldier, and public administrator, best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition also known as the Corps of Discovery, with William Clark, whose mission was to explore the territory of the Louisiana Purchase. It is generally reckoned as one of the most successful and significant expeditions of its kind in modern history, and Lewis has . Supposedly, Theodesia pleaded with Meriwether to decline the journey and marry her, heavily encouraged by her father. Scholars have reconstructed lunar cycles to prove that the innkeepers wife couldnt have seen what she said she saw that moonless night. In later years a court of inquiry explored whether they could charge the tavern-keeper with Lewis' death. They settled along the Broad River in the Goosepond Community within the Broad River Valley in Wilkes County (now Oglethorpe County). Meriwether Lewis Clark, Sr. (January 10, 1809 - October 28, 1881) was an architect, civil engineer, politician, and a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. One of his traveling companions, who arrived later, buried him nearby. He was the second child and first son of William Lewis (abt.1738-1779) and Lucy Meriwether (1752-1837). Janice Lynn Lewis your "pioneer John"' Is not part of this Lewis family, your Pioneer John Lewis "is from an unrelated Lewis family just as your Canadian Lewis family is not related to this Lewis family.