Patrick M. Gass
The Last Survivor
Patrick McLene Gass was the last surviving member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition when he passed away in 1870 at 98 years of age.
Following the death of Sgt. Charles Floyd, in August 1804, the men of the expedition elected Gass to replace him as sergeant. Somewhat skilled as a Carpenter, it was Gass who oversaw the building of the winter camps at Fort Mandan and Fort Clatsop, as well as the “wagons” used to portage the canoes around the falls of the Missouri.
Upon returning to civilization, Mr. Gass remained in the military for another decade before mustering out in 1815 and working odd jobs.
A bachelor for most of his life, Patrick finally decided to settle down at the age of 60 when he eloped with his boss’s 20-year-old daughter! Believe it or not, they’d have 7 children! I guess it’s never too late, huh?
No Episode This Week
There will not be a new episode of The Wild West Extravaganza this week. I started working on the John Colter story, but that somehow morphed into an entire series on the Lewis and Clark expedition. I’m hoping that part 1 will be ready by next Wednesday.
Josh, Where do I go for your podcasts? I've been listening on YouTube but would prefer a podcasat.
Thank you for all the excellent work that you do!