This is when Patrick Gass joined the Lewis & Clark Expedition to explore and map the new Louisiana Purchase territory.
His skill as a carpenter was very important to the undertaking. He led the construction of the Corps' three winter quarters, hewed dugout canoes and built wagons to portage the canoes 18 miles around the Falls of the Missouri.
On the return trip, Gass was given command of the majority of the party for a short period while Clark and Lewis led smaller detachments on separate expeditions.
After the expedition returned, he remained in the Army and served during the War of 1812 where he lost an eye at the Battle of Lundy's Lane.
With the coming of the Civil War in 1861, Gass had to be physically removed from a recruiting station at age 91 when he wanted to sign up to fight the rebels.
Quite the Man, But That's Not All. --Brock-Perry
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