The Express Riders of 1776-1851.

The express rider was a important part of the army they took intelligence reports to other commanders and to Congress and to the Congressmen and Senators. One can see way George Washington was concern when Congress was thinking of doing away with the express man and only use the Post, the express man had to be of good character not only because of the intelligence they carried but the vast amount of money they carried as will as much as $150,000 dollars at a time. The express rider was accountable for all that he carried until it reached the hands it was intended for so if it was lost or stolen he had to make it good.

Note. Although there is no family info here it was important to place these names here to help family's find other family members and to let them know what they were doing at this time in History. If you would like to add any information to the names or have any questions you may at the following address dsegelquist1@cox.net



The Express Rider.

In 1779 there was a act in Congress to the discharging of all express riders in the pay of the United States, as they were in constant pay at the public expence and would be a grate measur to save the expence to the private expresses. George Washington would not admit to a general discharge of the express rider till he got directions from Congress. Washington felt that circumstances frequently arise that demmand an instant communication. He explained that to place intirely out of the tract of the post, nor dose it appear to him that it would answer to rely on getting of occasional expresses at the moment they are wanted, both on account of the delay that would often happen and the risk of employing improper characters. He went on, If one half of the present expresses were dismissed I should think this would be carring the experiment as far as would be safe and whether to extended any farther. As a result of Washington concers, On January 14, 1779 Congress made this statement. "That the Commander in Chief be authorised to order so many expresses to be retained in the public service as he may judge necessary for the immediate purposes of the army," and subsequently left the supervision of the express service to Washington and the Board of War. Nevertheless, its intervention at this time resulted in the striking reduction in the number of expresses from 112 to 17, and the unauthorized use of them by staff and civilian officers significantly diminished."

Note. The year date beside the name is the year the information came from Congress.

1778. Lawellin Barry, all I could find on him was one line that stated that a warrant was issue on the Treasurer to him for $200. Dollars which he was accountable.

Note. Mr. Barry's, first name was also spelled ( Levallin ) as to the right spelling I couldn't fine out.

William Dodd.

In 1778 a letter from Henry Laurens was sent to William Heath Mr. Laurens had this to say; "The Bearer William Dodd who has hitherto in the business of a Messenger to & from Boston merited the Character of a diligent discret Young Man, in the Moment of his departure demands from me two hundred Dollars without which he cannot proceed. His present chief errand is, to conduct a large Sum of Money from the Treasury & Board of War for the use of the Commissary of Purchases in the Northern department & therefore he ought, if he is intitled to receive any supplies here, to have obtained the necessary Sum from one of those Offices, but at this time of day both are shut up. Should I refuse to enable him immediately, another day will be passed before he can proceed. I have therefore judged it best to grant him the Sum he required. I take the liberty of requesting you to enquire & inform me if Mr. Dodd is not particularly in the service of the State of Massachusetts & if he is, to give an intimation of this advance to the proper Board or Office in order that his Account may be properly charged & a loss avoided which may otherwise attend this irregular payment either to the public or more properly to myself whose Wages will not bear it."

In 1778 a warrant was issue on the Treasurer in favor of William Dodd, an express rider, for 200 dollars, to be advanced him; and for which he is to be accountable.

1778. There is due to William Dodd, for his service as express, rider, from the 3d October, 1776, to the 31 October, 1777, as more fully appears by a particular state, filed with his account, a balance of 370 30/90 dollars.

Richard Ross.

1777. A warrant was issue on the treasurer in favor of Richard Ross, express rider, for 300 dollars, to be advanced in part of his demand to the 16 October; he to be accountable.

1778. There is due, to Richard Ross, for riding express from January 15, 1777, to November 1st, 289 days, a balance of 195 dollars.

Martin Nicholas.

1777. A warrant was issue on the treasurer in favor of Martin Nicholas, for 30 dollars, a gratuity for his riding express with intelligence to Congress.

John Henry Zimmerman.

1798. John Henry Zimmerman, praying that he may receive the arrearages of pay due to him, as a soldier and express rider in the Pennsylvania line; and, also, that he may be allowed compensation for a valuable horse, the property of the petitioner, which was lost while in the service of the United States, during the late war.

Edward Merritt.

1858. Edward Merritt, an army express rider in the Mexican war, praying to be allowed a pension or other compensation for services rendered and injuries received in the public service.

Note. I know there's not much info on Mr. Merritt here but now at lest you know two things about him, one he was an express rider and two he was in the Mexican War, and maybe three he was in the army, although it states he was a army rider does not mean he was in the army he may have been a privet citizen hired as a express rider.

William H. Owen.

1850. William H. Owen was a Private in Captain W. B. Gray’s company of Texas Troops. He was paid the sum of $250. Dollars for his services riding express from Camargo to Corpus Christi in February 1847, and for the value of a horse lost in that journey.

1856. Samuel W. Owen, executor of William H. Owen, deceased, praying compensation for the services of the deceased as an express rider from Camargo to Corpus Christi during the war with Mexico.

Patrick M'Closky.

1776. Due to Patrick M'Closky, for his pay as express rider, from the first day of January to the 31 October, 1777, a balance of four hundred and eighteen dollars.

Simeon Geron.

Simeon Geron, was a express rider in the war of 1812, in 1814 & 1815 he was under Baigadier General Taylor and was also a rider in the Mexico war.

Charles B. Fitch.

Charles B. Fitch, of the state of Ohio, asking to be compensated for services rendered to the Government, during the late war with Great Britain, as an express rider, under the orders of general Wadsworth.

Samuel Howell.

In 1783 Samuel Howell, of New Jersey, was asking Congress to be put on the penson rolls as he had been a express rider between Congress and Headquarters for two years and was at great labor and exposure and a good deal of hazards. At first his pension was to be $12. Dollars a month then it was put down as $8. Dollars a month. He was also asking to be paid for a house that was burned down while occupied by some officers of the United States army. His Bill was still in Congress in 1829, and still had not been paid.

John Le Roy.

John Le Roy, was a express rider in theMexico War and was wounded while going his duty. He received a pnsion of twenty dollars a month for life. Commencement was to on Feb. 22, 1847, his pension Bill was passed on August 25, 1852.

Thomas Graves.


Thomas Graves, of Russell county, State of Kentucky, was asking for a pension in consideration of his services he had rendered as a soldier in the revolutionary war and which he was an express rider as will.

Duties From The Pension Rolls Of The Rev. War & War of 1812

I picked these Duties from the pension rolls that I liked, We all know about the Private, Captain and Major's and so on but little is said about the teamaster, wagonmaster, spy's express rider, and so on I hope this list will be helpful to those who read it. If you have any questions or would like to add any info to these names you may at the following address. dsegelquist1@cox.net.

Thaddeus Wilson
???-???
Hillsborough County New Hampshire.

Thaddeus Was a teamster at New Hampshire, his allowance was $23.67 dollars he had received $66.67 dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 5, 1831, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1833. He was 69.

George Latimer
???-???
Hartford County Connecticut.

George was a wagon master on the Conn. Line, his allowance was $80. dollars he had received $240. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on May 2, 1833, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 76.

Pearson Freeman
???-???
Rutland County Vermont

Pearson was a waiter on the Conn. cont'l line, his allowance was $80. dollars he had received $240. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 1831, his commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 73.

Notes on Person Freeman.

1814. A petition of Pearson Freeman, of Rutland county, in the State of Vermont, a soldier of the Revolution, praying Congress to grant him an additional pension under the act of 1818.

1831. Pearson Freeman received a pension of $80. dollars for life starting March 4, 1831.

1848. petition of Rebecca Freeman, of Rutland county, in the State of Vermont, praying for a pension, on account of the services of her late husband, Pearson Freeman, deceased, during the war of the revolution.

1847 Rebecca Freeman, widow of Pearson Freeman was to a pension of $80. Dollars a year for life starting Nov. 4, 1847. However the petition was still in Congress in 1853.

John Colt
???-???
Washington County Vermont.

John was a Teamster for the Conn. State troops, his allowance was $110. dollars he had received $320. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 1833, his commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 80.

Elisha Lathrop
???-???
Washington County Vermont

Elisha was a teamster Conn. cont'l line, his allowance was $30. dollars the amount received is unknown. he was placed on the pension rolls on June 21, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 74.

Alfred Baldwin
???-???
Leyden, County of Chenango New York.

Alfred was a wagoner under Gen. Izard, his allowance was $96. dollars his amount is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on July 26, 1834, commence was on Jan. 1, 1830. his wife Amelia was asking Congress for his pension she was living in Guilford New York at the time.

Henry Johnson
???-???
Erie County New York

Henry was a Indian warrior in service of the United States. He was placed on the pension rolls on April 10, 1831, commencement of his pension was on Jan. 1828.

Simeon De Witt
???-???
Albany County New York.

Simeon was a Georapher, his allowance was $200. dollars, the amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on April 9, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was77.

Notes on Simeon De Witt.

1796. Simeon De Witt, of New York, was nominated to be Surveyor General, he declined that appointment.

1780. Mr. Simeon de Witt is appointed Geographer to the Army.

1816. A petition of Simeon De Witt and others, concerned in manufacturing bar iron, in the State of New-York, praying that such measures may be adopted as will enable them, and others similarly engaged, to continue their operations.

1798. Simeon De Witt, appointed agent by New York at treaty held with the Oneida Indians.

1802. Simeon De Wtt, agent of New York at treaty with the Oneida Indians in 1802, to obtain lands from them.

John Furbeck
???-???
Albany County New York.

John was a wagoner on the Conn. militia. His allowance was $80. dollars, he had received $120. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Jan. 17, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 72.

Thomas Donnelly
???-???
Cayuga County New York.

Thomas was a express rider for the east dept. continental, his allowance was $120. dollars, the amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on Jan. 28, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 68.

Note on Thomas Donnelly.

In 1812 Thomas Donnelly was to be 1st lieutenant of infantry, but it was given to Peter Donnelly Jr. Peter could have been part of the family needs research.

Moses Lyon
???-???
Cayuga County New York.

Moses was a express rider for the Mass. continental, his allowance was $240. dollars, he had received $661.62. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Jan. 28, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 76.

Abel Stannard
???-???
Cayuga county New York.

Abel was a teamster in the Mass.Militia. His allowance was $80. dollars the amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on Dec. 4, 1832, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 79.

Eleakim Thatcher
???-???
Chautauque County New York.

Eleakim was a teamster for the New York Militia, his allowance was $40. dollars the amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on July 28, 1834, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 70.

Samuel Marks
???-???
Columbia County New York.

Samuel Marks was a teamster for the Mass. Militia, his allowance was $80. dollars the amount he received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 3, 1833, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 76.

Noah French
???-???
Essex County New York.

Noah was a express rider for the New Jersey Militia, his allowance was $160. dollars he had received $480 dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Feb. 3, 1834, commencement of his pension was on March 1831. he was 80.

Jehiel Bonnell
???-???
Livingston County New York.

Jehiel was a private & teamster for the Conn. Militia, hia allowance was $50. dollars he had received $150. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on April 18, 1834, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 69.

Edward Parker
???-???
Madison County New York.

Edward was a teamster for the Conn. Cont'l, his allowance was $20. dollars he had received $50. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 8, 1832, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 73.

Jonathan Burrall
???-???
New York County New York.

Jonathan was a paymaster for the nortern dept., his allowance was $320. dollars, the amount received is unknown. he was placed on the pension rolls on Dec. 29, 1832. commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 79.

Zadock Hedden
???-???
New York County New York.

Zadock was a wagon master in the New Jersey Militia, his allowance was $240. dollars the amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on Nov. 22, 1832, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 76.

John Nichols
???-???
Oneida County New York.

John was a teamster for the Conn. Militia, his allowance was $30. dollars amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 26, 1834, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 70.

Enoch Crosby
???-???
Ontario County New York.

Enoch was a teamster for the New York Militia, his allowance was $23.33 the amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 3, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 69.

Richard Albertson
???-???
Orange County New York.

Richard was a teamster & sergeant for the New York Militia, his allowance was $63.40. dollars he had received $192.20. dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 17, 1834, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 83.

Ashbel Hitshcock
???-???
Otsego County New York.

Ashble was a teamster for the Conn. Cont'l, his allowance was $70. dollars the amount received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 7, 1833, commencement of his pension ws on March 4, 1831. He was 68.

Nathan Whitlock
???-???
Otsego Counth New York.

Nathan was a teamster for the Conn. Militia, his allowance was $80. dollars the amount he received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 1, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 71.

David Matthews
???-???
Washington County New York.

David was a forage-master for the New York , his allowance was $240. dollars he had received $580.66, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Oct. 29, 1832, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. No age he died on Aug. 5, 1833.

Ephraim Whitaker
???-???
Rensselaer County New York.

Ephraim was a forage-master for no service given, his allowance was $480, dollars he had received $3,425.54, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Aug. 19, 1830, commencement of his pension was on March 3, 1826, No age given.

John Abbott
???-???
Hunterdon County New Jersey.

John was a conductor of teams for the New Jersey cont'l line, his allowance was $320, dollars he had received $960, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Aug. 21, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 75.

Christy Little
???-???
Hunterdon County New Jersey.

Christy was a wagoner for the New Jersey State troops, his allowance was $80, dollars he had received $240, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on May 3, 1834, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 80.

Thomas Slack
???-???
Middlesex County New Jersey.

Thomas was a wagoner for the New Jersey cont'l line his allowance was $80.33, dollars he had received $240.99, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Oct. 5, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 73.

Henry Southard
???-???
Somerset County New Jersey.

Henry was a wagon master for the New Jersey Militia his allowance was $320, dollars he had received $960, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Jan. 19, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 87.

Josiah Munson
???-???
Susex County New Jersey.

Josiah was a teamster for the Conn. cont'l line his allowance was $23.33, dollars he had received $69.99, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 6, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 69.

Robert Maffit
???-???
Philadelpiha County Pennsylvania.

Robert was a Rough Rider for the Rev. Army his allowance was $30, dollars he had received $405.08, dollars. The date of his placement on the pension rolls is unknown, commencement was on March 4, 1793.

Henry Smith Sr.
???-???
Fayette County Pennsylvania.

Henry was a Indian spy for the Pennsylvania Army his allowance was $26.66, dollars he had received $79.98, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on April 12, 1834, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 81.

John Elliot
???-???
Baltimore county Maryland

John was a wagoner in the Rev. Army his allowance was $30, dollars he had received $95.75, dollars. The date he was placed on the pension rolls is unknown, commencement of his pension was Dec. 26, 1801.

Note on John Elloit.
1807. A petition of John Elliot, of Baltimore county, in the State of Maryland, praying relief in consideration of personal injuries sustained by the petitioner, whilst a wagoner in the service of the United States, during the Revolutionary war With Great Britain.

William Earnest
1803(?)-???
Baltimore County Maryland

William is a [ orphah ] in the Maryland Militia his allowance was $250, dollars he had received $1,250, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 29, 1819, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1819. His pension expired on March 4, 1824.

Note on William Earnest.
1818. A petition of Sarah Daggett, the mother and natural guardian of William Earnest, stating that the said William Earnest is a deaf and dumb boy, about 8 years old, and that his father Charles Earnest was killed in the battle of Bladensburg, and praying that provision may be made for the education and maintenance of the said William.

Richard Bell
???-???
Harrison County Virginia

Richard was a Indian spy for the Virginia cont'l his allowance was $80, dollars he had received $240, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Nov. 7, 1833, commencement of his pension as on March 4, 1831. The pension was suspended.

William Haddox
???-???
Harrison County Virginia.

William was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $66.66, dollars he had received $199.98, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 5, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 76, pension was suspended.

Jacob Riffee
???-???
Harrison County Virginia.

Jacob was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $240.87, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Oct. 29, 1831, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 73, his pension was suspended.

Thomas Stout
1751-1837
Harrison County Virginia.

Thomas was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $80, dollars he had received $240, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Oct. 12, 1833, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 83, pension was suspended.

Note. I would like to thank Suzette Carpenter Galloway, for the following information on Thomas Stout.

Thomas Stout was born in 1751 in Hopewell, NJ and married Margaret Phillips in 1785 and took her to Harrison County, VA. They had 8 children before she died in childbirth in 1803. He remarried in 1804 and had 4 more children with Mary Stewart. Thomas Stout died Oct 27, 1837 in Harrison County.

John Sweger
???-???
Harrison County Virginia.

John was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $56.66, dollarshe had received $169.98, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Feb. 5, 1834, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 74, pension was suspended.

Joseph Parson
???-???
Jackson County Virginia.

Joseph was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $80, dollars he had received $240, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Dec. 31, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 79.

Note. All the following men were from Lewis County Virginia. They all were Indian spy's for the Virginia Militia and all their allowance were $80, dollars and they received $240, dollars and their pensions were suspended.

1. Peter Bennett, pension rolls July 19, 1833, start of pension March 4, 1831, Age 70.
2. William Cardner, pension rolls Oct. 16, 1833, start of pension March 4, 1831, age 74.
3. Jacob Hyre, pension rolls Oct. 29, 1833, start of pension March 4, 1831 age 77.
4. Isaac Mace, pension rolls May 29, 1833, start of pension March 4, 1831, age79.
5. Tunis Mucklewaine, pension rolls Jan. 6, 1834, start of pension March 4, 1831 age 75.
6. Leavin Nicholas, pension rolls Oct. 26, 1833, start of pension March 4, 1831, age 78.
7. Mark Smith, pension rolls Oct. 12, 1831, start of pension March 4, 1831, age 76.
8. James Wamsley, pension rolls July 19, 1831, start of pension March 4, 1831, age 69.
9.* William Power, pension rolls Oct. 16, 1833, start of pension March 4, 1831, age 69.

*Note on William Power.
A petition of William Powers, of Lewis county, and State of Virginia, who was a soldier of the war of the Revolution, and heretofore a pensioner of the United States, praying that his name may be restored to the pension list roll.

Simeon Everly
???-???
Monongalia County Virginia

Simeon was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $30, dollars the amount he received is unknown. He was placed on the pension rolls on Dec. 11, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 71.

James Ellison
???-???
Monroe County Virginia.

James was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $40, dollars he had received $12o, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 18, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 77.

William Cruttenden
???-???
Orange County Virginia.

William was a wagon master for the Virginia cont'l his allowance was $320, dollars he had received $960, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on May 19, 1834, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 75.

John Bradshaw
???-???
Pocakontas County Virginia.

John, was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $80, dollars he had received $240, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 21, 1834, Date of commencement is unknown. He was 75.

William Cecil
???-???
Tazwell County Virginia.

William was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $80, dollars he had received $240, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on July 19, 1833, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 85.

Richard Dotson
???-???
Tyler County Virginia.

Richard was a Indian spy for the Virginia Militia his allowance was $60, dollars he had received $160, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on July 18, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 82.

Joseph Essig alias Essick or Essix
???-???
Davidson County North Carolina.

Joseph was a Indian spy he was North Carolina Indian spy his allowance was $30, dollars he had received $80, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Nov. 6, 1833, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 77.

McDonald Cambell
???-???
Trumbull County Ohio.

McDonald was a express rider for the Penn. line his allowance was $240, dollars he had received $720, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on March 1, 1833, commencement of his pension was on March 4, 1831. He was 80.

Eli Short
???-???
Randolph County Illinois.

Eli was a assistant forage master for the Kentucky Volunteers his allowance was $45, dollars he had received $93.13, dollars. The date he was placed on the pension rolls is unknown. commencement of his pension was on March 30, 1814. Then on April 26, 1816, his allowance became $72, dollars, he had received $26.80, dollars. Then in Sept 4, 1816, his allowance was $117, dollars he had received $457.15, dollars. He was transferred from Kentucky on March 3, 1815. He died on May 21, 1820.

Joseph Nourse
???-???
Washington County District of Columbia.

Joseph was the Secretary to General Lee and paymaster for the United States Army, his allowance was $56.93 he had received $770.79, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Jan. 30. 1833, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 80.

Thomas Stillings
???-???
Washington County District of Columbia.

Thomas was a Indian spy in the Rev. Army his allowance was $27.42, dollars he had received $68.55, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on Aug. 27, 1832, commencement was on March 4, 1831. He was 79.

George Young
???-???
Washington County District of Columbia.

George was a farrier ( Blacksmith ) for the 2nd. United States Dragoons his allowance was $48, dollars he had received $239.42, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on May 23, 1819, commencement was on Sept. 8, 1815.

Alexander Nairsmith
???-???
Boone County Missouri.

Alexander was a conductor of pack horses for the North West Army his allowance was $30, dollars he had received $44.29, dollars. He was placed on the pension rolls on June 9, 1816, commencement was on Aug. 20, 1816. Then on June 10, 1830 his allowance was $48, dollars and had received $131.33, dollars commencement was on June 10, 1830. He had been transferred from Virginia on April 24, 1816.

George Shannon
???-???
St. Charles County Missouri.

George was a Indian coductor his service is unknown the date he was placed on the pension rolls is unknown. Commencement of his pension was on Sept. 11, 1816. He had been transferred from Kentucky on March 3, 1817, he was from Lepington Kentucky.

George Shannon service record.

George accompanied Lewis & Clark in their voyage of discovery to the Pacific Ocean. He was also employed as one of that small party who undertook to escort, and safley conduct to his own Nation, the Mandan Chief, who had visted the United States at the request of Lewis & Clark.
It was in the performance of his duty that he was wounded, which prodvced the amputation of his leg above the knee. Near the Arracara towns on the river Mississippi, Lieutenant Prior, with his chosen band of about twenty persons, was attacked by three hundred Indian warriors.
The Indians were held in check, and the party made good their retreat. It was on this occasion that Mr. Shannon distinguished himself by his bravery, it was upon this occasion he received his wound and for his service he got a hole section of land any where within the State of Missouri or the Territory of Arkansas that was laid off for public sale.