Meriwether Lewis was born in Ivy, Virginia in 1774.
    He served in the army before 1801, then became a private secretary to President Thomas Jefferson.  Then in 1803 he was pointed commander of the expedition.

                    Microsoft Encarta
                    Microsoft Co.
                    1994

    Meriwether Lewis was born August 18, 1774.  He was a melancholy and moody young man.
    His studies included mathematics and geography.  At the age of 13 he took over management of his family plantation.  Within 5 years he was a gentleman farmer and head of the household.
    During the Wisky Rebellion of 1794 Lewis volunteered duty in Virginia militia.  Then later signed with a regular army.
    Soon after the Louisiana Purchase Thomas Jefferson wanted Lewis to explore the territory.  Thomas Jefferson wanted Lewis to find a usable water route across the North American continent.  Lewis asked William Clark to share command with him.
    After the expedition he was appointed governor of the Louisiana Territory.
    Three years after the expedition Lewis died.  He was only 35.  He died of self-inflicted wounds.

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             Sacagawea
                    Alana J. White
                    1997
                    p. 9, 10, 12, 13, 34, 103, 104