Pilot of the Keelboat: T. Moore

Photo: Pittsburgh, about 1796.  Creative Commons.

When Meriwether Lewis departed Pittsburgh at the end of August 1803, he was accompanied by a crew of 15 men. This included seven soldiers, four other civilian hands, and three young men who were “on trial,” hoping to continue with the Expedition for the entire journey.

Also with this small crew was T. Moore – the pilot of the keelboat. He was hired in Pittsburgh to navigate the new keelboat only as far as the Falls of the Ohio, a distance of approximately 600 river miles. Mr. Moore was paid $70 for his work over the 40+ days of work.
Little else is known about him.