Last updated: June 9, 2024
Person
Sergeant Nathaniel Hale Pryor
Quick Facts
Significance:
Sergeant on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Place of Birth:
Amherst County, Virginia
Date of Birth:
1772
Place of Death:
Near present-day Pryor, Mayes County, Oklahoma
Date of Death:
June 9, 1831
Place of Burial:
East of Pryor, Mayes County, Oklahoma
Cemetery Name:
Fairview Cemetary
"He was a man of character and ability." - Lewis and Clark
Having been born in Virginia, Pryor was no stranger to the outdoor life. Although not much is recorded of his early days he gained frontier life experience when, at the age of 11 he moved to Kentucky with his parents.
Years later in 1803, now 30-31, he was enlisted into the service of the expedition and would become renowned as one of the "young men from Kentucky".
On the expedition he would be trusted multiple times throughout the journey with leading small hunting and scavenging parties typically between two to six men in size. On one of these outings, in an attempt to find stolen horses, he had been attacked and bitten through the hand by wolves. Luckily the quick and accurate shot of George Shannon saved him from any further damage.
He had been entrusted by the Captains to help with other duties as they arose, from the construction and repair of canoes to safely navigating ahead of the party to return with information later on.
Although it is assumed he kept a journal of the expedition there is no known record of it. Still, the possibility of finding it remains and could help answer more questions about the expedition.
"...in honour of Sergt. Nathaniel pryor who is a steady valuable and usefull member of our party." - Lewis
Throughout the expedition both Lewis and Clark took the time to reward Pryor's service with multiple landmarks named after him. Further after the expedition even more land would be given his name.
1. "Pryors Valley R or C" referred to also as "White Earth Creek" in the journals and today known as "Beaver Creek" in Broadwater County, Montana.
2. "Pryors Creek," now known as Prickly Pear Creek, Montana.
3. "Pryors River" now known as "Pryors Creek" in Montana.
4. "Pryers River" now known as "Dry Creek" near Yellowstone.
5. Pryor Creek, Mayes County, Oklahoma. A city with a population (2020) of just over 9,000.
6. Pryor Mountains, Montana.
7. Pryor, Montana. A census-designated place found on the Crow Tribe's reservation.
Post Expedition Life
Having been paid $278.50 for his 35+ months of service plus an additional 320 acres of land, Pryor had wished to stay in the military service unlike many of the other explorers who would turn to the fur trade. To this end the captains helped him become a commissioned officer, giving their full recommendation on his skill.The return of Sheheke and battle with the Arikara.
In 1807 he would have another chance to work alongside his fellow expedition members, traders, and more. After Lewis had brought a Mandan chief, Sheheke, to meet with the president, Thomas Jefferson, he would entrust Pryor with putting together a force for the safe return of Sheheke back home. As this was regarded as a matter of national honor it spoke volumes of their trust in Nathaniel.
He reconnected with George Shannon and George Gibson from the expedition. Both would accompany him to have a full party size of 48 members. This included a party of fur traders that hoped to receive exclusive trading rights with the Mandan people.
On the trip up river the two keelboats were met with resistance from the Arikara people as they were currently were at war with the Mandans. This confrontation turned to a battle with loss of life on both sides. George Shannon would lose a leg to infection.
Pryor's leadership abilities shined through and they managed to escort Sheheke back to the safety of St. Louis. Pryor would recommend the next attempt have a force in the hundreds, advice that would come to fruition two years afterwards.
Trader, Captain, and the Osages
In 1810 Pryor would retire from military service to become a trader, but the war of 1812 would see him return as a first lieutenant, and later as a Captain where he saw combat in the Battle of New Orleans.
Following the war of 1812 he would return to the trader life, here making friends and marrying amongst the Osages. Seeing him as a perfect opportunity for a connection with their people the government would enlist him as an agent between 1830-1831, when he would pass on from this world.
June 9th, 1831, at 59 years old, would mark his day of death. Having lived a full and adventerous life.
Resources:
Morris, Larry E. The Fate of the Corps. Yale University Press, 2004. Print.Moulton, Gary. The Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition: August 30, 1803 - August 2, 1804 . University of Nebraska Press, 1986. Print.
Moulton, Gary. Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. University of Nebraska Press. Web.