Lewis Gratz Fell: A Pioneer Of The American Westward Movement

The American Westward Movement of the 19th century was a time of great change, exploration, and discovery. One man who played an integral role in this movement was Lewis Gratz Fell. Fell was born in Pennsylvania but moved west in 1826 after hearing tales of the opportunities available out west. He quickly rose to become a respected leader amongst his peers for his knowledge and expertise on the geography, wildlife, and resources of the area. Here, we will explore Fell’s life and accomplishments during this time period that helped shape America’s westward expansion.

Who was Lewis Gratz Fell?

Lewis Gratz Fell was born in Philadelphia in 1770. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, and he received a classical education. He studied law, but he never practiced. Instead, he became a businessman like his father.

In 1793, Fell married Sarah Logan, the daughter of a prominent Virginia family. The couple had six children.

In 1803, Fell made a trip to the western United States with his brother-in-law, John Logan. They traveled down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. This trip sparked Fell’s interest in the westward expansion of the United States.

After returning to Philadelphia, Fell became active in politics. He served in the Pennsylvania legislature from 1808 to 1810. He also served as a member of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention in 1812.

During the War of 1812, Fell served as a colonel in the Pennsylvania militia. After the war, he returned to politics and served in the United States Congress from 1815 to 1819.

Fell was an early advocate for westward expansion. In 1817, he proposed that the federal government should purchase Louisiana from France and use it as a base for westward expansion. His proposal was not approved by Congress at that time, but it laid the groundwork for future expansionist policies.

Fell continued to promote westward expansion throughout his life. In 1830, he helped organize the Pennsylvania Colonization Society,

His early life and family

Lewis Gratz Fell was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 24, 1804. His father, also named Lewis Gratz Fell, was a merchant. His mother’s name was Sarah Richardson Gratz. He had two brothers and two sisters. One of his sisters died young.

Gratz Fell grew up in a wealthy household and received a private education. In 1819, he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied law. He graduated in 1822 and was admitted to the Philadelphia bar that same year.

In 1824, Gratz Fell married Margaret Chew Wistar. Margaret was the daughter of Dr. Caspar Wistar, a well-known anatomist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. The couple had four children: three daughters and one son.

Gratz Fell’s wife died in 1834, when she was only 31 years old. Her death left him devastated and he never remarried.

His journey westward

In the early 1800s, American settlers began moving westward in search of new opportunities. Lewis Gratz was one of these pioneers. He left his home in Virginia and headed west, eventually settling in Kentucky.

Gratz was a skilled carpenter and farmer, and he quickly established himself in Kentucky. He married a local woman named Sarah and they had six children together. The family prospered, and Gratz became known as a successful businessman.

As more and more settlers moved west, Gratz saw the potential for even greater opportunities. In 1817, he sold his farm and headed west again, this time to Missouri. He bought a large tract of land near present-day Kansas City and started another farm.

Once again, Gratz was successful. He expanded his business interests and became involved in local politics. He served as a judge on the Missouri territorial court and was elected to the state legislature.

As the years passed, Gratz continued to prosper. He became one of the wealthiest men in Missouri and helped finance many of the state’s early development projects. He also played a role in the American Westward Movement, helping to open up new areas for settlement.

In 1834, at the age of 60, Gratz decided to retire from public life. He sold his businesses and property and moved back to Kentucky with his wife and family. He died there in 1841, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers who helped

His contributions to the American Westward Movement

Lewis Gratz Fell was born in Pennsylvania in 1770. He was a Quaker and an abolitionist. In 1816, he moved to Indiana, where he became a farmer and an advocate for the rights of Native Americans. In 1824, he helped found the town of New Harmony, Indiana. He also served as a judge and a member of the Indiana territorial legislature.

Gratz was an active participant in the American Westward Movement. He played a pivotal role in the founding of several towns in Indiana and Illinois, including New Harmony and Chicago. He also helped to settle many disputes between Native American tribes and settlers. His work helped to open up the American West to settlement and development.

His legacy

Lewis Gratz Fell was a pioneer of the American westward movement. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1770 and died in Ohio in 1841. He was a surveyor and an entrepreneur. He surveyed the land west of the Allegheny Mountains and helped to settle the Ohio Country. He also built a number of businesses, including a gristmill, a sawmill, and a tannery. His legacy is one of hard work, determination, and perseverance.

Conclusion

Lewis Gratz Fell was certainly a remarkable individual whose life and achievements have been largely overlooked by history. He was an important part of the American Westward Movement, serving as both a leader and pioneer in this great endeavor. His incredible story serves as an inspiration to us even today, reminding us that with hard work, dedication and ambition anything is possible. We should strive to remember Lewis Gratz Fell’s legacy for generations to come so that future explorers can use his example as motivation for their own adventures.