John Ordway

John Ordway
John Ordway statue in Fort Lewis Memorial Park, Fort Lewis, Washington
Born1775
Died1817 (aged 42)
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)soldier, explorer, farmer, businessman
Employer(s)U.S. government, self-employed
Known forBeing a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Spouses
  • Abigail "Gracey" Walker
  • Elizabeth Johnson
Military career
Allegiance United States
Service / branch United States Army
Years of service1803?-1806
RankSergeant
UnitCaptain Daniel Bissell's Company, 1st Infantry Regiment (Fort Kaskaskia) Corps of Discovery

Sergeant John Ordway (c. 1775 – c. 1817), the youngest of ten siblings, was an important part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition across the United States. John Ordway was one of the sergeants from the United States Army who stepped forward to volunteer for the Corps of Discovery. Ordway exercised many responsibilities on the trip, such as issuing the provisions, appointing guard duties, and keeping the registers and records. John Ordway also kept a detailed journal about Native American life during the expedition.