June 12

Patrick Gass (1771–1870) was an American sergeant in the U.S. Army who played a vital role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition by maintaining its official journal. Having served in the Revolutionary War and trained as a carpenter and gunsmith, Gass’s skills were invaluable during the expedition’s westward exploration. In 1807, he published one of the first firsthand accounts of the journey, providing the public with insights into western geography and Native American cultures. His narrative contributed to the young nation’s knowledge of its expanding frontier and inspired future explorers. Gass continued his military service after the expedition and lived to the age of 98, leaving behind a unique legacy as both soldier and author.

Sir Harry Hamilton Johnston (1858–1927) was an English botanist, geographer, and colonial administrator renowned for his African expeditions. He led journeys through West and Central Africa, collecting thousands of plant specimens and mapping uncharted regions. Johnston’s botanical research greatly expanded scientific knowledge of tropical flora, with numerous plant species named in his honor. As a colonial official, he served in high-ranking posts, including Governor of the Uganda Protectorate and Commissioner of the British Central Africa region. He authored influential works on African geography and ethnography, providing detailed insights into the continent’s diverse cultures. Johnston’s dual legacy as an explorer and scholar helped shape European understanding of Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.