Reubin Field (c. 1781-c. 1822) and his brother Joseph were among the first men recruited for the expedition. Both were skilled Kentucky woodsmen and hunters whom Clark had known since childhood.
The Field brothers served as scouts, hunters, and advance reconnaissance throughout the journey. Reubin Field was involved in one of the expedition’s most dramatic events — the violent encounter with Blackfeet warriors on the Two Medicine River on July 27, 1806. During the fight, Reubin stabbed a Blackfeet warrior who was trying to steal the party’s rifles, killing him — one of only two violent deaths caused by the expedition.
Lewis consistently praised the Field brothers as “two of the most active and enterprising young men who accompanied us.” They served on many of the most dangerous advance parties and reconnaissance missions.
After the expedition, Reubin settled in Kentucky and lived a quiet frontier life. He died around 1822.
