Joseph Dickson – First Known Mountain Man
Joseph Dickson stands as a figure of rugged individualism and frontier spirit, often cited as one of the earliest known mountain men to venture into the vast, untamed American West. His story, interwoven with exploration, hardship, and a profound spiritual awakening, paints a vivid picture of life on the cutting edge of westward expansion in the early 19th century. Dickson’s journey, which began in the settled lands of the East, ultimately led him to the wild landscapes of the Missouri River and the Yellowstone, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the fur trade and the exploration of the American frontier.
Born in Pennsylvania on January 13, 1775, Joseph Dickson‘s early life offered little indication of the adventurous path he would eventually tread. He married an Irish woman named Susan in 1798, and together they started a family that would eventually grow to include nine children. Driven by the promise of fertile land and new opportunities, the Dicksons migrated westward, first to Tennessee and then, in 1802, to St. Clair County, Illinois, seeking a better life on the expanding frontier.
In Illinois, Joseph Dickson found himself drawn to the trades that thrived on the edge of civilization. He made a living through logging and fur trapping, skills that connected him to the land and its resources. It was during this period that he crossed paths with Forest Hancock, a man whose life had been intertwined with another iconic figure of the frontier, Daniel Boone. Hancock, having settled in Missouri alongside Boone, had learned of the momentous Lewis and Clark Expedition, which was then charting a course through the uncharted territories of the Louisiana Purchase.
Intrigued by the tales of discovery and the potential riches that lay to the west, Joseph Dickson and Forest Hancock made a fateful decision. In August 1804, they resolved to follow the trail blazed by Lewis and Clark, embarking on an adventure that would test their resilience and forever alter the course of their lives. They were drawn by the allure of the unknown, the promise of abundant game, and the opportunity to carve out a living in the wilderness.
The following spring, seeking safety in numbers, Dickson and Hancock joined a trapping group led by Charles Courtin. Together, they ventured further into the heart of the continent, eventually reaching the territory of the Teton Sioux. The winter of 1805 was spent at a Teton Sioux camp, where they likely learned valuable survival skills and gained insights into the customs and traditions of the indigenous people. However, their time among the Sioux was not without peril. Before they could leave in the spring of 1806, they were robbed of their precious pelts, the fruits of their hard labor. In the ensuing fight, Dickson suffered a wound, a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in frontier life.
Despite the setback, Joseph Dickson and Hancock pressed onward, their determination undeterred. In the summer of 1806, they encountered the returning Lewis and Clark Expedition, a chance meeting that provided them with a much-needed opportunity to re-supply. More significantly, the expedition’s ranks included John Colter, a man who would become a legendary figure in his own right. Colter, captivated by the tales of the Yellowstone River, decided to accompany Dickson and Hancock on their journey upriver. This collaboration cemented Dickson’s place among the fourth party of white men known to have reached the mouth of the Yellowstone River.
For reasons that remain shrouded in the mists of history, Dickson chose to spend the winter alone in the unforgiving Yellowstone country. Some accounts suggest that a dispute with Hancock and Colter led to the separation, while others simply attribute it to Dickson’s independent spirit and his desire to explore the region on his own terms. Whatever the cause, the winter of solitude proved to be a crucible, testing Dickson’s physical and mental fortitude to the limit.
During that long, isolated winter, Joseph Dickson faced a terrifying ordeal. He was struck by a severe case of snow blindness, a debilitating condition that threatened to leave him helpless and alone in the vast wilderness. Blinded and vulnerable, he believed that death was imminent. In his despair, he turned to prayer, seeking divine intervention. According to the accounts passed down through generations, Dickson experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He discovered that by creating a poultice from the bark of a specific tree, he was able to restore his sight. This experience profoundly impacted him, solidifying his faith and shaping the course of his future.
Transformed by his experience, Dickson resolved to return to Illinois and settle down, leaving behind the life of a solitary trapper. He transported his accumulated pelts back to St. Louis, where he sold them for a substantial profit, a testament to his skill and perseverance. By August 1807, he was back in Illinois, reunited with his family.
Joseph Dickson subsequently embraced a more settled existence, dividing his time between farming in the summer and trapping locally during the winter months. He also became a devoted supporter of Methodism, his newfound faith guiding his actions and shaping his values.
In 1818, Dickson once again sought new opportunities, moving his family to Sangamon County in central Illinois. There, he built what is believed to be the first "white man’s" cabin in the area, marking the beginning of settlement in that region. Over the ensuing years, he acquired approximately 240 acres of land, establishing himself as a landowner and a pillar of the community.
Joseph Dickson, the man who had once roamed the wilderness of the Yellowstone, ultimately passed away in Franklin, Illinois, in 1844. His life story, a blend of adventure, hardship, and spiritual transformation, serves as a compelling reminder of the courage and resilience of the early pioneers who helped shape the American West. He remains a significant, if somewhat unsung, figure in the annals of frontier history, a testament to the enduring appeal of the wilderness and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to explore it.