From Sea to Shining Sea by James Alexander Thom.

This is the story of the John Clark / Ann Rodgers Clark family, divided into three sections. Their ten children all grew to be respected citizens of the young nation: the two best known being George and William.

Book I (1773-1784) is the story of the older Clark brothers in the Revolution. George Rodgers Clark's campaigns in the "western" war theater of the Revolution, capturing the fort at Vincennes, Indiana, are well-known for securing the Mississipi and Ohio water routes for the Patriot cause. Jonathan Clark fought in several famous battles. Johnny Clark was captured and held aboard the infamous prison ship "New Jersey" in the East River. He was released at the end of the war but died at home of disease he contracted while a prisoner.

Book II (1784-1799) takes the entire family westard to Louisville, Kentucky from their Virginia estate. George Rodgers Clark had claimed beautiful lands there on his westward travels and built a new home for the family. George is spurned by the young government. Debts he took on personally during the war, assuming that Congress would eventually pay, are ruining him and bitterness is his constant companion. Everyday life, marriages, births, deaths, social and political affairs are the main concerns of the family.

Book III (1803-1806) Young William is now grown and is headed west with his good friend Merriweather Lewis on what we know as the great Lewis and Clark Expedition. Although not as detailed as books which are solely dedicated to the Corps of Discovery, you will not be disappointed by this account.

This is an excellent book of the times across the entire continent of the young nation, tied together in the stories of this one magnificent family. 879 pages.