Old Toby in the Lewis and Clark journals | Lewis & Clark Research Database

Old Toby

Old Toby was a Lemhi Shoshone elder who served as the expedition's guide over the treacherous Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Trail in September 1805, one of the most physically demanding segments of the entire journey. He was hired through Cameahwait and guided the Corps across Lemhi Pass and through the mountain wilderness. At one point Old Toby took a wrong turn that cost the expedition a day of travel. He left the expedition abruptly when they reached the Nez Perce villages, departing without collecting his pay — possibly because he was afraid of the Nez Perce or simply eager to return home before winter.

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Biography

“Old Toby” was the name given by the expedition to a Lemhi Shoshone elder who guided them from the Lemhi Valley over the Bitterroot Mountains. He and his son joined the expedition at the Shoshone camp and led them northward to the Lolo Trail.

Old Toby’s guidance was invaluable, though not infallible. At one point during the mountain crossing, he took a wrong turn that cost the expedition a day’s travel. The mistake led the party into particularly difficult terrain but was ultimately corrected.

Old Toby and his son left the expedition abruptly when they reached Nez Perce territory, departing without collecting the payment the captains had promised. Clark believed they were frightened by the Nez Perce, with whom the Shoshone had an uneasy relationship. The captains regretted not being able to compensate Old Toby for his services.