Sgt. Winfield Scott Jewell

U.S. Army Sergeant Winfield Jewell went with Adolphus Greely on the Lady Franklin Bay expedition to the Arctic in 1881. Jewell recorded meteorological data. The 25 man group was abandoned in the Arctic for 3 years. Only 6 survived. Winfield Jewell and many others died of starvation and exposure. Jewell's previous experience in meteorology was at the observatory on Mount Washington.

Winfield Jewell made a study of horse pedigrees.

The story can be read at the NOAA website, see "The First International Polar Year 1881-1884". Click on Fort Conger. Good photos there.

The "American Experience" program "The Greeley Expedition" can be seen on the PBS website.

---

Biography from American Experience:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article...

Sergeant Winfield S. Jewell

• Born: 1850
• Died: April 12, 1884 of starvation and exposure at Camp Clay

While at Fort Conger, Winfield Jewell was known for his high energy. Recording meteorological data, Jewell also contributed to the group's entertainment by doing humorous dramatic readings. Greely said that "Jewell showed an endurance and fortitude which surprised many, as his physique was but medium." When (Sgt.) William Cross (engineer) died next to Jewell at Camp Sabine (Jan. 18, succumbed to scurvy), he became despondent and depressed.