Dictionary.net

(1735-1820), was born in Pennsylvania and died in Missouri. He was a daring and skillful hunter in North Carolina and in 1769 started for the region which is now Kentucky, thus becoming the pionner in the settlement of that State. He founded Boonesborough on the Kentucky River and was for many years the chief hero among the many rude and picturesque figures of the frontier. He excelled especially in Indian warfare, the most striking episode of which was perhaps the battle of the Blue Licks in 1782. Countless stories are related of his adventures and hair-breadth escapes. His last years were passed in poverty, though a grant of lands was finally bestowed upon him by Congress.