Lewis Cass was an American military officer and politician born on October 9, 1782, in New Hampshire. He served as the Governor of the Michigan Territory from 1813 to 1831 and played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. Cass was also a U.S. Senator from Michigan and a Democratic presidential candidate in 1848. Cass is known for his support of the doctrine of popular sovereignty, which allowed territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. He was involved in various political issues of his time, including the Mexican-American War and the establishment of the Oregon Trail. Cass passed away on June 17, 1866.