The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
AUBREY's GREAT RIDE.
Remarkable Journey Horseback Aross
the Western Plains.

remarkable Journey on horseback ArOsS
the Western Plains.
From the Kansas City News
Among the deeds of early life in the west the
famous ride of f. X. Aubrey from the plaza of
Santa Fe to the public square of Independence
Mo-, as physical achievement stands without
an equal Indeed, it is doubtful if the history
of the world can present parallel to that great
ride of 500 miles, through country overrun
with hostile Indians, large part of the dis
lance being through sandy deserts and leading
across rivers, mountains and prairies, with on
ly the sky for a covering and the earth as
resting place.
An old resident of this city, who used to
know Aubrey very well, in conversation re-
Gently, said
when L first met Aubrey about 1913, he
was young man of 80. the perfect picture of
health and strength. Short, rather heavy set,
weighing about 100 pounds, lie had an honest
open countenance, and was one Of the rising
men of the plains. He was French Canadian
came to st. Louis in 1910, and very soon after
ward engaged in business as q Santa Fe trader
making trips to Santa Fe from Independence
and spending the larger part Of his time i'll the
saddle. He was noted horseman, and spared
Moth man nor beast when on a journey.
Everything he did was done with rush. -,
Aubrey made two rides alone from Santa
Fe to independence. The first was on awager
of 81 600 that he could cover tho distance in
eight days. He succeeded in reaching his des-
tination three hours before the expiration of
and it is said that the death of one horse on
the way obliged him to walk twenty five miles
to Council Grove, carrying his saddle on his
back, before he found another He was the lion
OF the day at st. Louis and Independence after
this ride. There were many powerful men and
many good riders in those times, but not one
of them dared to attempt to beat Aubrey's
record. He determined to beat it himself, and
on a second wager he left Santa Fe in 1851,
and gave the severeSt test of human endurance
have ever known.
81 was on my way to Santa Fe lit was thirty
seven years ago. with train of twenty-five
wagons filed with merchandise, and knew
nothing OF his design. When we were at the
Rabbit Ears, about 100 miles from the old
Spanish city, we saw man approaching in a
sweeping gallop, mounted on q yellow mare
and leading another AS he came nearer, mis-
taking us fer Indians, he whirled and retreated
90 or 60yards, then turned to take second look.
Our wagons coming round hill proved that
we were friends, and putting spurs to his steed
he dashed past, merely nodding his head as
the dust flew into our faces. 1t was great
surprise to me for Aubrey to treat friend in
that style, but when reached Santa Fe I'M
derstood it, Every moment was precious. 1t
was the supreme effort of his life. Night and
day he rushed on. Six horses dropped dead
as he rode them.
ellis own beautiful mare. Nellie, the one he
was riding as he passed our party, and one of
the finest pieces of horsehesh ever saw quiv-
cred and fell in the agonies of death at the end
of the first $50 miles. Several splendid horses
had been sent ahead, and stationed at different
points on the trail. No man could keep up
with Aubrey. He would have sacrificed every
horse in the west if necessary to the accom-
plishment of his design. 1t was not money he
was after, but fame. He had made wager
that the trip would be made in six days.
"At the end of five days and thirteen hours,
exhausted and fainting, he was taken from a
horse that was trembling from head to foot,
and covered with sweat and foam, at the
southwest corner of the present square of
independence. He sank into a stupor, from
which he was not aroused i'll forty-eight
hours"