Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-07-21
A Remarkable Journey on Horse back.


Among tie deeds of early life in
the Nest tue famous ride of f. y.
Aubrey from the plaza Of Santa Fe,
New Mexico, TO the public square OF
Independence, Mo-. as a physical
Movement stands without on equal.
Indeed, IL is dot btful il the history
of the world can present a parallel to
that great ride of SEQ miles, though
q country oyerrun til hostile Indi-
ans, a large part Of the distance be-
ing through sand deserts and lead
ing across rivers, mountains and
prairies, with only the sky for COW
ering and the earth as resting place.
An old resident of this city, who
used to know Aubrey very well, in
conversation said.
When ! first met Aubrey, about
1915, he was a young man of thirty
five, the perfect picture of health and
strength. Short, rather heavy set,
weighing about 100 pounds, he 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 afterward engaged in business
as Santa Fe trader, making trips to
Santa Fe from Independence Mo-,
and spending the larger part of his
time in his saddle. He was noted
horseman and spared neither man
nor beast when on a journey. Every
thing he did was done with rush.
Aubrey made two rides alone
from Santa Fe to Independence.
The first was on wager of $1,000
that he could cover the distance in
eight days He succeeded in reach
ing his destination three hours before
the expiration of the time. He killed
several horses in the ride, 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 one. 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.
| was on my way to Santa Fe Git
was thirty-seven years ago. with a
train of twenty-five wagons filed
with merchandise, and knew nothing
of his design. When we were at the
Rabbit Ears, about leo miles from
the old Spanish city, we saw q man
approaching in a sweeping gallon,
mounted on q yellow mare and lead
ing another As. he came nearer,
installing us for Indians, he whirled
and retreated City or sixty yards,
then turned to take a second look.
Our wagons coming around 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 q
great surprise TO me for Aubrey to
treat friend in that style, but when
| reached Santa Fe ! understood 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.
His own beautiful mare, Nellie,
the one he was riding as he passed
our party, and one of the finest pieces
of horseflesh | ever saw, quivered
and fell in 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 accomplishment Of his design.
1t was not money he was after but