Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone – Frontiersman
Albert Gallatin "A.G." Boone, a name etched in the annals of the American West, embodies the spirit of a bygone era. More than just a historical figure, Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone was a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, commerce, and diplomacy. As the grandson of the legendary Daniel Boone, the wilderness was practically in his blood. Yet, he forged his own path, becoming a respected trapper, shrewd trader, astute businessman, and influential Indian Agent. His life, spanning the first three-quarters of the 19th century, provides a fascinating window into the evolving landscape of the American frontier.
Born on April 27, 1806, in Greensburg, Kentucky, Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone was the son of Jesse Boone and Chloe Van Bibber Boone. The allure of the West beckoned early, and while still a young boy, his family migrated to Missouri, a region then burgeoning with opportunities for those daring enough to seize them. This relocation proved pivotal, shaping his future trajectory and exposing him to the rich tapestry of Native American cultures and the burgeoning fur trade.
Boone’s immersion into the Indian trade began in his formative years. By 1823, at the tender age of 17, he was already employed as a clerk at a trading post owned by Paul Ballico. His responsibilities involved interacting and trading with the Osage Indians, a prominent tribe residing in western and southwestern Missouri. This early exposure not only honed his commercial acumen but also sparked a deep interest in the Native American way of life. The following year, Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone’s thirst for adventure led him to join the famed Ashley’s expedition, setting out from St. Louis on a fur-trapping venture along the upper Missouri River. This experience further solidified his skills as a frontiersman and provided invaluable knowledge of the land and its resources. Upon his return, he gravitated back to trading with the Indians at Fort Osage, a strategic trading post in western Missouri. It was here that he truly blossomed, mastering the Osage language and gaining fluency in several other Native American tongues. This linguistic ability proved to be an invaluable asset in his future dealings, fostering trust and facilitating meaningful communication.
In 1829, Boone embarked on a new chapter in his life, marrying Anna Reid Hamilton in Callaway County, Missouri. Their union would eventually be blessed with five children. While tending to his growing family, Boone also established a merchandising company in Portland, Missouri, which he successfully maintained until approximately 1838. This venture demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to thrive in the competitive world of frontier commerce.
However, the call of the West proved too strong to resist. On June 16, 1838, Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone secured a license to trade with several prominent Native American tribes in Kansas, including the Delaware, Kanza, Shawnee, and Kickapoo. He promptly relocated eastward, eager to expand his business and further immerse himself in the Indian trade. Tragically, his personal life suffered a devastating blow when his beloved wife, Anna, passed away in Westport, Missouri, on April 21, 1842.
Westport, Missouri, in the mid-19th century, was a vibrant hub of activity, serving as a crucial launching point for westward expansion. Its strategic location near the Missouri River and the convergence of the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails made it a vital supply depot for countless wagon trains heading west. Recognizing the immense potential of this bustling town, Boone partnered with his brother-in-law, James Gillespie Hamilton, in 1843. Together, they established a general merchandising operation strategically located at the corner of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. The building that housed their enterprise, erected in 1851 and previously operated as a store by the Ewing Brothers, was purchased by Boone and Hamilton for a substantial sum of $7,000. Their outfitting business catered to the diverse needs of travelers, providing everything from essential food supplies and sturdy wagons to reliable animals and a wide array of other provisions.
Boone found love again, marrying Zeralda E. Randall of Richmond, Kentucky, on October 22, 1843. This union resulted in three more children. His business flourished, and by the 1850s, he had expanded his partnership to include prominent figures such as Robert Campbell, Charles A. Warfield, and William Bernard. The expansion of his business demonstrated Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone’s ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the American West. Despite his professional success, personal tragedy struck once more when his wife Zeralda died in April 1851. Undeterred, Boone married Kate Pierson Phillips on August 28, 1851, although they would not have any children together.
The opening of the Kansas Territory in 1854 ushered in a period of intense political and social upheaval. Boone became deeply involved in the pro-slavery movement, advocating for the expansion of slavery into the newly formed territory. His store became a gathering place for Border Ruffians, pro-slavery activists who sought to influence the outcome of popular sovereignty votes. As the tide turned in favor of the abolitionist movement and Kansas began to lean towards becoming a Free-State, Boone’s reputation suffered. The Kansas conflict also had a devastating impact on the Plains tribes, disrupting their traditional way of life and turning much of the area into a dangerous no-man’s land.
In 1859, William Bent, the renowned frontiersman and owner of Bent’s Fort, resigned as agent for the southwestern Indians. He recommended his friend A.G. Boone as his successor. This endorsement proved to be a turning point in Boone’s career. Upon receiving the appointment, Boone made the decision to sell his thriving business to Robert Campbell and his home in Westport to the legendary mountain man James Bridger. The building that once housed Boone’s Westport business still stands today, a testament to his legacy. Known as Kelly’s Westport Inn, it is the oldest building in Kansas City and a popular tavern in the vibrant Westport neighborhood. He then moved his family to Colorado, marking a new chapter in his life.
In Colorado, Boone, along with his brother Van Daniel Boone, acquired a sprawling 1,400-acre ranch south of Pueblo, in an area now known as Boone, Colorado. There, he established a trading post, further solidifying his presence in the region. From 1859 to 1861, Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone served as a U.S. Indian Agent for several prominent Plains tribes, including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Comanche, and Plains Apache. However, his tenure as an Indian Agent was cut short when he was removed from government office due to doubts surrounding his loyalty to the Union during the Civil War.
Despite this setback, Boone continued to serve the government in various capacities. In 1868, he was appointed deputy to Colonel William B. Hazen, the newly appointed agent for the Comanche and Kiowa at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Boone’s final major Indian assignment came after Colonel George Custer’s defeat, when he was appointed as a commissioner to negotiate with the Sioux.
His third wife, Kate, passed away in Denver on December 23, 1882. Albert Boone died in Denver on July 14, 1884, at the age of 78, leaving behind a rich and complex legacy. He was a man of many talents and contradictions, a frontiersman who embraced both commerce and diplomacy, a figure whose life was inextricably intertwined with the history of the American West. Albert Gallatin “A.G.” Boone’s life story serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often tumultuous era of westward expansion, a period that shaped the nation’s identity and left an indelible mark on its landscape.