Francois Xavier Aubry – Skimmer of the Plains
Francois Xavier Aubry, a name that resonates with the spirit of the American West, was more than just a man; he was an embodiment of ambition, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of opportunity. Born in the quiet farmlands of Quebec, Canada, he would carve his legacy into the landscape of the American Southwest, becoming a celebrated merchant, a daring wagon train captain, and a pioneering explorer. His story is a testament to the transformative power of the frontier, a place where a young man could forge his destiny through sheer grit and determination. This is the story of Francois Xavier Aubry, the "Skimmer of the Plains."
Born on December 3, 1824, near Maskinonge, Quebec, Francois Xavier Aubry spent his early years on his family’s farm. Little did he know that the tranquility of rural Canada would be a stark contrast to the adventures that awaited him. At the age of 18, a pivotal moment arrived. He left the familiar comforts of home and journeyed to St. Louis, Missouri, a bustling hub on the edge of the American frontier. There, he found employment as a store clerk, a position that offered a glimpse into the world of commerce and the vast potential of the West.
It was in St. Louis that the seeds of Aubry’s ambition began to sprout. He learned about the Santa Fe Trail, a vital artery of trade connecting the United States with the burgeoning settlements of the Southwest. Tales of lucrative profits earned by those who braved the dangers of the trail captivated his imagination. The young Francois Xavier Aubry saw an opportunity to make his mark, to escape the confines of a clerk’s life and build his own fortune.
Driven by this vision, Aubry embarked on a path of meticulous planning and unwavering dedication. He carefully saved his earnings, scrimping and saving until he had amassed enough capital to purchase several wagons and draft animals. Supplementing his savings with a loan, he acquired a stock of trade goods, the essential commodities that would fuel his journey along the Santa Fe Trail.
On May 9, 1846, at the youthful age of 21, Francois Xavier Aubry stood ready to embark on his first expedition. He joined a trader’s caravan departing from Independence, Missouri, the eastern terminus of the Santa Fe Trail. As the wagons rolled westward, Aubry’s journey into the heart of the American Southwest began, a journey that would transform him from a simple store clerk into a legendary figure.
The Santa Fe Trail, a ribbon of commerce and adventure stretching across the vast plains, presented both immense opportunity and considerable peril. The journey was arduous, fraught with challenges that tested the mettle of even the most seasoned travelers. The threat of Indian attacks loomed large, as various tribes viewed the encroachment of settlers and traders with suspicion and hostility. The harsh climate, characterized by scorching summers and frigid winters, added another layer of difficulty. Yet, despite these obstacles, Aubry pressed onward, his determination fueled by the promise of wealth and adventure.
Upon reaching Santa Fe, New Mexico, Aubry successfully sold his goods, realizing a substantial profit. This initial success not only allowed him to repay his loans but also solidified his belief in the immense potential of the Santa Fe Trail. Recognizing the opportunities that lay ahead, he made a strategic decision to relocate to Independence, Missouri, dedicating himself full-time to the life of a trader on the Trail.
Francois Xavier Aubry quickly recognized that speed was a crucial factor in maximizing profits. The faster he could transport goods between Independence and Santa Fe, the more trips he could complete in a year, and the greater his earnings would be. This realization led him to challenge the conventional wisdom of the time, which dictated a single annual trip along the trail. Aubry resolved to make two trips a year, doubling his potential for profit.
In December 1847, Aubry embarked on a daring winter journey from Santa Fe, defying the odds and the warnings of experienced traders. The winter months were notorious for their harsh weather conditions, making travel along the Santa Fe Trail particularly treacherous. Despite facing relentless harassment from Native American tribes and enduring the biting cold and unforgiving terrain, Aubry pressed on with unwavering resolve.
His determination paid off handsomely. On this journey, Aubry reached Independence in a mere 14 days, shattering the previous record by an astounding 10 and a half days. This remarkable feat captured the attention of the nation’s press, who dubbed him "Telegraph" Aubry, a testament to his lightning-fast speed. This moniker not only acknowledged his speed but also hinted at the profound impact of his achievements on the flow of information and commerce in the West.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Francois Xavier Aubry continued to seek ways to further increase his speed. In 1848, he accomplished the extraordinary feat of making three round trips between Independence and Santa Fe in a single year. On one of these trips, he completed the journey in an incredible five days and 16 hours, setting a new record that solidified his reputation as the "Skimmer of the Plains." This remarkable achievement not only earned him $5,000 in wagers but also cemented his place in the annals of Santa Fe Trail history.
By 1849, Aubry had risen to become one of the leading frontier merchants, his name synonymous with speed, efficiency, and success. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore new trading opportunities in Chihuahua, Mexico, and Texas. In February of that year, he embarked on a journey to Chihuahua via El Paso, Texas, accompanied by another merchant named Charles White.
Aubry and White established a mercantile in El Paso. After selling their goods, Aubry returned to Independence, Missouri, on August 23. Along the way, his caravan faced attacks from both Apache and Pawnee tribes. Despite these threats, they managed to avoid any losses, a testament to Aubry’s leadership and the preparedness of his men. Upon arriving in Independence, Aubry wasted no time in purchasing goods for a return trip to Santa Fe, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his trade.
During the summer of 1849, Santa Fe Trail traffic experienced significant disruptions due to increased Indian attacks. Wagon trains were frequently targeted, and livestock was often stolen. This turmoil prompted Santa Fe Indian Agent James Calhoun to request additional troops to maintain order, noting that the Indians were in a state of unrest and that the existing military presence was insufficient to keep them in check.
Despite the reported dangers, Aubry remained determined to make another trip. Leading a large caravan that included wagons owned by Ceran St. Vrain and James White, he departed Westport, Missouri, on September 15. During the journey, Aubry decided to send his wagon master, William Calloway, ahead to Santa Fe to secure fresh mules. James White, considering himself a seasoned trail veteran, decided to accompany Calloway to expedite his family’s arrival in Santa Fe. Aubry cautioned against this plan, but White was resolute. He loaded his wife, Ann, his daughter, Virginia, an employee named Ben Bushman, and a black nursemaid into two carriages, accompanied by a German traveler named Lawberger and two of Aubry’s Mexican employees.
Tragedy struck on October 24 when the smaller caravan was attacked near Point-of-Rocks along the Cimarron Cutoff in New Mexico. This event, known as the White Massacre, resulted in the deaths of all the men, while Ann White, her daughter, and the nursemaid were taken captive.
Aubry arrived in Santa Fe on October 30 and was devastated by the news of the attack and kidnapping. He immediately offered a $1,000 reward for the release of the captives and hired Pueblo Indians and New Mexican friends to assist in the rescue effort. Despite his efforts, Ann White was later killed, and her daughter and the nursemaid were never found.
Aubry made Santa Fe his permanent home and continued to explore the potential market in Chihuahua, Mexico. Seeking to bypass the expense of goods purchased in Missouri, he left Santa Fe on December 1, 1849, with 20 empty wagons. He crossed Texas, purchased goods in Victoria, and proceeded to Chihuahua via El Paso, returning to Santa Fe in early June 1850. Although this new route proved financially rewarding, it was also fraught with challenges. Aubry encountered a severe snowstorm, losing 40 mules in one night, and faced constant threats from hostile Indians. He made the trip only one more time in 1850. Afterward, he admitted that Indian problems in Texas were so severe and distances so great that the San Antonio-El Paso Road could not replace the St. Louis-Santa Fe route.
In late 1850, Aubry discovered an alternative to a portion of the Cimarron branch of the Santa Fe Trail, reducing the distance by 52 miles and providing access to more water. This detour became known as the "Aubry Cutoff."
In 1852, Aubry turned his attention to California, taking a caravan down the Rio Grande and Gila Rivers. He proceeded to San Francisco via Tucson and Los Angeles, arriving with 3,500 sheep, 100 mules, and ten wagons of supplies.
After selling his goods, he, ten Americans, six Mexicans, and a black cook began returning to New Mexico. Returning along a different route, the party crossed the Tejon Pass on July 10, 1853, before reaching the Colorado River on July 23. They crossed Arizona’s central mountains, where they were harassed by Indians. On August 14, an Indian chief feigning friendship approached Aubry’s campsite. The Indians attacked, injuring nearly every member. Aubry and his men fought off the Indians, killing 25 attackers and wounding others. The party continued to fight skirmishes with the hostile natives until they reached the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico on September 6.
After returning to Albuquerque, Aubry reported on his journey to New Mexico Territorial Governor David Meriwether, writing, “I am satisfied that a railroad may be run almost mathematically direct from Zuñi to Colorado [river], and from thence to the Tejon pass in California.”
In late 1853, Aubry prepared to make a second trip to California. He drove some 50,000 sheep and reached Los Angeles on January 10, 1854, before proceeding to San Francisco. They left San Jose, California, on July 6 with a group of 60 men and arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 18 without incident.
On the day of his return to Albuquerque, Aubry ran into Richard Hanson Weightman, a former Territorial Delegate to the United States Congress and Albuquerque’s Amigo Pais newspaper editor. Weightman had published an article in which Aubry disagreed, and an argument arose, escalating to violence. Aubry drew his gun, but it misfired, and Weightman stabbed him with a knife. Weightman was arrested on murder charges but was acquitted when it was decided he had acted in self-defense.
Francois Xavier Aubry was just 29 when he died and was buried in Santa Fe’s Rosaria Cemetery.
Aubry’s diary was discovered in his saddlebags after his death, and accounts of his final journey were published in newspapers from St. Louis to New York. This spawned the railroads’ interest, and eventually, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad was built chiefly along the route that Aubry had explored. The legacy of Francois Xavier Aubry lives on, a testament to the spirit of the American West and the enduring power of ambition and determination.