Tom Tate Tobin – Exploring & Scouting in New Mexico & Colorado

The American West, a landscape of untamed beauty and inherent danger, forged individuals of exceptional resilience and skill. Among these figures, Tom Tate Tobin stands as a testament to the spirit of exploration and the rugged determination required to thrive in a challenging environment. A frontiersman, trapper, mountain man, guide, and scout, Tobin’s life was inextricably linked to the unfolding history of New Mexico and Colorado during the 19th century. His story is one of adventure, survival, and a profound connection to the land.

Early Life and Journey West

Born on March 15, 1823, in St. Louis, Missouri, Tom Tate Tobin‘s destiny was not to be confined to the comforts of settled life. At the remarkably young age of 14, he embarked on a westward journey with his half-brother, Charles Autobees, in 1837. Their destination was Taos, New Mexico, a bustling trading center and a gateway to the vast expanse of the American Southwest. This pivotal decision set the stage for Tobin’s life as a frontiersman.

In Taos, Tobin immersed himself in the demanding world of trapping, learning the skills necessary to survive in the wilderness. He also gained experience working at a store in Arroyo Hondo, a small community near Taos. These early years instilled in him a deep understanding of the land, its resources, and the challenges faced by those who sought to make a living from it. His reputation as a capable and reliable individual quickly grew, opening doors to new opportunities.

Bent’s Fort and Expanding Horizons

Tobin’s journey eventually led him to Bent’s Fort, a prominent trading post located in present-day Colorado. This imposing structure served as a hub for commerce, diplomacy, and cultural exchange between Native American tribes, trappers, traders, and the U.S. military. At Bent’s Fort, Tom Tate Tobin continued to hone his skills as a trapper and began to work as a scout, utilizing his knowledge of the terrain to guide expeditions and provide valuable information.

Bent’s Fort was more than just a place of work; it was a melting pot of personalities and experiences. Tobin interacted with a diverse array of individuals, learning from their expertise and forging lasting relationships. This exposure broadened his understanding of the West and further solidified his reputation as a resourceful and dependable frontiersman.

Family and the Taos Pueblo Revolt

In 1846, Tom Tate Tobin married Pascuala Bernal, establishing a home in Arroyo Hondo, near Taos. This marked a significant chapter in his life, as he sought to build a family and establish roots in the region he had come to call home. However, the tranquility of their early married life was soon shattered by the outbreak of the Taos Pueblo Revolt in January 1847.

The Taos Pueblo Revolt was a violent uprising by Native Americans and Mexican settlers against the American occupation of New Mexico. Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, Tobin narrowly escaped with his life, demonstrating his resourcefulness and ability to survive in the face of extreme danger. The revolt served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the frontier and the constant threat of conflict.

A Life as Guide and Scout

Following the Taos Pueblo Revolt, Tobin continued to work as a guide and scout, his expertise in navigating the rugged terrain and understanding the complexities of the region making him a valuable asset to various expeditions and military operations. He became acquainted with a veritable who’s who of frontier figures, including Kit Carson, Uncle Dick Wootton, Ceran St. Vrain, Charles Bent, John C. Fremont, Wild Bill Hickok, William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), and the Shoup brothers. These relationships further cemented his standing within the frontier community and provided him with a network of support and collaboration.

By 1853, Tom Tate Tobin‘s reputation as a mountain man was so highly regarded that he was chosen to guide the Beale expedition from the Gunnison River to California. This arduous journey tested his skills and endurance to the limit, but he successfully led the expedition through treacherous terrain and across vast distances, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most capable guides in the West.

The Espinosa Brothers and a Grim Task

Perhaps the most infamous episode in Tom Tate Tobin‘s life was his involvement in the pursuit and elimination of the Espinosa brothers, Felipe and Julian, notorious outlaws who terrorized the region during the early 1860s. In September 1863, Tobin was tasked with tracking down and bringing the Espinosas to justice, leading a detachment of soldiers in a relentless pursuit.

The Espinosa brothers were accused of numerous murders and robberies, instilling fear and panic throughout the communities of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Their reign of terror had to be brought to an end, and Tobin was the man chosen to do it. After a grueling chase, Tobin and his men cornered the Espinosas, resulting in a violent confrontation that left both outlaws dead.

Tobin returned to Fort Garland, Colorado, carrying the heads of the Espinosa brothers in a sack as proof of their demise. Despite his success in eliminating these dangerous criminals, he never received the full $2,500 reward that had been offered, a testament to the often-unjust nature of frontier justice.

Later Years and Legacy

In November 1868, General Penrose appointed Tobin as a chief scout on an Indian-hunting campaign, where he worked alongside his half-brother, Charles Autobees, and Wild Bill Hickok. His knowledge of Native American customs and his ability to track and anticipate their movements proved invaluable to the military.

In his later years, tragedy struck when Tobin’s daughter, Pascualita, married William "Billy" Carson, the son of Kit Carson. When Tobin learned that Billy was abusing his wife, he confronted his son-in-law, resulting in a violent altercation in which Tobin was shot. Although he survived, he never fully recovered from the wound. However, he did outlive Billy by many years.

Tom Tate Tobin, a man of the mountains, died on May 16, 1904, and was buried at Fort Garland, Colorado. His life was a testament to the spirit of the American West, a time of hardship and adventure, where men like him helped shape the destiny of a nation. He remains a figure of legend, a symbol of the resilience and resourcefulness of the frontiersman. His story continues to be told, ensuring that his contributions to the history of New Mexico and Colorado will not be forgotten. He was truly one of the Tom Tate Tobin figures that helped make the old west what it was.