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William H.Ashley: Enterprise and Politics in the Trans-Mississippi West

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Richard Clokey has turned out a well deserved and most admirable biography of early nineteenth century entrepreneur William Ashley. Those readers well versed in the fur trade era are no doubt familiar with the name Ashley. What many may not be aware of is his life before and after these adventurous years in the mountains. Clokey does delve into these fur trade years of the 1820's extremely well, giving Ashley credit for initiating the annual rendezvous by bringing the goods and commodities to the mountains in exchange for the furs; paving the way for the future Overland and Oregon Trails; exploring the Green River, etc., but he also brings to light the pre and post years of this time period. Before the fur trade years, Ashley was involved in lead mining, gunpowder production, land speculation, was the leader a voluntary ranger militia to thwart Indian hostilities and had a failed attempt at running for Missouri Governor. Many of these endeavors had their ups and downs and would discourage most people from pursuing any further attempts at business. The fur trade years went quite well, Ashley sold the business but remained the agent, banker and financier for the company to market the furs. Later he went full throttle into Missouri politics, being elected for three terms into the House of Representatives. Although a controversial figure while a politician (since he claimed himself an independent Jacksonian), he nevertheless had a complete career in this profession. An insightful book about a special pioneer of the early 1800's.

Without a doubt, William H. Ashley occupies a major position of importance regarding the development of the West. As the creator of the rendezvous system for resupplying his trappers beyond the Rockies, Ashley deserves a seat of high honor at the historical table. But he was also a tireless advocate for the creation of a mounted military force on the Plains and an important Jacksonian congressman in Washington. Richard Clokey, with style and thorough research, presents an admirable account of Ashley's life and exploits.

William Ashley was born in Virginia and came to Missouri after the Louisiana Purchase. He worked in the mines around Ste. Genevieve and later fought in the War of 1812, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in the state militia after the war. (He was referred to as General Ashley for the rest of his life.) Along with Andrew Henry he managed the first expedition up the Missouri River for fur-gathering purposes in 1822, reaching the Yellowstone where they built a fort. The next year they were attacked by the Arikaras on the Missouri, and Ashley sent trapping parties on foot across the Plains to the mountains. The idea that trappers would form small detachments to work the beaver streams, thus increasing mobility and lessening the prospects of encountering hostile Indians, was the brainchild of Ashley's at this time.

In the winter of 1824, Ashley took a packtrain from St. Louis to Green River, venturing down that perilous waterway (thus becoming the first white man on record to do so), before returning to Henry's Fork on the Green where he agreed to meet the rest of his men (July 1, 1825) - the first official rendezvous in the mountains. The next year he did it all over again, attending the rendezvous in Cache Valley. There he sold his fur business to Jedediah Smith & company, and returned to St. Louis, a wealthy man. Politics became his chief concern after that, failing to win the governorship but serving three terms in Congress in Washington. He died in 1838 in St. Louis and was buried near Boonville, MO, on a high bluff overlooking the river. A large monument marks the spot.

Clokey's book is comprehensive and focuses heavily on Ashley's business dealings and political career. My favorite chapters are the ones where Ashley went to the mountains in 1825-26. The hardships the men encountered and the daring they employed (especially in going down the Green) are amazing to read about and imagine. The book is the definitive account of Ashley's life and a wonderful book to read. Old West history aficionados will find this book a must-read title.