John David Albert stands as a testament to the rugged spirit of the American frontier, a true mountain man whose life was etched into the challenging landscapes of the American West. From his humble beginnings in Maryland to his valiant stands against overwhelming odds, John David Albert embodied the resilience and independent nature of those who forged paths through uncharted territories. His remarkable story intertwines with the pivotal events and legendary figures of the 19th-century American West, marking him as a significant yet often unsung hero of the era.
Born on May 24, 1810, in Hagerstown, Maryland, to George and Catherine Albert, John’s early life was marked by tragedy. His father, George, joined the military during the War of 1812 and was killed at the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. Shortly thereafter, John’s mother also passed away, leaving him an orphan at a tender age. Young John was then sent to live with a sister in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he spent his formative years. This early exposure to hardship likely forged the inner strength and self-reliance that would define his later adventures. As a young man, Albert found work on a keelboat, navigating the vital waterways of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. In 1833, he was part of a crew that journeyed from New Orleans, Louisiana, to St. Louis, Missouri. It was in St. Louis during the winter of 1833-34 that he likely encountered numerous mountain men and trappers, whose thrilling tales of the vast Western wilderness undoubtedly captivated his imagination and set him on a new course.
Embracing the Life of a Trapper
In the spring of 1834, drawn by the allure of adventure and opportunity, John David Albert joined a group of approximately 60 fur trappers and traders bound for the upper Missouri River basin. For the next three years, he immersed himself in the challenging and often perilous life of a trapper in the Rocky Mountain West. This period saw him become affiliated with the Western Department of the American Fur Company at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, a prominent hub for the fur trade. He was also known to have exchanged his valuable furs for essential supplies at Nathaniel J. Wyeth’s Fort Hall in Idaho, further cementing his place within the intricate network of frontier commerce.
The winters in the mountains were particularly brutal, testing the limits of human endurance. One such harrowing experience occurred in the winter of 1836-37. Albert and several other trappers were working and living at an Indian encampment near the confluence of the Cache la Poudre River and the South Platte River. A massive snowfall, reaching depths of seven feet, trapped the men for most of the season, severing their connection to the outside world. The severe conditions led to immense losses, as Albert himself recounted, “Our horses froze to death, and the meat kept all winter.” This stark statement encapsulates the harsh realities faced by these pioneers, where survival often hinged on resourcefulness and sheer will.
Transitioning to Trade and Settled Life
Following the arduous winter, Albert and his companions embarked on an incredible journey, traveling on foot for about 200 miles to reach Bent’s Fort on the Arkansas River in Colorado, where they were finally able to acquire new horses. This period marked a transition in Albert’s frontier career. Around this time, Peter Sarpy and Henry Fraeb established a partnership, backed by Pratte, Chouteau & Co., to engage in trade on the South Platte River. They soon erected an adobe trading post known as Fort Jackson, and Albert joined their ranks. He remained in their employ until October 1838, when the post was sold to Bent & St. Vrain Co. as part of a non-compete agreement, a common practice in the competitive fur trade.
Seeking a more settled existence, Albert then made his way to the Taos Valley in what is now New Mexico. Here, he married Julia, a Mexican-American woman and the daughter of fellow mountain man William Pope. With his marriage, Albert chose to transition from the nomadic life of a trapper and trader to that of a farmer, embracing the promise of stability in the fertile valleys of New Mexico. This period of his life reflects the evolving nature of the frontier, as trappers and adventurers began to put down roots and contribute to the burgeoning settlements.
The Valor of Turley’s Mill During the Taos Revolt
The peace of Albert’s settled life was shattered in 1847 with the eruption of the Taos Revolt, a significant uprising by Mexican and Pueblo peoples against American occupation. During this tumultuous period, John David Albert was employed at Simeon Turley’s Mill, located approximately 12 miles from Taos at Arroyo Hondo. In a harrowing turn of events in January 1847, Albert became one of a mere eight to ten mountain men who bravely defended the mill against a siege by an overwhelming force of approximately 500 Mexicans and Indians. The frontiersmen held their ground valiantly into the night, repelling attack after attack.
As the situation grew desperate and the defenders dwindled, Albert and Thomas Tate Tobin, another legendary frontiersman, made separate escapes under the cover of confusion and darkness. Albert’s escape was particularly remarkable; he walked an astonishing 140 miles through harsh winter conditions to the trading post at Pueblo, Colorado, without a coat, armed only with his weapons and shooting bag. Tobin, similarly, trekked to Santa Fe. These two men were the sole survivors of the brutal siege at Turley’s Mill, a testament to their incredible courage and wilderness survival skills. Albert’s defiance during the siege is captured in his own words: “They commenced the attack on Arroyo Hondo by sending into us a flag of truce, demanding our arms and ammunition and unconditional surrender of ourselves. I told the boys they could do as they pleased, but I knew their treachery would lead us to certain death in the end, and I was going to die with my gun in my hands and not be murdered like a common dog.”
Later Life and Enduring Legacy
After the Taos Revolt, Albert continued his life on the frontier, eventually settling in Walsenburg, Colorado, around 1872. In his later years, he took on various roles, including carrying mail out of the Spanish Peaks post office at Cuchara station and trapping on the Purgatory and Cuchara Rivers. He is also credited with the construction of the fort at La Plaza de la Leones, further contributing to the development and security of frontier settlements. John David Albert lived a long and eventful life, outliving three wives, all of whom were partially or fully Hispanic and passed away during their marriages to him. He fathered a remarkable 21 children, leaving behind a significant lineage.
His extraordinary journey concluded in Montana, where he died on April 24, 1899. He was laid to rest in the old Catholic Cemetery at Walsenburg, Colorado, a place that he helped build and defend. Albert’s life story is a compelling narrative of adaptation, resilience, and unwavering courage. He navigated the complex social and geographical landscapes of the American West, transitioning from an orphaned youth to a seasoned fur trapper, a shrewd trader, a devoted family man, and ultimately, a defender of his community. His contributions, though perhaps not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, were crucial to the fabric of frontier life.
Conclusion
The life of John David Albert exemplifies the spirit of the 19th-century American frontiersman: a man of grit, determination, and profound loyalty. His journey from the Eastern states to the rugged Western territories, his immersion in the perilous fur trade, his eventual settlement and family life, and his heroic stand during the Taos Revolt paint a vivid picture of a life lived on the edge of civilization. Albert’s story is a powerful reminder of the individual courage and endurance that shaped the expansion and development of the American West, leaving an indelible mark on its history and traditions. He truly was a remarkable figure whose legacy continues to inspire tales of frontier resilience.
