pendence, while there are only about fifty Hedrickites. Each faction claims to be a branch of the true Mormon church; each claims to teach the true faith as taught by Joseph Smith, the father of the church. The great church of Utah does not recognize either of the Independence factions.

vans.

The Santa Fe trade began in Independence in 1831 and a boat landing was established at Blue Mills on the Missouri river, six miles distant. The business increased and the government established a customhouse for the accommodation of the early merchants. From the close of the Mexican war to 1857, Independence was an important outfitting point for western caraThe manufacture of wagons and other equipment needed by travelers was a profitable business. Some of the men engaged in the trade were Lewis Jones, Hiram Young, John W. Modie and Robert Stone. The commerce of Independence was seriously affected for a time when the Missouri river flood of 1844 washed away the boat landing at Wayne City. At a meeting of the old settlers' association of Jackson county, John C. McCoy gave this account of the outfitting business in Independence:

"Independence in those early years was selected as a place of arrival and departure and as an outfitting place for trappers and hunters of the mountains and western plains. It was well worth the while to witness the arrival of some of the pack trains. Before entering they let us know of their coming by the shooting of guns, so that when they reached Owens and Aull's store a goodly number of people were there to welcome them. A greasy, dirty set of men they were. Water surely was a rare commodity with them. They little cared for it except to slack their thirst. Their animals were loaded down with heavy packs of buffalo robes and peltry. Occasionally, they had a small wagon, which, after long usage, had the spokes and felloes wrapped with rawhide to keep the vehicle from falling to pieces. "So accustomed were they to their work that it took them little time. to unload the burdens from the backs of the animals, store their goods in the warehouse. The trappers let the merchants attend to the shipping. The arrival in Independence was always a joyous ending of a hazardous trip, and when once safely over it they were always ready for a jolly good time, which they had to their hearts content. They made the welkin ring and filled the town with high carnival for many days.

"The mountain trade at length gave way to the Mexican trade this being on a much larger scale. Pack mules and donkeys were discarded and wagons drawn by mule and ox teams were substituted in their place. Such men as 'Doc' Waldo, Solomon Houke, William and Solomon Sublette, Josiah Gregg, St. Vrain, Chavez and others of like character were early adventurers, and as the governor gave permission to them to enter and trade with the people, they ventured across the plains regardless of the dangers."

Samuel C. Owens, it is said, was the first trader in Independence. He came to Missouri from Kentucky when he was a young man. He was the first clerk of the circuit court of Jackson county. John Aull, his business partner, had owned a store in Lexington, Missouri. Owens and James Aull lost their lives while with Doniphan's expedition in Mexico. John C. McCoy gave this account of their unfortunate adventure:

"Colonel Owens' acquaintance with the traders did much to retain Independence as the 'entropo' into Mexico, and until the troubles between the United States and Mexico began in 1845-46, other places were not used. In the year 1846 it was determined by the United States to send troops across the plains to overcome opposition. Doniphan raised a regiment of men which, being fully equipped, took up the march from this country. Quite a number of adventurers of all sorts accompanied the troops. Owens and Aull decided to send a wagon load of goods along, and Mr. Owens and James Aull took charge of it. Everything promised well and no opposition was met with until within sight of the Sacramento plains, between Santa Fe and Chihuahua, where the Mexicans were drawn up for battle.

"The civilians, teamsters and others who had accompanied our troops were organized into a company with Colonel S. C. Owens as captain, to aid Doniphan's men. On the field the order was given to charge and Colonel Owens rashly dashed forward in front of his men and was killed, thus early in the strife. Great was the regret of his men to see one esteemed so highly cut off in the middle of life far from home and family. James Aull, who accompanied Colonel Owens, took charge of the merchandise, and offered it for sale in Chihuahua. Not mistrusting the perfidy of the Spaniards, he was murdered while quietly engaged in business and alone in his store. Much of his goods was stolen. Thus ended the lives of two as good men as ever lived in Jackson county. James Aull was one of the most unassuming gentlemen ever met with and his and Mr. Owens' name will never be forgotten as long as Independence and Jackson county exist."

The First Regiment Missouri Mounted Volunteers, under command of Colonel Alexander W. Doniphan, was part of the "Army of the West," consisting of 1,659 men and sixteen pieces of artillery, that left Fort Leavenworth, June 29, 1846, under command of General Stephen W. Kearney, on a daring march across the plains to invade Mexico. William Gilpin of Independence, afterwards governor of the territory of Colorado, was a major in Doniphan's regiment. After a march of fifty-two days, in which the troops suffered severe hardships and privation, the army entered Santa Fe without resistance.

At Santa Fe the army was divided, General Stephen Kearney, with 400 men, went to California, while the main body of the troops under Colonel