Aubry's Post facts for kids

Aubry was a small town in Kansas that played a part in the American Civil War. It was located near the Kansas-Missouri border. During the war, Aubry faced attacks from Confederate guerrillas. Because of these attacks, Union soldiers were often stationed there to protect the town.

Aubry: A Civil War Story

A Surprise Attack

On March 7, 1862, a group of Confederate guerrillas attacked Aubry. These fighters were led by William C. Quantrill. Aubry was a small town southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. It was very close to the Kansas-Missouri border. During this raid, three people living in Aubry were killed. The guerrillas also stole a lot of property from the town.

Union Soldiers Arrive

Because of Quantrill's attack, Union soldiers were sent to Aubry. Company E of the 8th Regiment of Kansas Volunteers arrived around March 10. Captain John Greelish was their first commander. Just two days later, Greelish's troops fought a small battle near Aubry. They faced about thirty of Quantrill's men and won. After this, more soldiers were sent to Aubry. Major E. F. Schneider then took over command of the post. Union troops stayed in Aubry off and on for the rest of the Civil War.

More Troops and a Close Call

Later in 1862, Company D of the 11th Kansas Infantry was stationed at Aubry. This group was led by Lieutenant Dick Rooks. Rooks was known as a Red leg and a Jayhawker. His company stayed in Aubry through the winter of 1862-1863.

In 1863, more soldiers came to Aubry. Captain Joshua A. Pike was in charge of the post. He had seventy-two men, split into two cavalry companies. On the evening of August 20, Quantrill and about 400 men passed very close to Aubry. These men were on their way to attack Lawrence, Kansas.

Captain Pike lined up his soldiers south of the post. But he did not try to find out who Quantrill's men were. He also did not chase them, even when he suspected they were guerrillas. Pike told other troops in the area about the travelers. However, he did not tell his commanders quickly enough.

Captain Charles F. Coleman, who was in charge of a post in Little Santa Fe, Missouri, marched to Aubry. He had eighty men with him. Around midnight, Coleman and Pike finally tried to chase Quantrill. But by then, Quantrill was too far ahead. They could not possibly catch him.

The Final Raids

Captain Pike did not stay at Aubry much longer. From August 1863 to at least September 1864, soldiers continued to guard Aubry. Usually, one or two companies of the 11th Kansas Cavalry were on duty. We know that a guardhouse was built there. We are not sure what other buildings were put up.

Sometime after September 19, 1864, the soldiers left Aubry. This might have happened during Price's Missouri Raid. As a result, about ten guerrillas attacked Aubry on January 31, 1865. This group was led by Dan Vaughn. News of the coming raid reached authorities in Olathe. A group of soldiers rushed to Aubry. But they arrived too late. A traveler was killed, two residents were robbed, and several houses were burned.

After this, about twenty soldiers were stationed in Aubry again. The post remained active until at least May 1865.