Thomas Tate Tobin facts for kids

Tom Tobin (1823–1904) was a brave American adventurer. He was a skilled tracker, trapper, and mountain man. Tom also worked as a guide and a scout for the US Army. Sometimes, he even helped find people who were wanted by the law.

Tobin explored a lot of southern Colorado, including the area around Pueblo. He knew many famous people of his time. These included Kit Carson, "Uncle Dick" Wootton, Ceran St. Vrain, and Wild Bill Hickok. Tom Tobin was one of only two men who survived a big fight at Turley's Mill during the Taos Revolt. Later, the Army asked him to track down a dangerous person named Filipe Espinosa. Tobin was known for his amazing tracking skills.

Tom Tobin's Life Story

Thomas Tate Tobin was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 1, 1823. His father, Bartholomew Tobin, was from Ireland. His mother, Sarah Autobees, was believed to be from the Lenape people. Sarah had a son named Charles Autobees from a previous marriage. A year after Tom was born, his parents had a daughter named Catherine.

Growing Up and Exploring

In 1828, Tom's older half-brother, Charles Autobees, went west to trap beavers. Charles returned to St. Louis in 1837. That year, 14-year-old Tom Tobin left with Charles and their friend Ceran St. Vrain. They traveled to Taos.

Tom worked as a trapper and scout at Bent's Fort. He also worked in Taos. Tom and his brother Charles worked at Simeon Turley's store and mill. They delivered supplies and goods to trappers. They would trade these items for animal furs. The furs were then taken to St. Louis to get more supplies for Turley's store. The brothers often stopped at places like Fort Jackson and El Pueblo.

Family Life and Big Events

By 1846, Tom Tobin had married Pascuala Bernal. They lived in Arroyo Hondo, near Taos. Tom kept working for Turley. He also delivered important messages for General Stephen Kearny.

The Taos Revolt

A big event happened on January 19, 1847. People who did not want American rule started a revolt in Taos. Their leaders were Pablo Montoya and Tomás Romero. Romero was also known as "Tomasito."

The people attacked the home of Governor Charles Bent. They killed Governor Bent and several other government officials. The next day, about 500 people attacked Simeon Turley's Mill. Tom Tobin and his brother Charles were working there. Charles rode to Santa Fe to get help from the American soldiers. He left Tom and about eight other mountain men to defend the mill.

The battle lasted all day. Only two men, Johnny Albert and Tom Tobin, survived. They escaped the burning mill separately at night. After his escape, Tobin and Charles Autobees became scouts. They helped Captain Ceran St. Vrain find the people who started the revolt.

Scouting and Guiding

In 1847, Tobin farmed land near the San Carlos River. He sold his crops to Lieutenant Colonel William Gilpin. Gilpin's troops were camped near Bent's Fort. The next year, Gilpin asked Tobin to be a scout. He wanted Tobin to help him find Native American groups. Gilpin also asked Tobin to carry messages.

Before the Civil War, Major B.L. Beall hired Tobin as a scout. Tobin was to guide an expedition to find a railroad route to California. Beall said Tobin was almost as brave and skilled as Kit Carson. In November 1868, General Penrose made Tobin the chief scout. Tobin's half-brother Charles Autobee and "Wild Bill" Hickok were also scouts.

Tracking Felipe Espinosa

In the early 1860s, a man named Felipe Espinosa and his two cousins moved to the San Luis Valley. In 1863, the Espinosas killed many people in the area. They said it was revenge for relatives killed in the Mexican–American War. Soldiers from Fort Garland tried to catch them. Several groups of lawmen also tried. They only managed to kill one cousin, who was quickly replaced by another.

Finally, Colonel Sam Tappan, the leader at Fort Garland, asked for Tobin's help. He gave Tobin fifteen soldiers. But Tobin left the soldiers at camp. He said they made too much noise on the trail. Tobin tracked the Espinosas to their camp. He ended their reign of terror. Tobin returned to Fort Garland with proof of his success. The government had offered a reward for the Espinosas. Tobin did not get the full amount. However, the governor of Colorado gave him a special coat. The Army gave him a Henry rifle.

Later Years

In 1878, Tobin's daughter Pasqualia married William (Billy) Carson. Billy was the son of Kit Carson. Years later, Tobin had a disagreement with Billy. Tobin was hurt in the argument. He never fully recovered from his injury. However, he lived longer than Billy Carson.