Mules … and why I need four of them

When my farmer and I were discussing which livestock we wanted on the pasture, we did consider mules. Perhaps we were beginning to realize we have become like two old stubborn mules; or we are thinking it is time to consider trading my bicycle for something that took less exertion.

For many reasons, mules are appealing. They have proven useful on the farm, in the freighting business and with the U.S. Army. Horses receive a great deal of glory (which is deserving); but the mule also has its place.

By Renae B. Vander Schaaf

one time, the state — which is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of the West” — was the largest mule-producing state in the union.

It definitely was the birthplace for the American/Missouri mule.

The famous Santa Fe Trail also had its beginning at Franklin. It was started as a commercial trail.

were carrying $2,600,000 in gold. There were 500 armed guards and homeward-bound miners on this trip. What a picture that would make!

There are plenty of good reasons why mule trains are a symbol of the old west.

the desert spaced an average of 16 miles apart, which was considered a day’s journey.

The parentage of a mule would always be a question I would fail to answer correctly if it were on a test; but a mule is a cross between a Jack (a male donkey) and a mare (female horse). But guess what? I looked into two different encyclopedias and the one reversed the parentage … so no wonder I am confused.

The mule would know, as this cross produces a superior animal with great intelligence.

The mule was introduced to America by Stephen Cooper in 1823, according to the book “Saga of Old Western Travel and Transport” by Wilbur Hoffman. Mules had been used in Old Mexico for a long time.

He explains that Mr. Cooper had purchased 400 mules, jennets (a female donkey) and Spanish jacks while on a Santa Fe trading expedition.

Cooper took these mules back to his home near Franklin, Mo. He probably raised a few eyebrows when these animals appeared on his farm. But when these jacks sired the first ‘Missouri Mules,’ and his neighbors saw the practicality of these animals, they soon began raising their own stock. At

William Becknell, a trader and War of 1812 veteran, decided to expand his business with trade to Mexico. In September of 1821 (the same year Missouri was admitted to the Union), he left his home town of Franklin with a caravan of freight wagons loaded with cargo. Mules provided the draft power.

His destination was Santa Fe, which at the time was in Mexico.

Mexico had recently gained its freedom from Spain. While under Spanish control, it had been a closed empire. Now the country was open to trade and anxious for it.

Several months later, after miles of rough travel, Becknell’s caravan arrived at Santa Fe on Nov. 16. The trip was successful and they were greatly encouraged by the people in Mexico to come again — which, of course, Beckwell did. By listening to others and trying new ways, he perfected the route for better travel.

Freighting — despite the hardship and danger — was appealing as it was very lucrative. Mules were well-suited for this work. Cooper took the initiative and risk to bring breeding stock back to Missouri.

Mules not only proved their usefulness on the Sante Fe Trail, but also during the California gold rush of 1849. They brought supplies to remote regions and packed out the diggings. On one convoy, nearly 1,000 mules

Probably the most famous mule train is the one still barely pictured on the Twenty Mule Train Borax box. The book gives an excellent description of the work and dangers of freighting Borax 164 miles through the desert where temperatures soared over 130 F in the shade (if there had been any shade on the Death Valley Trail).

The trail was appropriately named as nothing really grew there and watering spots were separated by 20 to even 60 miles of desert.

The wagons pulled by the 20-mule trains were huge. They would weigh 7,800 pounds empty and could carry 22,500 pounds of cargo. It’s no wonder it took a train of 20 mules to pull one wagon. A round trip was usually 20 days long.

They had to be quite self-sufficient. The life-saving 1,000-gallon iron water tank was mounted to a standard wagon gear. On the trip to the Borax mines, the wagons carried hay and grain. These supplies were left out on

This whole history is rather interesting — especially when you consider the proficiency of the teamster who managed the 20 mules with a jerk on the reins. The skill required to keep the train under control and take corners at the speed they travel is admirable and something to marvel about.

The pay was $120 per month for the muleskinner and $80 for the swamper. This was thought to be good money — especially as there were no places to spend it while on the trail. In between trips, the crew were only given an afternoon off before embarking on the next trip for Borax.

Mules are very intelligent with an excellent memory. It’s rather important to have a patient, kind trainer — a worthy attribute for every livestock owner and parent.

What I especially liked about mules was that they require less forage than a horse and do not overeat. Perhaps that mule could teach me a thing or two.

I’m not making this next statement up. It can be found in the 1934 edition of “The World Book Encyclopedia.”