They had scarcely established themselves, however, before another company of Jackson county citizens, chiefly from around Independence, organized to drive them off.

In this quote, Cole Younger describes the challenges faced by a group of settlers, likely Mormons, who had recently established a presence in Jackson County, Missouri. The settlers had barely gotten settled when a company of Jackson County citizens—mainly from around Independence—organized to forcibly expel them. This reflects the hostility and violence the early Mormon settlers faced when they attempted to establish communities in areas where local non-Mormon populations felt threatened by their presence and growing influence.

The reference to Independence, a town in Jackson County, highlights the tensions between the Mormon community and local citizens. Independence was a significant site for the Mormons, who believed it was a place of prophetic importance. However, their presence was met with resentment and hostility from local residents, who were alarmed by the Mormons' increasing numbers and distinct religious practices. This led to violent confrontations and efforts to drive them off the land.

The origin of this quote stems from Cole Younger’s involvement in the Wild West and his understanding of the cultural and social tensions that existed during this period. As a participant in the historical events of the time, including clashes between Mormons and non-Mormons, Younger provides a firsthand account of the violence that surrounded the Mormon exodus from Jackson County. The expulsion of Mormons was a significant episode in the broader narrative of religious persecution in early American history.

In essence, Younger’s quote illustrates the conflict between the early Mormon settlers and local residents of Jackson County, specifically in and around Independence. The quote sheds light on the hostility the Mormon community faced as they tried to establish their presence in Missouri, leading to violence and their eventual expulsion. It highlights the struggles for religious freedom and territorial control in the early years of American westward expansion.