Billy the Kid In the Flesh - Pals of Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid: In the Flesh

by J. Younger

Artwork by Gregg Burch and Angie Hinojosa

140 years have passed since Billy the Kid departed from this world, yet his legacy remains alive in our hearts. As time goes by, more and more people are enchanted by his story, and we cannot help but remember the legend he has become. Billy’s restlessness continues to whisper to us through the pages of history, and we are grateful to be able to keep his story alive. The words of the people who remembered him, still echo, and their memories of him remain strong until today. Billy may be gone, but his spirit lives on, and his legend continues to captivate new generations. We treasure the memories of the past, and we carry them with us, as a reminder of the great legend that was Billy the Kid.

Frank Coe, a former Regulator, has described Billy in a straightforward manner.

“He was about seventeen, but looked fourteen, 5' 8", weighed about 138 lbs. and stood straight as an Indian, as fine looking a lad as ever I met. He was a lady’s man and the Mexican girls were all crazy about him. He spoke Spanish quite well." He was also a fine dancer; he could do all of the currently popular steps, especially the Irish Jig and the Spanish Fandango, at which he excelled. He had a beautiful tenor voice and loved to sing, too. He was a wonder, you would have been proud to know him.”

Frank Coe

Sheriff Harvey Whitehill, one of the initial officials to address Billy’s conduct, discusses his familiarity with The Kid’s family and recounts how Billy first became entangled in legal issues.

"Billy had one peculiar facial characteristic that to an experienced manhunter would have marked him immediately as a bad man, and that is was his dancing eyes. They never were at rest, but continually shifted and roved, much like his own rebellious nature. Billy's right name, you know, was Henry McCarty and he was born in Anderson, Indiana. Shortly afterward his family moved to silver city, where they lived in a log house next to the Enterprise building and that is where the boy was raised. What about 9 years of age, the boy's mother died and with his brother he was left in the care of his stepfather. Early in his career he changed his name to Billy Bonney in order to keep the stigma of his disgrace from his family, and it was in this way he came to be known as Billy the kid. His first offense was the theft of several pounds of butter from a ranchman by the name of Webb, living near silver city, and which he disposed of to one of the local merchants. His guilt was easily established, but on the promise of good behavior he was released. But the nimble fingered boy found the road too straight and narrow and when next I heard from him he had extended his operations to Georgetown New Mexico, which was booming in those days and he had stolen $70 from a Chinaman. Again he was easily detected and this time placed in jail. The structure was an adobe affair and is still landing in the yard of the lady's hospital. One day The Kid complained to me that the jailer was treating him roughly and kept him in solitary confinement in his cell without any exercise. So I ordered that he be allowed to remain in the corridor for a limited time each morning. And right there is where we fell down, for the kid had a mind who's ingenuity we knew not that time. He was only a boy scarcely 15 years of age yet we made the mistake of leaving him alone for a short half an hour. When we returned and unlock the heavy open doors to the jail, the kid was nowhere to be seen. The next thing we heard of him was at Camp Thomas, Arizona where he killed a familiar character at the post known as Windy the blacksmith. And making his escape he shot down in Cold blood two soldiers who were hurting the post horses selected the best horse and headed for globe."

Harvey Whitehill

The 1907 sheriff's daughter of Silver City reflects...

My brother Wayne knew both Billy and his older brother Joe. He always told me that he thought Joe was a worse roughneck than Billy. We used to have a pretty good size Chinatown in silver City and there were several opium dens running then. Wayne said he and some other boys used to go down there and peek through the cracks in the windows and doors to see who was smoking opium. Wayne told me that they saw Billy the kid's brother joe, along with the Chinaman. At least I never heard tell of Billy doing that.

Mrs. Robert K. Bell

Ms. Lilly Casey shared her recollection of Mr. Billy and kindly expressed admiration towards him. It is noteworthy that Ms. Casey later dated Mr. Bob Ollinger.

"Billy, on horseback, would ride at full gallop, dodging behind the side of his mount to fire his Winchester 73, the same way the Apaches did. He could even retrieve a handkerchief from the ground at full gallop. The Kid had a great personality and could ingratiate himself in people's good graces very quickly. He had laughing blue eyes, was always smiling or laughing, quick to accommodate, and had a very good heart. He had an innocent, timid look that was attractive to the girls all at once."

Lilly Casey

Lilly also stipulated that Billy was often reading books just as much as he practiced with his “shooting irons.”

Frank and Annie Lesnett were acquainted with Billy and gradually, he became a cherished family friend. To Annie specifically. Based on their experience, the Lesnett family would describe Billy as a gentle and kind soul.
Sources report that Billy taught her husband and boys how to shoot. Same source says, Annie Lesnett once hid Billy in an empty flour barrel as soldiers approached to look for outlaws. Annie also visited Billy while he was on death row at Lincoln, New Mexico just before his escape. Some believe Mrs. Lesnett slipped Billy a pocket knife, in which he used to open his handcuff

"He was great with our kids mainly because he was still a kid himself. The older children liked playing with Billy and listening to the stories he told about his exciting adventures. He would always make them laugh and was quite clever. He was quite gentle and affectionate, he would cradle our babies in his arms and play games with the family dog."

Annie Lesnett

A ranch hand who worked for Chisum and later Sue Mcsween shared that Billy had a favorite horse that would follow him around and come running whenever he whistled. Witnesses remember how affectionate the horse was towards Billy and how he reciprocated that love. It’s evident that animals can pick up on people’s true character, and Billy’s horse had a genuine connection with him.
Billy was often aided by individuals who provided him with food, shelter, and protection. These acts were not merely driven by good intentions, but were also a manifestation of love and admiration for Billy. He was regarded by many as a hero who fought against the oppressors with courage and determination. Their acts of kindness were sincerely appreciated by Billy.

Major General Lew Wallace, a former Governor of New Mexico, shared his remembrance of the famous outlaw, Billy the Kid.

"A precious specimen named ‘The Kid,’ whom the sheriff is holding here in the Plaza, as it is called, is an object of tender regard. I heard singing and music the other night; going to the door, I found the minstrels of the village actually serenading the fellow in his prison.''

Lew Wallace

Susan Mcsween provided a notable depiction of Billy...

"I had always believed if Mr. Tunstall had lived, The Kid, under his guidance, would have become a valuable citizen, for he was a remarkable boy, far above the average of the young men of those times and he undoubtedly had the makings of a fine man in him."

Susan McSween

Igninio Salazar, ex-Regulator and close friend of Billy's had some memories to share of Billy's spirit as well

“Billy the Kid was the bravest man I ever knew. He did not know what fear meant. Everyone who knew him, loved him. He was kind and good to poor people, and he was always a gentleman, no matter where he was. When in danger, he was the coolest man I ever saw- he acted like a flash from a gun. He was quick as kitten and when he aimed his pistol and fired, something dropped; he never missed his mark "

Igninio Salazar

William H. Bonney, known as “Billy the Kid,” was an integral part of the Lincoln County War. He gained notoriety and was believed to be the murderer of Sheriff Brady. After the conclusion of the LCW, another lawman, Deputy James Carlyle, died amid controversy. Some claimed that Carlyle was killed by his own group, while others blamed Billy. Despite being regarded as a legendary outlaw, some individuals claimed that Bonney tortured animals and was a merciless murderer without ever meeting him. It seems as though even in the 1870s, the media had a tendency to sensationalize and manufacture stories.
Joe Grant’s death added more astonishment to the legend when he tried to shoot Billy at a saloon. Joe Grant pulled the trigger twice with no report. Billy in return, raised his pistol in a tauntingly slow fashion and fired 3 shots all 3 hitting Grant. A witness recalls the event’
“The bullet pattern was so tight you could put a coin over the deadmans wound”.
To those who knew Billy may have thought he was immortal. Even more so after being captured, sentenced to death and then killed both his guards, slipped his restraints and rode out singing and whistling as cool as if no danger was ever about.

Mr. Pat Garrett's account of Mr. William H. Bonney. It is highly recommended that anyone with an interest in the history of this period read and study Mr. Garrett's account in order to fully appreciate the significance of Billy The Kid's image.

"His hair was a darker brown, glossy and luxuriant. His eyes were a deep blue, dotted with spots of Hazel hue and were very bright, expressive and intelligent. During his most savage and dangerous moves, his face always wore a smile. He ate and laughed, drank and laughed, rode and laughed, talked, fought and laughed and killed and laughed. Always a pleasant smile or a soft and musical Ripple of the voice. Billy was at the time about 5 foot 7 and 1/2 inches straight as a dart. Weighed about 135 lb and was as light, active and as graceful as a panther. His form was well knit, compact and wonderfully muscular."

Pat Garrett

Sally has provided a detailed depiction of The Kid, which implies that Billy was attentive to his appearance, particularly in the presence of women.

"He was brimming over with lighthearted gaiety and good humor. He always looked as if he had just stepped out of a band box. In a broad brimmed hat, dark coat and vest, gray trousers worn over his boots, gray flannel shirt and black hand tie, and sometimes, would you believe it?... A flower in his lapel, quite the dandy."

Sally Chisum

Inquiring the nature of the relationship between Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett has been challenging. Despite the portrayal in many Billy the Kid movies, it remains a question whether they were truly friends or just acquaintances. Paulita Maxwell stated during an interview with Walter Burns that they were pals, however, this statement may have instigated the rumor. It is important to establish factual information regarding historical figures and their relationships in order to provide accurate knowledge to the public. Burns greatly exaggerated his interview, or Paulita is correct here…

Paulita Maxwell had this to say about Pat and Billy

“Garrett became good friends with all those fellows; Charlie Bowdre and Tom Folliard, who lived in Fort Sumner, Jim French, Billy Wilson, John Middleton, Henry Brown, Doc Scurlock, Dave Rudabaugh and the rest." "He ate and drank and played cards with Billy the Kid, went to dances with him and gallivanted around with the same Mexican girls.“I have seen them both, more than once, down on their knees around a blanket stretched on the ground in the main street, gambling their heads off, as they say, against a Monte game. If Pat went broke, he borrowed from Billy, and if Billy went broke, he borrowed from Pat. Sometimes they engaged in friendly shooting contests. Both were crack shots. It was a toss up between them when it came to the rifle. The Kid was the better shot with the revolver. He was a 6 shooter specialist and quickest in drawing his weapon while shooting accurately, no man in the country was his equal. The point I am making is that in those days, the two were as thick as 2 peas in a pod. There was probably not a man in Fort Sumner whom the Kid regarded as a better friend, than Pat Garrett."

Paulita Maxwell

The death of Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett’s involvement is a debated topic among scholars and historians. Some argue that Garrett may have killed Billy for personal gain, while others suggest a collaborative deception between the two. Discrepancies exist, including witness testimony that contradicts claims of a friendly relationship. While it is possible that they were friends for a short period, the evidence is inconclusive and conflicting. The romanticized version of their relationship is not necessarily accurate, but is prefered.
Paulita also commented on The Kid’s magnetism.

"Billy the Kid, I'll tell you, has fascinated many women. His record as a heartbreaker was quite as formidable as you might say his record as a man killer. Like a sailor he had a sweetheart in every port of call, every placita in the Pecos had some little senorita, who was proud to be known as his querita. If I had loved the Kid... and he had loved me, I will say that I would not have hesitated to marry him and follow him through danger, poverty or hardship to the ends of the Earth in spite of anything he had ever done or what the world might have been pleased to think of me. That is the way of Spanish girls when they are in love. Billy the Kid, let me tell you, cut quite a gallant figure at these jolly dances. With his smiling boyish good looks and easy debonair bearing, he was in great favor as a cavalier, and the little Mexican beauties made eyes at him from behind their fans and brought into play all their arts of coquetry to capture his attentions"

Paulita Maxwell

After Billy the Kid was allegedly shot and killed by Pat Garrett at Fort Sumner, Frank Lobato, a respected member of the community and acquaintance of Billy’s, shared a valuable insight into the impact of Billy’s life and legacy to the people who loved him.

“Billy was very popular at Fort Sumner, he had a great many friends, all of whom were indignant towards Pat Garrett. If a leader had been present, Garrett and his two officers would have received the same fate they dealt Billy.”

Frank Lobato

The unfortunate demise of Billy was reported by the newspapers, and the top ranking members of the Santa Fe Ring heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing the news. The newspapers, however, had an overflow of fabrication and imagination, and printed innumerable stories about “The Boy Bandit.” The demand for ink was immense, as authors wrote novels to fictionalize the life of Billy. One of the notable renditions was Pat Garrett’s book “The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid,” which gained popularity and even featured a single photo of the outlaw, further fueling the legend.

George Coe's book, Frontier Fighter, features a memorable quote about Billy. Coe clarifies the baseless and nonsensical stories surrounding Billy, while also expressing their mutual friendship.

"It is unbelievable the number of misleading statements there are afloat; clever tales to catch the Curious whereas the truth is entirely sufficient. Billy was in the center of Interest everywhere he went, and though heavily armed, he was as gentlemanly as a college bred youth. He quickly became acquainted with everybody, and with his humorous and pleasing personality grew to be a community favorite. In fact, Billy was so popular there wasn't enough of him to go around. He had a beautiful voice and sing like a bird. One of our special amusements was to assemble every few nights and have a singing. Frank Coe and I played the fiddles, and we all danced, and here Billy, too, was in demand. The kid bunked with me the greater part of the winter. He was a good pal, always happy and pleasant. He helped me with all the chores and domestic work, and I could not have asked for a better friend or companion. We hunted together, and Billy became quite expert as a deer slayer. He often said to me George I wish I had a home like this I'd send for my mother and be the happiest kid alive. It was earlier in the year that he went to work for Tunstall. This was the first time in his life that he had ever drawn a cent of wages, and the only opportunity that had ever been given to him to make good. He was delighted and anxious to please his employer, and Tunstall seemed really devoted to the kid. There is no doubt that Tunstall had a wonderful influence over Billy for good, and in my opinion, if Tunstall had lived much of the tragedy in which Billy and others of us figured, would never have occurred."

George Coe

“John Tunstall was quoted regarding Billy the Kid.”

"That's the finest lad I ever met. He is a revelation to me everyday and would do anything on Earth to please me. I'm going to make a man out of that boy yet, he has it in him."

JohnTunstall Frontier Fighter

In the 1920s, Walter Burns penned a bestseller titled the Saga of Billy the Kid, which played a pivotal role in launching the legend of Billy the Kid on celluloid and into stardom. Each new movie adds color to that reputation, while every piece of artwork breathes life into the time-honored spirit. Despite the grim prospects, it is my sincere wish that someday we might uncover the real identity of Billy the Kid and secure his pardon, thereby allowing him to find the peace he rightfully deserves.

Billy is depicted as a close friend to women. He spent his teenage years with his mother, without a father, and unnoticed by his stepfather, William Antrim. Billy naturally gravitated towards warm relationships with motherly women. Abrana Garcia, Nasaria Yerby, Celsa Gutierrez, Paulita Maxwell, and Sallie Chisum have all revealed Billy’s romantic interests! See some of Billy’s love life in the slides below

Gallery

Paulita Maxwell. Daughter of Lucien and Sister of Pete Maxwell. “If I had loved the kid and he had loved me, I will say that I would not have hesitated to marry him and follow him through danger, poverty or hardship, to the ends of the Earth in spite of anything he had ever done or what the world might have been pleased to think of me, that is the way of Spanish girls when they are in love” – Paulita

Dona Catalina Mondragon de Valdez was a medicine woman. Reportedly, she treated Billy the Kid in Anton Chico…other rumors say she had a child of Billys

Possible photo of Florentina Yerby, an alleged daughter of BTK?

Possible photo of Abrana Garcia, who’s real name may have been Serina Segura. Abrana Garcia lived in Fort Sumner at the time Billy the Kid frequented the town. It is said that they were very much an item and even had a child together, a boy called Jose Patrocinio Garcia. Some reports say the two may even have been secretly married The night Billy was killed he was bidding his last farewells to his wife and children before going into hiding. Santa Rosa resident Elbert Garcia, a retired aerospace employee who claims to be the Kid’s great grandson, says he remembers year after year of family outings to place flowers on the Kid’s grave in Fort Sumner. But the family was very quiet about its history for a long time, Garcia says. There was story that Garcia’s great grandmother, Abrana Garcia, had Billy the Kid’s child, Jose Patrocinio Garcia, out of wedlock. “We all knew that Grandpa was Billy the Kid’s son,” the 62-year-old Garcia says.

Possible photo of Billy’s Teacher Mary P. Richards

Videos

The art of painting has stood the test of time, capturing moments and emotions that can transcend generations. Gregg’s historical paintings take this art form to the next level, bringing to life significant events, people, and places that have shaped our Billy the Kid world.

Out of Time. This is just moments before young Billy the kid was shot . The accounts where around 11 at night with a full moon . This is the lighting at best . There’s a lot to take in here , as you do so pounder just what life was like . We all have struggles forkes in the roads and we all try to overcome , some can’t . So I ask you this . Did young Billy go head strong that night sealing his fate or did he just not care .24×30 titled Out Of Time .This Billy at the porch of Pete Maxwells house .

The film industry has played a significant role in preserving the legacy of Billy the Kid by introducing him to new generations of enthusiasts. It is through these films that the legend continues to thrive and remain relevant in popular culture. Follow the link below to discover a few old film treasures.
https://palsofbillythekidhistoricalsociety.com/billy-the-kid-in-the-movies/
Get to know Billy through the eyes of the newspapers
https://palsofbillythekidhistoricalsociety.com/chasing-billy-the-kid-slinging-ink/
To view more art from Gregg click below!
https://palsofbillythekidhistoricalsociety.com/historical-artwork-by-gregg/
For more on Billy click the link!
https://palsofbillythekidhistoricalsociety.com/fading-roots-of-billy-the-kid/

To understand our mission and values. Follow the link below to continue
https://palsofbillythekidhistoricalsociety.com/about-pals-of-billy-the-kid/