William Brady - Pals of Billy the Kid

Sheriff Brady

Events & Genealogy
Born: William John Brady
Birthdate: August 16, 1829
Birthplace: County Cavan, Ireland
Marriage: Maria Bonifacia Chavez on November 16, 1862 at Albuquerque
Children: Guillermo William Brady (1863-1923)
Teodora Brady (1865-?)
Robert Chavez Brady (1867-1945)
Juan Brady (1868-1927)
Lawrence G. Brady (1869-?)
James Brady (1873-?)
Anita Brady (1874-?)
Catarina Brady (1877-1940)
Primitivo Samuel Brady (1878-1948)
Death: April 1st 1878
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds
Burial: Brady-Hindman burial site at The former Brady Ranch east of Lincoln

Siblings (click)

William Brady Siblings.
William 1829-1878
Mary Brady 1832-?
Henry Brady 1853-?
Patrick Brady 1835-?
Catherine Brady 1836-1903
Ellen Brady 1837-?
Mathew Brady 1837-?

Rogue Lawman

by J. Young

William J. Brady was born in County Cavan, Ireland on August 16, 1829. He was the eldest of seven siblings born to William John Robert Brady, a potato farmer, and Catherine Darby. After graduating in 1844, Brady briefly showed interest in politics before departing for the United States in early 1851. He enlisted in the US Army on July 11, 1851 and was assigned to Company F of the First United States Riflemen. Over a period of five years, he served at Fort Duncan, Texas, rising to the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged on June 2, 1856.

On the same day, Brady re-enlisted to the same company. Later, on March 2, 1861, he was honorably discharged at Fort Craig, New Mexico. Subsequently, on August 19, 1861, Brady joined the 2nd New Mexico Infantry of Volunteers. On April 25, 1862, he transferred to the 1st New Mexico Volunteers to form The 1st New Mexico Calvary. As the 1st Lieutenant, he was assigned to company C and stationed in Albuquerque.

William Brady, at the age of thirty-three, stood at a height of about 5’8″, had blue eyes, brown hair, and a fair complexion. On November 16th, 1862, he wed Maria Bonifacio Chaves Montoya in Albuquerque. The couple went on to have a family of nine children and a beautiful ranch home.

After exhibiting valor in conflicts with Indigenous tribes, Brady received a Captain A promotion in the 1st New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry in Santa Fe. He was honorably discharged at Fort Union, New Mexico on October 8, 1866. On March 13, 1865, a Beveret honor appointed Brady as Major for the volunteer Army in recognition of his courage.