Page 26 - All About History - Issue 28-15

Outlaws

5 myths busted WILLIAM HENRY MCCARTY
Nationality: American
Born: 23 November 1859
BILLYTHEKID Brief BetterknownasBilly
Died: 14 July 1881

theKid,McCarty
played a prominent
Bio
role in the Lincoln
Country War, fighting
overcontrolofdrygoodsand
cattle in the county. He rose
to prominence when a $500
THEGUN-TOTINGPRETTY rewardwasplacedonhis
head and newspapers began
BOYWHOBECAMEAFEARED to print stories of his exploits,
transforming him into a figure
of legend.
OUTLAWANDFOLKHERO

01 HE HAD A

FIERY TEMPER

There are no
contemporary accounts
to back this up. In fact,
most accounts report
him as an easygoing,
optimistic man with a
great sense of humour.
He was actually known
among his friends
for never losing his
composure, even when
facing verbal abuse
and taunting. This ‘bad
temper’ myth was likely
created by Pat Garrett
in his biography, The

Authentic Life Of Billy
The Kid.

He killed his fi rst He committed He was a large- He survived
02 man aged 12 03 21 murders – one 04 scale cattle rustler 05 his ‘death’
The legend goes that Billy the Kid for each year of his life Although it is true that Billy the This is a much-debated topic
killed a man who insulted his mother, This myth is popular because it’s Kid did steal cattle, the extent due to the conflicting accounts
then ran away from home. This is catchy, but it’s now believed to of his rustling activity was highly of McCarty’s death, with some
a completely fabricated story, as be completely untrue. Instead of exaggerated by the press. McCarty diehard believers claiming that
he actually killed his first man aged 21, the Kid actually killed eight and his friends stole cattle mainly the Kid retired from a life of
about 17. The man he killed was Frank men. This legend was likely from one man – John Chisum, who crime to live happily ever after.
‘Windy’ Cahill, who had tormented started by Pat Garrett, who killed McCarty claimed owed him wages. However, there is no evidence
the teenager for some time. On one McCarty and wished to make His rustling activities, though, were of this, and no reason at all for
occasion, Billy was forced to shoot himself look more impressive by nothing compared to the work of his enemy, Sheriff Garrett, to
him in self defence – killing him. taking out such a prolific killer. ‘The Boys’ and ‘The Rustlers’. help him get away.
©Alamy
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