Albert Jennings Fountain – Missing in the Desert
The arid landscape of southern New Mexico holds many secrets, whispering tales of pioneers, outlaws, and unsolved mysteries. Among these enduring enigmas, the disappearance of Albert Jennings Fountain, a prominent soldier, lawyer, and politician, stands as a haunting testament to the volatile era of the Wild West. For over a century, lawmen and historians have been captivated and confounded by the circumstances surrounding his vanishing act, leaving behind a legacy of speculation and unanswered questions.
Born on October 23, 1838, in Staten Island, New York, Albert Jennings was the son of Solomon Jennings, a seasoned sea captain, and Catherine de la Fontaine Jennings. His early life was characterized by privilege and opportunity. He received a solid education, attending Columbia College and subsequently embarking on a journey around the world as a tutor. This experience broadened his horizons and instilled in him a sense of adventure. Upon returning to the United States, he settled in the burgeoning state of California, where he initially worked at a newspaper, honing his communication skills and developing a keen understanding of public affairs. Recognizing his potential, he later pursued the study of law in the bustling metropolis of San Francisco, preparing himself for a career of influence and impact.
It was during this period that he adopted the name "Albert Jennings Fountain," an Anglicized version of his mother’s family name, de la Fontaine. The reasons for this change remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, adding another layer of intrigue to his already compelling story. In August 1861, with the nation teetering on the brink of civil war, Fountain answered the call to duty and enlisted in the Union Army. His leadership qualities were quickly recognized, and he was commissioned as an officer in the California Column. He played a crucial role in the Union conquest of the Confederate Territory of Arizona, participating in the pivotal Battle of Apache Pass.
While still serving his country, Albert Jennings Fountain married Mariana Perez in October 1862. Their union would blossom into a large and loving family, eventually blessed with nine children. He honorably served until the end of the Civil War, attaining the rank of captain before his discharge. Following his military service, Fountain and his family made their home in El Paso, Texas, where he embarked on a new chapter in his career. He joined the United States Property Commission, tasked with the complex and often contentious work of investigating and disposing of former Confederate property. His expertise and dedication led to further appointments, including roles as a Customs Collector, an election judge, and the Assessor and Collector of Internal Revenue for the Western District of Texas.
It was perhaps inevitable that a man of Albert Jennings Fountain’s ambition and public service would aspire to higher political office. In 1869, he successfully ran for and won a seat in the Texas Senate. Fountain, aligned with the Republican Party, held progressive views that often clashed with the prevailing sentiments of many Texas Democrats. The political climate in El Paso was further complicated by the infamous El Paso Salt War, a bitter dispute over the control of valuable salt deposits. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, Fountain became embroiled in a violent confrontation with a man named B. Frank Williams on December 7, 1870. The shootout resulted in Fountain being wounded three times and Williams being killed.
In 1875, seeking a fresh start and perhaps a more amenable political environment, Fountain relocated his family to Mesilla, New Mexico, his wife’s hometown. Here, he established a successful law practice, quickly becoming a respected member of the community. Southern New Mexico at that time was still a frontier region, vulnerable to frequent raids by various Native American tribes. Driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect his community, in 1878, Fountain organized and became a captain in the first militia company in southeast New Mexico, actively participating in campaigns against prominent Native American leaders such as Chief Victorio and Geronimo. His continued service in the militia led to his eventual promotion to the rank of colonel, a title that would remain with him for the rest of his life.
His reputation as a skilled lawyer and advocate led to his appointment in 1881 to defend Billy the Kid, the notorious outlaw, in his murder charge. This high-profile case brought him further into the public eye and solidified his reputation as a fearless and capable attorney.
In 1885, Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain moved to Las Cruces and began prosecuting Federal land fraud cases. His unwavering commitment to justice and his willingness to take on powerful interests led to significant successes in curbing corruption and protecting public resources. In 1888, he was elected to the New Mexico legislature, where his leadership qualities shone through, eventually leading to his election as the speaker of the house. Following his tenure in the legislature, he became a special prosecutor for livestock associations, focusing on the rampant problem of cattle rustling. His relentless pursuit of justice resulted in the conviction of 20 men for cattle rustling in 1894. However, Fountain’s multifaceted career as a politician and an attorney inevitably earned him numerous enemies, individuals who resented his power, his principles, and his unwavering dedication to upholding the law. These enemies would play a critical role in the events to come.
On February 1, 1896, Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain attended a court term in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Accompanied by his eight-year-old son, Henry, he embarked on the journey home. However, they never arrived. As they traveled near the desolate White Sands region, they vanished without a trace. When Mrs. Fountain reported the two missing, a search party was immediately dispatched to scour the area. On the Tularosa-Las Cruces road, approximately 45 miles from their home, the searchers discovered the abandoned buckboard and team. The scene was unsettling. Fountain’s papers were scattered about, several empty cartridge casings lay on the ground, and two pools of blood stained the earth. Most ominously, both Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain and his son, Henry, were missing, along with Albert’s Winchester rifle.
The investigation that followed pointed towards a prominent New Mexico gunman and rancher named Oliver M. Lee, along with two of his employees, Jim Gililland and William "Billy" McNew. The evidence, though circumstantial, suggested that these men may have been responsible for the disappearance and presumed deaths of Fountain and his son. All three men were eventually brought to trial for the crime, but in a shocking turn of events, they were all acquitted. The case remained officially open, but the bodies of Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain and his son were never found. The mystery surrounding their fate continues to haunt the annals of New Mexico history.
Some historians also believe that the famed Sheriff Pat Garrett, the man who famously shot and killed Billy the Kid, may have been assassinated while heavily investigating the Fountain murder. The theory suggests that Garrett was getting dangerously close to uncovering the truth about the disappearance of Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain and that his investigation was deliberately cut short. The possibility that Garrett was silenced to protect those responsible adds another layer of intrigue and complexity to the enduring mystery of Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain – Missing in the Desert.
The disappearance of Albert Jennings Fountain remains one of the most enduring mysteries of the American West. His life, marked by service, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of justice, was tragically cut short, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and enduring speculation. The arid landscape of New Mexico continues to hold its secrets, and the fate of Albert Jennings Fountain and his son remains a haunting reminder of the volatile and often unforgiving nature of the Wild West.