John William Poe – Hunting Billy the Kid
John William Poe, a figure etched into the annals of the American West, embodied a multifaceted life as a lawman, businessman, and author across the landscapes of Texas and New Mexico. His name is inextricably linked with the pursuit of one of the West’s most notorious outlaws: Billy the Kid. John William Poe – Hunting Billy the Kid is a story of frontier justice, ambition, and the complex realities of a rapidly changing era.
Born on October 17, 1851, in Maysville, Kentucky, Poe’s early life was rooted in the agrarian lifestyle. He spent his formative years working on his grandfather’s farm, but the allure of the West, with its promise of adventure and opportunity, proved too strong to resist. In 1870, he ventured westward to Missouri, where he initially found employment as a farmhand and later joined a railroad construction crew. These early experiences instilled in him a work ethic and resilience that would serve him well in the years to come.
By 1872, Poe had migrated further south, establishing himself at Fort Griffin, Texas, a bustling hub on the edge of the frontier. Here, he embraced the life of a buffalo hunter, a profession that was both demanding and lucrative in its time. By his own account, Poe was a skilled and prolific hunter, claiming to have killed an estimated 20,000 buffalo. This period of his life reflects the harsh realities of the era, the relentless exploitation of natural resources, and the gradual displacement of Native American populations. The near extinction of the buffalo would ultimately lead Poe to seek alternative paths.
With the decline of the buffalo herds on the southern Plains, Poe transitioned from hunter to lawman. In 1878, he was appointed town marshal of Fort Griffin, a position that required him to maintain order in a rough-and-tumble frontier town. His reputation for fairness and his willingness to confront lawlessness earned him respect within the community. Shortly thereafter, he received a commission as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, expanding his jurisdiction and authority. As a U.S. Deputy Marshal, John William Poe – Hunting Billy the Kid took on cases across territories.
In 1879, Poe relocated to Fort Elliott, Texas, where he continued to serve as a deputy sheriff while retaining his federal commission as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. This dual role allowed him to address both local and federal law enforcement needs. However, it was his subsequent involvement with the Canadian River Cattle Association that would bring him face-to-face with one of the most enduring legends of the Old West: Billy the Kid.
The Canadian River Cattle Association, representing the interests of cattle ranchers in the region, was plagued by rampant cattle rustling. Billy the Kid and his gang of outlaws were notorious for their involvement in these activities. In 1881, Poe was hired by the association to help combat the rustling epidemic. This marked a significant turning point in his career, setting the stage for his eventual encounter with the infamous outlaw. The story of John William Poe – Hunting Billy the Kid intensifies here, as Poe prepares to track one of the West’s most elusive figures.
In March of 1881, Poe traveled to White Oaks, New Mexico, a mining town that was experiencing a surge in population and lawlessness. There, he met with Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett, a man who would become both an ally and a figure of controversy in the pursuit of Billy the Kid. Poe accepted an appointment as a deputy sheriff under Garrett, while simultaneously maintaining his position with the stock association. This strategic alliance solidified his role in the ongoing efforts to apprehend the Kid and his gang.
The events that followed would forever cement John William Poe – Hunting Billy the Kid in Western lore. Shortly after Poe joined Garrett’s team, Billy the Kid made a daring escape from jail, further intensifying the pressure on law enforcement to bring him to justice. Poe received a tip that the Kid was hiding out in Fort Sumner, a former military post that had become a haven for outlaws and desperadoes. He urged Garrett to investigate the lead, setting in motion the events that would culminate in the Kid’s demise.
Garrett, Poe, and another deputy named Thomas McKinney embarked on a journey to Fort Sumner. Poe had received information suggesting that Billy the Kid was being sheltered by a woman named Duvelina, an Indian slave and former romantic interest of the Kid’s. However, their initial search of Duvelina’s residence proved fruitless. The trio then proceeded to the ranch headquarters of Peter Maxwell, a prominent figure in the region, whose property occupied the site of the former United States Army post.
It was within the darkened confines of Maxwell’s residence that the fateful encounter occurred. Accounts of the events vary, but the generally accepted version is that Garrett, while questioning Maxwell, encountered Billy the Kid in the shadows. A brief exchange ensued, followed by the sound of gunfire. When the smoke cleared, Billy the Kid lay dead. Poe was present during this encounter. He was an integral part of the posse.
Following the death of Billy the Kid, Poe continued to serve as a deputy sheriff under Garrett. However, their relationship appears to have soured. In late 1882, when Garrett decided not to seek re-election as sheriff, he surprisingly endorsed James Dolan, a figure deeply embroiled in the Lincoln County War, rather than backing his own deputy, John Poe. This decision suggests a potential rift between the two lawmen, perhaps stemming from differing views on law enforcement or personal ambition.
Despite Garrett’s lack of support, Poe decided to run for sheriff himself. He was ultimately successful, winning the election and serving as sheriff of Lincoln County until December 31, 1885. His tenure as sheriff was marked by his commitment to upholding the law and maintaining order in a volatile region. He faced numerous challenges, including ongoing rustling activities, lingering tensions from the Lincoln County War, and the ever-present threat of violence.
After resigning from his position as sheriff, Poe transitioned into the world of business. He moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where he established a mercantile business. He later demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding the Bank of Roswell in 1890, followed by the Citizens Bank of Roswell in 1900. These ventures proved to be successful, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the Roswell community. John William Poe – Hunting Billy the Kid was only one chapter in this man’s life.
In addition to his business pursuits, Poe also engaged in writing, contributing articles to newspapers and eventually authoring a book about the death of Billy the Kid. His writings offer a firsthand account of the events surrounding the Kid’s demise, providing valuable insights into the complexities of law enforcement in the Old West.
John William Poe died in Roswell, New Mexico, on July 22, 1923. His life was a testament to the spirit of the American West. He was a buffalo hunter, lawman, businessman, and author, his legacy is forever intertwined with the legend of Billy the Kid. His story is a reminder of the enduring fascination with this era of American history.