Thomas “Big Foot” O’Folliard – Outlaw
The annals of the American West are filled with figures both celebrated and notorious, their lives woven into the tapestry of a rapidly changing frontier. Among these individuals stands Thomas “Big Foot” O’Folliard, an outlaw whose name is inextricably linked to that of the legendary Billy the Kid. Though his life was tragically short, O’Folliard played a significant role in the tumultuous events of the Lincoln County War and the subsequent outlaw years, solidifying his place in the lore of the Wild West. This article delves into the life and times of Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard, exploring his origins, his association with Billy the Kid, and the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Born in 1858, Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard‘s early life was marked by hardship. His Irish immigrant parents, seeking a new life in America, succumbed to the devastating smallpox epidemic that swept through the nation. Orphaned at a young age, Thomas was taken in by relatives who raised him in Uvalde, Texas. This Texan upbringing, steeped in the rugged frontier spirit, would undoubtedly shape his future. It was during his formative years that he embarked on his path towards outlawry, engaging in petty crimes like horse theft alongside a man named James Woodland. This early foray into criminal activity would prove to be a pivotal turning point, setting the stage for his eventual encounter with Billy the Kid and his involvement in the notorious Lincoln County War.
It was through his association with James Woodland that Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard found himself drawn to the allure of New Mexico, a territory rife with opportunity and conflict. This move would ultimately lead to the most significant relationship of his life: his friendship and partnership with William H. Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid. The two men, sharing a similar rebellious spirit and a disregard for conventional authority, quickly formed a bond that would endure through years of hardship and danger. Their alliance would place them squarely in the middle of one of the most infamous conflicts in Western history: the Lincoln County War.
The Lincoln County War, a brutal and protracted feud between rival factions vying for economic and political control of Lincoln County, New Mexico, erupted in the late 1870s. On one side stood the Dolan-Murphy faction, backed by powerful business interests and corrupt law enforcement officials. On the other side was the faction led by Alexander McSween, a lawyer and businessman who challenged the Dolan-Murphy monopoly. Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard, along with Billy the Kid, aligned themselves with the McSween faction, becoming deeply embroiled in the violence and lawlessness that characterized the conflict. O’Folliard’s involvement in the war was not without its consequences. During one of the many skirmishes, he sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder, a physical reminder of the brutal realities of the Lincoln County War and the perilous path he had chosen.
With the Lincoln County War drawing to a close, Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard and Billy the Kid found themselves on the losing side. Their patron, Alexander McSween, had been killed, and the Dolan-Murphy faction emerged victorious. Faced with the prospect of persecution and retribution, the two men, along with a growing band of outlaws, retreated into the vast and unforgiving landscapes of the Southwest. For the next two years, they eked out a living by rustling cattle, preying on the vulnerable settlements and ranches that dotted the territory. As their reputation grew, so did the number of outlaws drawn to their banner. This ragtag group of desperados eventually became known as "Billy the Kid’s Gang," with O’Folliard serving as second-in-command, a testament to his loyalty, his competence, and the trust that Billy the Kid placed in him.
However, their life of outlawry was not sustainable. The authorities, determined to bring them to justice, placed a hefty price on their heads. Sheriff Pat Garrett, a former friend of Billy the Kid turned lawman, relentlessly pursued the gang, tracking them across the desolate plains and rugged mountains of New Mexico. The constant threat of capture and the increasing pressure from law enforcement took its toll on the gang, forcing them to live a life of constant vigilance and uncertainty.
The end for Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard came on December 19, 1880, in the town of Fort Sumner, New Mexico. The gang, weary and desperate for supplies, rode into town, unaware that Sheriff Pat Garrett and his posse were lying in wait. As O’Folliard and fellow gang member Tom Pickett rode down the dusty street, Garrett and Lon Chambers emerged, ordering them to halt. In the ensuing chaos, O’Folliard, perhaps instinctively, reached for his gun. Garrett, acting swiftly, fired a shot that struck O’Folliard in the chest.
Mortally wounded, Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard attempted to flee with the rest of the gang, but his injuries proved too severe. Unable to keep pace, he collapsed, uttering the now-famous words, "Don’t shoot, Garrett. I’m killed." He then pleaded with the sheriff to end his suffering, but Garrett refused, leaving O’Folliard to succumb to his wounds in agonizing pain. He died approximately 45 minutes later, at the young age of 22.
Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard was buried in the old Fort Sumner Cemetery, a desolate and windswept final resting place. In time, his grave would be joined by those of his "pals," Billy the Kid and Charlie Bowdre, forever linking their names in the annals of the Wild West. Though his life was short and marked by violence and outlawry, Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard remains a fascinating figure, a testament to the turbulent and often brutal realities of the American frontier. His story serves as a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the individuals who shaped the history of the West, blurring the lines between hero and villain, lawman and outlaw.