Pat Garrett

Patrick Floyd Jarvis Garrett (June 5, 1850 Chambers County, Alabama - February 28, 1908) was a bartender and later a sheriff, generally believed to have tracked down and killed Billy the Kid. He is sometimes referred to as, "The Man Who Shot Billy the Kid."

Politics

After finishing out his term as sheriff, Garrett became a rancher and put out a book (actually ghostwritten by his friend, Ash Upson) in 1882 about his experiences with McCarty. However, he lost the next election for Lincoln County sheriff and was never paid the $500 reward for McCarty's capture. In 1884 he lost an election for state senator. Later that year, he left New Mexico and helped found and captain a company of Texas Rangers. He returned to New Mexico briefly in 1885, then moved to Uvalde, Texas where he was elected county commissioner in 1889. In October of that year Dona Ana County, New Mexico appointed him sheriff. The next year he ran for Chaves County sheriff and lost.

Related Topics:
Ghostwritten - 1882 - 1884 - Texas Rangers - 1885 - Uvalde, Texas - 1889 - October - Dona Ana County, New Mexico - Chaves County

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On December 20, 1901 Theodore Roosevelt appointed him El Paso Collector of Customs. Garrett served in this capacity for five years. However he was not reappointed (possibly because he'd embarrassed Roosevelt once, showing up at a Rough Riders reunion with a notorious gambler friend).

Related Topics:
December 20 - 1901 - Theodore Roosevelt - El Paso - Rough Riders

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Garrett retired to his ranch in New Mexico, but was suffering financial difficulties – he owed a large amount in back taxes and was found liable on an unpaid loan he'd co-signed for a friend. He borrowed heavily to make these payments and started drinking and gambling excessively.

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