Billy the Kid (Part One)

Popularly called Billy the Kid during his outlaw years, this particular outlaw was born as William H. (for Henry) McCarty to Catherine McCarty (paternity unknown) sometime between 1859 and 1861 in New York. The birth of his younger brother, Joseph, is documented as taking place in 1863. Historical documentation places the Kid in Indiana during the late 1860s and in Wichita, Kansas in 1970. Apparently, his mother was suffering from tuberculosis and decided to move farther West after being advised to go somewhere warm and dry.

When Ms. McCarty married William Antrim in 1973, everyone in the family started to call the Kid Henry instead of William or Billy, in order to avoid confusion. Thus, he became Henry McCarty-Antrim. Barely a year after the marriage took place, the Kid's mother died, leaving him and his brother in the care of their stepfather, who was all too happy to place the boys in foster care. As a result, the Kid and his little brother Joseph were separated, most likely never to see each other again.

Abandoned and alone, the Kid had to take care of himself. He worked at a restaurant as a dishwasher and waiter. A year went by for the Kid, all on his own, until he began hanging out with what his mother may have called bad influences were she still alive. The Kid ended up arrested and locked up for theft after he agreed to hide stolen clothes for one of those "bad influences," who was known as Sombrero Jack. Though he was only to be in jail for a few days, the Kid escaped and left town for Clifton, Arizona (where his stepfather was now living). The Kid visited his stepfather, in hopes of being taken back, but to no avail. He was told to leave; abandoned and disgraced for the second time.

Still alone, the Kid wandered the desert looking for work. He worked as a ranch hand when he was needed, and when he wasn't doing that, he gambled. This is how it was for the next two years (by now the Kid is about sixteen years of age). The cycle of wandering, working, gambling and wandering some more ended for the Kid when he met John Mackie, a horse thief, who taught him the trade. The Kid wasn't alone anymore.