Definitive Timeline of Pat Garrett

June 5, 1850 — Patrick Floyd Jarvis Garrett is born in Chambers County, Alabama, to John Lumpkin Garrett and Elizabeth Ann Jarvis. He is one of seven children.
1853 — The Garrett family moves to Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.
1869 — Both of Garrett’s parents die (within months of each other). Orphaned at age 19, Pat leaves Louisiana and heads west.

1869–1875 — Works as a cowhand in Dallas, Texas, and then pushes farther west.
1875–1878 — Becomes a buffalo hunter on the Texas plains, reportedly killing thousands of bison during the peak of the hide trade. Gains a reputation as a marksman.
1878 — Moves to Fort Sumner, New Mexico Territory. Works odd jobs, including bartender and saloon keeper.

1879 (January) — Marries Juanita Gutierrez in Fort Sumner. Tragically, she dies only days later.
1879 (December) — Marries Apolinaria Gutierrez, Juanita’s younger sister. They go on to have nine children together.
1879–1880 — Attempts hog raising near Roswell, NM, but the venture fails when cholera wipes out most of his herd.

November 1880 — Elected sheriff of Lincoln County, backed heavily by the Dolan faction (Murphy-Dolan interests).
December 1880 — Garrett leads the posse that corners Billy the Kid and his gang at Stinking Springs (Dec. 23). Regulator Charlie Bowdre is killed; Billy surrenders days later.
April 13, 1881 — Billy is convicted of murdering Sheriff William Brady. Sentenced to hang.
April 28, 1881 — Billy escapes Lincoln County jail, killing deputies James Bell and Bob Olinger in the process.
July 14, 1881 — Garrett shoots and kills Billy the Kid at Pete Maxwell’s house in Fort Sumner. Circumstances are controversial: Garrett claimed Billy entered a darkened room with a pistol, but many suspected it was an ambush.

1882 — Publishes The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid, ghostwritten by Ash Upson. The book is criticized for factual errors but cements Garrett’s fame.
1884 — Runs unsuccessfully for New Mexico State Senate.
1896 — As sheriff again, Garrett investigates the famous Fountain disappearance (Colonel Albert J. Fountain and his son). Despite evidence pointing to powerful cattle interests, Garrett fails to make arrests, fueling suspicions of corruption.

1898 — Appointed collector of customs in El Paso, Texas, by President William McKinley (later reappointed by Theodore Roosevelt).
Early 1900s — Becomes involved in land speculation and ranching but suffers financial troubles. Known for gambling, drinking, and political controversies.

1901 — Runs unsuccessfully for sheriff of Doña Ana County, NM.
1905–1907 — Legal battles and debts continue to mount. Garrett leases land to Jesse Wayne Brazel for goat grazing, leading to conflict.
February 29, 1908 — Garrett is ambushed and shot in the back of the head near Las Cruces, New Mexico, while traveling in his buggy. He is 57 years old.
- Ranch hand Jesse Wayne Brazel later confesses but is acquitted, leaving many to suspect a conspiracy tied to Garrett’s debts and enemies.

Summary of Occupations Over His Life