Lincoln County family keeps Billy the Kid's memory alive for decades at Old Lincoln Days
Mike Smith
The memory of a famous outlaw lives on in the veins of a Lincoln County family as the 81st anniversary approaches chronicling Billy the Kid’s last ride during a violent period in New Mexico’s history.
Kent McInnes and older sisters Shirley Tucker and Diane Latham played multiple roles from onstage to behind the scenes during “Old Lincoln Days and The Last Escape of Billy the Kid” held annually in Lincoln, New Mexico northwest of the Village of Capitan.
McInnes estimated 25 members of his family were involved since the first performance was first held on the streets of Lincoln during the early 1940’s.
Nearly 10 years later, performances moved off the streets and to a performance area that replicates key buildings and places involved with the Lincoln County war from 1878 to 1881.
This year, the celebration and reenactment is planned for Aug. 5 and 6 at the Lincoln County Courthouse.
A family legacy
McInnes, 51, became involved with the Last Escape of Billy the Kid at age seven.
“It’s a part of history. It’s like a family reunion. We’re all family even though we’re not related,” he said.
McInnes voiced parts for some of the characters including William Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid.
“It was kind of neat because I did the Kid’s voice and then my son played Billy the Kid at the same time. That was kind of cool,” he said.
McInnes portrayed other historical figures from the Lincoln County War.
He was at various times Col. Nathan Dudley, commander of Fort Stanton, Deputy Bob Olinger, who was shot dead by Billy the Kid and Sheriff Bob Peppin, who was Lincoln County Sheriff during the War.
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“I just kind of filled in where I needed to be,” he said. “I can slide into any role just because when you’re in something for 40 something years you better know what you’re doing.”
Tucker started 47 years ago at the age of 13 as a can-can dancer.
“I’m still can-can dancing. Then about seven years ago I started (playing) Mrs. (Susan) McSween. My husband Jet plays Mr. (John) McSween,” she said.
“What actually got me started was my sister (Latham). She was dating (a performer) Billy the Kid at the time,” Tucker said.
Latham said the actor she dated, Bill Latham, later became her husband and the couple was involved with performances for nearly 50 years.
She also directed the program during her tenure.
“I direct it right now. I figured I’ve been directing for 45 to 50 years,” Latham said.
She said yearly meetings with potential performers guide where shows may go once practices start.
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“Then when the pageant practices start, I just make sure we’re all on cue and everybody is doing what they’re supposed to be doing and whatever else the director has to do,” Latham said.
McInnes, Latham and Tucker said The Last Escape of Billy the Kid was passed down to younger generations as multiple family members performed or worked behind the scenes.
“Both of my sons and daughter have been involved for several years. My nephew plays Billy the Kid now. Several other nephews have played Billy the Kid. We’ve had about five Billy the Kids together,” McInnes said.
Lincoln County War History
Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States from 1877 to 1881, termed Lincoln’s main street, “the most dangerous street in America,” per the New Mexico Historic Sites webpage.
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Billy the Kid, Sheriff Pat Garrett, John Tunstall, L.G. Murphy, Alexander McSween Susan McSween, and John Chism were some of the central figures of the Lincoln County War from 1878 to 1881.
The origins of the Lincoln County War started in 1873 when Murphy opened a store in Lincoln known as “The House,” according to New Mexico Historic Sites.
Tunstall, a young Englishman, arrived in Lincoln and challenged Murphy with a rival store and bank, per New Mexico Historic Sites.
“Additionally, Tunstall, along with his business partners, Attorney Alexander McSween and John Chism, planned to challenge Murphy's domination of the beef market supplying nearby Indian reservations and forts such as Fort Stanton,” New Mexico Historic Sites stated.
A feud between both organizations led to scores of deaths during the three-year war which eventually saw Billy the Kid’s death from a gunshot from Pat Garrett in 1881 at Fort Sumner.
Garrett sought The Kid days after he escaped a previous arrest and killed two lawmen at the former Murphy Store, which later became the Lincoln County Courthouse.
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Lincoln declines as 20th Century dawns
After the Lincoln County War settled, the community of Lincoln thrived as the county seat and business center, according to the Old Town Lincoln website.
In the 1890’s the community’s population declined as the railroad came to Roswell and Carrizozo, and the mode of transportation changed across New Mexico, evolving from horseback.
Lincoln’s role as the county seat ended when the Lincoln County voters approved moving the county government to Carrizozo in 1909.
Citizens of Lincoln took legal action when the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to the movement in 1913, according to the Old Lincoln Town website.
"The Lincoln Historical District was added to the National Historic Register in 1966 and to the State Register in 1968. In 1972 the Lincoln County Commission established the Lincoln Historical District and enacted legislation that ensured strict architectural limits on building in the village and surrounding areas,” the website noted.
Patrick Moore, executive director of New Mexico Historic Sites, said Old Lincoln Days and Last Escape of Billy the Kid has the full support of the State of New Mexico even though the three-day event is not sanctioned by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees state monuments like the Village of Lincoln.
He said the State has worked to provide additional help with guest speakers and vendors as people seek more knowledge about Billy the Kid
"It really has become such an important part of tourism, the recreation, the telling of the story of Billy the Kid so people can really have (an appreciation). It's a wonderful event. We encourage people to go and see it," said Moore.
Making plans for Old Lincoln Days?
Patrick Moore, executive director of New Mexico Historic Sites, said Old Lincoln Days and Last Escape Of Billy the Kid has the full support of the State of New Mexico even though the three-day event is not sanctioned by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees state monuments like the Village of Lincoln.
He said the State has worked to provide additional help with guest speakers and vendors as people seek more knowledge about Billy the Kid.
"It really has become such an important part of tourism, the recreation, the telling of the story of Billy the Kid so people can really have (an appreciation). It's a wonderful event. We encourage people to go and see it," said Moore.
Pageant performances start at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 5 and Aug. 6 with a matinee Aug. 7 at 3 p.m. near the historic Lincoln County Courthouse on U.S. Highway 380.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 12. Kids under five are free.
Concerts from Michael Martin Murphy, Terry Bullard and Wayne Ellison are set before each performance.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.