"Pat Garrett Meets Joseph 'Josie' Antrim”

by Ben Doss

"Pat Garrett Meets Joseph 'Josie' Antrim"

Aug 1, 1882

Just 5 months after the publication of his book "The Authentic Life," Pat Garrett strolled into the Armijo Hotel, Albuquerque's newest establishment. Garrett had arrived from Santa Fe, and as he stood in the billiards room, towering over everyone, out of his peripheral glimpsed a man walking straight towards him- it was Joseph "Josie" Antrim, the brother of Billy the Kid. 

Months before, a rumor circulated through newspapers that Joe Antrim sought to avenge his brother's death, that he was "hankering for the blood of Pat Garrett." Antrim, a known professional gambler, had been in town for several days, and many in the room tensed as he strolled up to the 6'5 "Juan Largo." But after a few minutes it became clear there was no anxiety, the two men speaking in a low, calm tone. It was reported they sat and spoke for quite some time. 

It wasn't until the next day that a newspaper reporter politely pried from Garrett what was said. Pat said that Joseph wanted him to know he meant him no ill will and that any rumor stating otherwise was false. Antrim "merely intended talking over the killing of his brother with the man who killed him." 

St. Louis Globe Democrat- August 3, 1882

Maybe Joe Antrim wanted to know why the likeable boy he'd left years prior, had become the most wanted outlaw in the territory- a murderer of men. And maybe Joseph wanted to know, as do we all, what really happened to his brother the night of July 14, 1881. 

Garrett wouldn't have an answer for that, as there's no answer now. But Garrett did tell him that he wouldn't understand the animosity to begin with, as he was just doing his duty, which "demanded homicide."  

The only known photo of Joseph Antrim

The two reportedly parted not as best friends, but not enemies either. They'd never meet again. 

Joseph Antrim died penniless on Nov 25, 1930 in Denver. His body was donated to the Colorado Medical School.