John Chisum facts for kids
John Simpson Chisum (born August 16, 1824 – died December 23, 1884) was a very rich cattle baron in the American West. This was in the middle to late 1800s.
He was born in Hardeman County, Tennessee. In 1837, he moved with his family to the Republic of Texas. He later worked as a building contractor. He also served as a county clerk in Lamar County. His family came from Scotland, England, and Wales.
In 1854, Chisum started his cattle business. He was one of the first to send his large herds to New Mexico Territory. He got land along the Pecos River. He eventually owned a huge ranch called Bosque Grande. This ranch was about forty miles south of Fort Sumner. He had over 100,000 cattle!
From 1866 to 1867, Chisum worked with other cattlemen. These included Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving. They gathered and moved cattle herds to sell. They sold cattle to the United States Army in Fort Sumner and Santa Fe. They also sold cattle to miners in Colorado and to the Bell Ranch.
Conflicts in New Mexico
Chisum let his many cattle graze along the Pecos River. This caused problems with smaller ranchers and outlaws. Because of this, he became involved in two conflicts: the Pecos War and the Lincoln County War. He was a business friend of Alexander McSween. McSween was an important person in the Lincoln County War.
When Lew Wallace became the governor of New Mexico in 1878, he offered a fresh start. This was for everyone involved in the conflicts. But when Billy the Kid gave up, he was told he would be charged. This was for the death of Sheriff William J. Brady. This went against the fresh start offer.
Billy the Kid later escaped from prison. He went to see Chisum to get $500 that he believed Chisum owed him. Chisum refused to pay. He said he had already given Billy horses, supplies, and protection over the years. Billy the Kid then promised to steal $500 worth of cattle from Chisum. Billy's gang also stole from other cattle owners. They became a big problem in Lincoln County.
Finally, Chisum, along with Joseph C. Lea and James Dolan, looked for someone to stop Billy the Kid. In 1880, they convinced Pat Garrett to run for sheriff. Garrett was a former buffalo hunter and cowboy. He was also a friend of Billy the Kid at one time. His job, if elected, was to catch Billy's gang. This gang included Dave Rudabaugh, Billy Wilson, Tom O'Folliard, and Charlie Bowdre.
In December 1880, Garrett shot O'Folliard and Bowdre. Billy the Kid, Rudabaugh, and Wilson were later caught or killed by Garrett.
Later Life and Legacy
John Chisum passed away in Eureka Springs, Arkansas on December 23, 1884. He was 60 years old. He died from problems after surgery to remove a growth from his jaw. He was not married. He left his money, worth $500,000, to his brothers Pitzer and James.
Chisum had a large family living with him at his South Springs ranch in Roswell, New Mexico. This family, along with hired workers, often included about two dozen people. Chisum had two daughters. His eldest daughter, Almeada “Meady” Chisum, married Bob Jones. He was a well-known rancher in Texas.
Chisum's niece, Sallie Lucy Chisum, was his brother James's daughter. She became a much-loved person in the area. She lived there until 1934. Sallie kept a diary that is important for history. It mentions Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett, both of whom she knew.
John Chisum and Sallie are honored with statues in Artesia, New Mexico and Roswell, New Mexico. In 1958, John Chisum was honored in the Hall of Great Westerners. This is part of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
See also
In Spanish: John Chisum para niños
