"Now, I say, we stop off at Juan Patrón's for one jolly big dram and one ginger beer with a dollop of whipped cream"

Quoted from the opening line of dialogue in the movie "Young Guns."

Who was this Juan Patrón mentioned in the opening line and what role did he play in the life of Billy the Kid and the ensuing Lincoln County War?

Handsome Juan Patrón arrived in Lincoln, New Mexico Territory, from Santa Fe in the 1860’s, young, bright, and energetic. Chances are that Patrón envisioned opportunity in this river valley for himself and his family.

In the 1850’s this land was hunting grounds to the Apache, with a wealth of water and wildlife. Hispanic sheepherders from the Manzano Mountains to the west also found the land desirable and settled. A few miles up the road the federal government saw fit to construct Fort Stanton as their solution to the Indian Problem.

This abundance of opportunity set the scene for the eventual confrontation of factions vying for economic superiority in this isolated land. Folks came to resolve their problems in Lincoln, their county seat. Juan Patrón, the elected County Clerk, became embroiled at the center of these eventual conflicts. It boiled down to the mercantile factions competing for business at Ft. Stanton and Lincolntown.

Because of Patrón’s sympathy towards the Tunstall-McSween faction, an angry John Riley, part owner of the competitive Murphy-Dolan Big Store, encountered Juan Patrón one day, shooting him in the back as he rode away. Riley claimed Self Defense. Not expected to live through the night, Juan survived, to be elected by the citizens to the territorial legislature. He became the youngest Speaker of the House while still in his early 20’s. In spite of frictions, this Spanish village continued its daily life and celebrations. One night a joyful baile was in progress as a group of cowboys entered with guns blazing, leaving a half a dozen revelers dead, including the father of Juan Patrón. This vicious act was one of many which followed the despised Horrell brothers all the way through New Mexico Territory and into Texas.

Territorial Governor, Lew Wallace, asked Patrón to organize a militia to protect citizens scattered throughout this river valley.  The Horrells were eventually driven out, but not before leaving a trail of blood behind.

Violence was not always dominant, however. Music played an important role in the Patrón home, as Juan loved to sing. One spring evening as William Bonney, alias Billy the Kid, awaited a meeting with the Governor, guitars were heard serenading him outside the Patrón house and store.

The graciousness of this family often provided a haven for many, including John Tunstall on his first visit to Lincoln. Susan McSween was given comfort here as her precious house burned to the ground and her husband was shot down in cold blood. With this dastardly act and concern for his own well being, Patrón left his beloved Lincoln.

Settling in Puerto de Luna, Juan married a French trader’s daughter and sired three children. However, he continued to live in fear of powerful forces in New Mexico Territory. One evening, having stopped for a drink with friends, a cowboy named Michael Maney approached and at point blank range killed Juan Patrón. Juan was 29 years old. Incriminating evidence that Juan might have carried about Lincoln County was silenced forever. Descendants of this illustrious family still reside in New Mexico.

Now a Bed & Breakfast, Casa de Patrón, remains a handsome thick walled adobe with shaded courtyards, in a peaceful country setting. The tradition of warm hospitality and music continues for guests as it did in the days of Governor Lew Wallace, Susan McSween, and Billy the Kid.

Artwork by Bob Boze Bell