An Aged Wanderer. A Life Sketch Of J.M. Parker, A Cowboy On The Western Plains In The Early Days

J. M PARKER

Publication: Elkhorn Wagon Yard, 1923, San Angelo

First edition. Original pictorial blue wrappers, portrait verso front wrapper, 32 pp., wrapper title. Howes P78. Adams Six Guns 1679: "Exceedingly rare. An autobiography of James Monroe Parker, including his early days in West Texas and his experiences as a cowboy in the latter half of the 19th century. Also included are a number of songs and poems about cowboys and Texas. The author was an old Texas cowboy who became crippled with paralysis and sold these little books for a livelihood as he wandered over the country. [40 cents]. He is another old-timer who claims to have been a close friend of Billy the Kid; yet he is certainly confused in his facts. He says that the first man the Kid killed was his own stepfather, whom he killed for abusing his mother, and that the next man the Kid killed was a blacksmith who hit his horse with a hammer while shoeing him. He further claims that he was with the Kid when he escaped after the latter killing. Later, he says, he and the Kid were joined by five friends and the officers went after them. The officers set fire to the house, and while it burned, the Kid played the piano (the author adds that he danced to the music). He also claims that he was with the Kid when things got so hot for him 'we had to scamper away for the far West and remain in the Rocky Mountains until the spring of 1872.' According to his date, this incident would have occurred when the Kid was thirteen years old. He further states that the father of the Kid’s sweetheart arranged for Pat Garrett (whom the author calls the 'drunken sheriff') to kill the Kid and that Garrett watched his chance and killed the young outlaw while he slept." Adams Herd 1757. Adams One-Fifty 111: "In spite of its errors, it is much sought and important collector's item." Dobie, p. 126. A fine, clean copy of an elusive title housed in a cloth clamshell case with titles stamped in gilt on the spine.