Byrd Cochrain Of Dead Man's Corner

VALARIE OWEN

Publication: Feather Press, 1972, Snyder, Texas

First edition. 8vo. Inscribed by the author on the front fly leaf where she makes reference to Cochrain. Bright red pictorial cloth, with titles in black on the front cover and spine, historical map of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation on the front endpapers and Jewett Ranger District on the rear endpapers, 236 pp., introduction, acknowledgments, illustrated mostly from photographs, portraits, bibliography.

The author recounts Cochrain's involvement in a shoot-out at NH Ranch in Socorro County, New Mexico for which he was arrested. After making bail, he returned to Texas to await trial. In 1919 a flu epidemic was sweeping Texas resulting in many deaths, and both Cochrain and his wife became sick. Byrd feared, and probably correctly, that he would be killed upon his return to New Mexico. So, with the aid of two friends, he faked his death from influenza. Ultimately, his deception was discovered, and he was sent to prison for two years. Includes much on Elfego Baca (whom he had little use for), the various ranches he worked on ( Matador, DDD Ranch, Quien Sabe), Dickens County and outlaws of the region, death of Peg Leg Logan, killing of Joe Beckham, cowboying in the Dakotas, etc. Much of the author’s information is based on her personal interviews with Cochrain and his unpublished memoirs which he left her before his death. Privately printed in a small edition, it is a little-known work with good content.

Laid-in is a newspaper clipping about the book which gives some additional information on it and the author. Fine, bright copy in a bright dust jacket with a small closed tear to the top edge of the rear cover and top rear corner.