The Lil Cowboy

Old West El Paso

Celebrating El Paso's Old West Heritage

The Lil Cowboy

I’m originally a Hoosier, born and raised in Goshen, IND. I ended my career in the U.S. Army here in El Paso in 1994. I’ve always enjoyed an avid interest in history, re enacting and war gaming since the 1980’s.

I first got involved in Living History while a member of the U.S. Cavalry Association’s Memorial Troop. (I did the Punitive Expedition). I joined the Paso del Norte Pistoleros in 1996, serving as President in 2001. Since 1997 I have been involved with Shakespeare Ghost Town, outside of Lordsburg, NM.

Over the years I have been blessed with the privilege of knowing some of the great men and women of the region who have taught me a lot about El Paso’s history. Among them were Dr. James Day, Bobby McNellis, Leon Metz, Charlie Duncan, and many others. I truly can never thank them enough for what they have taught me over the years.

Head Honcho and General Know it All

E-mail: Oldwestelpaso@hotmail.com

Keith L. Wilden

Phone: 915-317-3368

Pair of 1917 Pommel Pockets I built to test my pattern. These would have been used on the 1917 packers saddle.

As a member of the Paso del Norte Pistolero’s, I have won a number of awards at Tombstone’s Rendezvous of Gunfighters. These awards have included 1st Place Cowboy in 1997, and 2nd Place Gunfighter in 1999.

I bought a bucket of brass spots from Bobby McNellis years go. For awhile there I was putting spots on EVERYTHING. This holster, cut for a Schofield was used in the movie “The Journeyman” It shows up on Encore Westerns every so often.

A left handed Buscadero rig I build for my father. Not period correct, but Pop likes it for his 2nd Gen Single Action.

Carving done by Adan Saenz, red lether lining, dued background. This little holster was built for an 1877 DA A friend was aking to the ALL Clt Show in Denver.

In September, 1995 I opened WT&S. At first I was only dealing in used horse equipment, and Ferrier work. But for some reason, folks just weren’t into paying top dollar for equipment held together with bailing wire. I started off with basic leatherworking lessons at Tandy. Wasn’t long before I wasn’t going to do quality work from what I learned there. From there I started hanging around El Paso Saddlery, and that’s where my real crafting education began. While I don’t do much in the business anymore, I still have a finger in the market, and know my way around the head knife.

I have belonged to, participated in, or been affiliated with the following organizations or associations:

*U.S. Horse Cavalry Association

*Paso del Norte Pistoleros

*Advisory Board; El Paso Museum of History

*Board member, Friends of the El Paso History Museum

*Concordia Heritage Association

*Single Action Shooting Society

*Wild West History Association

*Docent; El Paso Museum of History

*Military Committee-Friends of Ft Seldon

I wouldn’t know who that kid is.. Sure is cute…..NOT!

Raid Day in Columbus, NM circa 1992 0r 1993. The Bugler is Harry Gunderson. He was one of the first Troopers to arrive from Deming after the Villista attack. For many years he would arrive on March 9th to pay tribute to three fallen comrades.

National Day of the Cowboy-El Paso 2010.

The Lil Cowboy and the Buckaroo just before a gunfight.