William J. Brady

William J. Brady (August 16, 1829 – April 1, 1878) was the sheriff of Lincoln County during the Lincoln County Wars in New Mexico, United States. He was killed in an ambush, aged 48, in which Billy the Kid took part.

Brady's family were members of the rural working class of County Cavan, his father being a potato farmer. He attended the newly opened local school and graduated in 1844. After the death of his father, he was briefly involved in local politics. During the Great Famine, he left for the United States.

Upon his arrival in New York in July 1851, Brady enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the mounted rifles. He spent five years in southern Texas achieving the rank of sergeant and upon reenlistment was transferred to Fort Craig, New Mexico in 1856. His enlistment was up in March 1861 and he was discharged at Fort Craig, only to enroll in the New Mexico Volunteers as a first lieutenant in Albuquerque the following August. He fought at the Battle of Glorieta Pass and stayed with his unit when it was incorporated into the First Regiment, New Mexico Cavalry. After the Confederate troops left New Mexico, he was assigned as a recruiting officer in Polvadera, New Mexico. In 1862 he married María Bonifacia Chávez, a widow from Corrales.

The following year Brady was assigned as the acting commander at Fort Stanton, and in 1864 was confirmed as commandant there. He led several successful campaigns against the Navajo and Apache Indians. He served as commandant at several other New Mexico forts until his discharge in October 1866 at the brevet rank of Major.

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