John Wesley Hardin Papers

The letters in this collection date from 1874 to 1931. The bulk of the letters cover Hardin's arrest and imprisonment. Several of the letters describe in detail Hardin's version of the Webb killing and lynching of Hardin's relatives as well as his own arrest, trial and incarceration. There is good documentation of the 1894 Gonzales County election controversy in which Hardin was deeply involved. The correspondence also offers insights on 19th century Texas life, i.e. politics, reconstruction, the Texas Rangers, the State Police, the Taylor-Sutton feud, prison life, farming practices, and country social life and mores. The collection also contains handwritten legal exams and papers as well as family photographs.

1874 Letters: There is only one letter from this year. On September 18, Hardin, on the run after the Webb killing in May, writes to his father to make a payment to his cousin, Mannen Clements. In a postscript, Hardin tells his father to destroy the letter after it is read.

1875 Letters: There is one item from the year 1875, a bill dated September 25 from Joseph DeMartini of Jacksonville Florida to J. H Swain. In his autobiography, Hardin says he was in Jacksonville using the alias of Swain from July 1875 to July 1876. (Hardin, 110-112)

1876 Letters: There are scraps of bills and invoices from Jacksonville, Florida dating from May until January. Present also is the first letter from Hardin to his wife. It is dated September 8 and he writes he will send for her when he has set up a business.

1877 Letters: The Hardins contacted their families in April to let them know for the first time since they left Texas how they had fared. They are answered by Jane's uncle Joshua Bowen (May 6) and Hardin's uncle Robert E. Hardin (alias R. E. Barnette, May 9. See Marohn 104). Both responses relate the state of affairs in Texas, update the Hardins on their respective relatives and mention the status of the Sutton-Taylor feud factions. After Hardin was captured by John Armstrong and Jack Duncan on August 23, 1877, he writes Jane from Decatur Alabama on August 25 explaining what happened and hinting that he might be able to escape. He accuses her brother Brown of being the cause of his capture. The majority of letters in September and October are letters of support from the family. Hardin is tried in September and convicted of Second Degree murder. He is returned to the Austin jail October 6 to await his appellate hearing. Letters from the family lament his sentence, and encourage him in his appeal. Beginning in November, the Hardin family urges Jane to return to Texas. Other letters of interest are a letter from Doc J An which mentions his knowledge of the detective who arrested Hardin, October 13; from Hardin's mother, Elizabeth, recounting the family version of the Webb killing, October 26; from Hardin giving his wife a detailed account of what happened on the day of the Webb killing and mentioning Brown Bowen who is also in the Austin jail, December 5, 1877; and again from Elizabeth Hardin discussing her family's tragedies and asking Jane what exactly had been Hardin's occupation, December 14, 1877.

1878 Letters: Jane Hardin and her children arrived at Hardin's mother's home in Bennett Station in North Texas in February. Brown Bowen is sentenced to hang for the murder of Tom Haldeman and on March 11, Hardin complains that Brown is blaming him for the murder. He tells Jane that her father has been the cause of the indictment against him for the murder of J. B. Morgan in 1873. On March 26, Hardin writes Jane that Brown got Mannen Clements indicted for the Paten Patterson killing of July 25, 1872. Brown Bowen was hung on May 17 and Hardin, in a May 18 letter to Jane, describes how her sister and father begged him to take the blame for the Haldeman murder, tells why he refused to do so and describes Brown's hanging. On May 19, Mattie Bowen writes her sister Jane how she found Brown's corpse waiting for her and her father when they returned home to Gonzales County from Austin. Hardin learns his conviction has been affirmed in June. Jane Hardin quarrels with her mother-in-law and Hardin writes her in August to mend her relations with his mother. (The reasons for the quarrel are not given.) An August 3 letter from Mannen Clements to Jane also urges her to end the quarrel and advises her not to worry Hardin with her problems. Jane and the children go to Austin in the same month and are able to visit with Hardin in the Austin jail. On September 16, 1878 Hardin is taken under Ranger guard to Comanche for sentencing and he writes Jane describing his travels. On October 5 he enters the Huntsville penitentiary to serve a 25-year sentence as #7109. Jane returns to his mother in Red River County. Hardin's letter writing in prison is restricted and letters are read by prison authorities. By December he has found a guard, J. C. Outlaw, who will slip out letters for him. Hardin writes in his autobiography (127) that he immediately began planning his escape. His letters are circumspect but in a slipped out letter of December 28 he describes an escape attempt. He does not admit blame but says he was punished.

1879 Letters: In his letters to Jane, Hardin often expresses his love for her and the children. On January 9, 1879, he reminisces on their courtship in uncharacteristic detail. Later he apologizes that he exposed their courtship conversation which intimates how very aware he is that his letters are being read by others. In a letter of February 23 which he is slipping out through a guard, he warns Jane to be careful about what she writes, to pretend that she only wants him to be released legally. Letters to Jane of January 26 and February 9 also go into more detail about conditions at prison mentioning escape attempts and punishment. On February 9, Hardin tells Jane about Mannen Clements' legal troubles and that her sister Mattie married Oliver Odom. While Jane is still in Bennett he repeatedly urges her to be considerate of his mother and family. Jane leaves Hardin's mother around April 4 and goes to Austin. By May, she is living with Mannen Clements' family in San Saba County. In a May 11 letter to Mannen Clements, Hardin asks him to give information to Texas Rangers, Lee Hall and J. B. Armstrong, which will help them convict members of the mob who lynched Scrap Taylor. (Hardin relates in his autobiography that Scrap Taylor was lynched by Suttonites after the Webb murder). Mannen Clements is in Austin to take care of an aggravated assault charge mentioned in an earlier letter. In June, Hardin is put in boot shop and writes he has become a good fitter and cutter. On June 19, 1879, Sally Jane Clements, wife of Joseph Hardin Clements, writes Jane about an Indian raid against nearby settlers in West Texas. In August and September, Hardin's mother and family are moving around looking for another place to farm. November 2, Hardin tells Jane to enjoy her stay in Gonzales where her family lives and advises her to "let bygones alone." He is most likely referring to the animosities between Hardin and the Bowens over the Bowen's part in Hardin's arrest and Brown Bowen's hanging.

1880 Letters: There are only five letters and one four-side page of school exercises belonging to Edward Bowen from this year. None of the letters are to or from John Hardin. In May, Elizabeth Hardin writes to Jane in Gonzales that Hardin has had his letter writing privileges taken away after he has been caught planning an escape in clandestine correspondence with Mannen Clements. In August 1880, Hardin attempted escape again and these attempts undoubtedly are the reason he is unable or unwilling to write.(Marohn, 150)

1881 Letters: On June 3, 1881, Hardin writes Jane again after a long hiatus. He explains, in a rather circumspect manner, why he had not written. He is basically saying that since he could not be frank with her (he is possibly referring to his escape attempts and punishment), there was no point in writing at all. He also offers her the opportunity to leave him since they are forced to live apart. He indicates a prison superintendent convinced him to write his mother after she repeatedly wrote asking what had happened to him. He claims that he has decided to make no more attempts to escape and hopes now to gain early release by earning good time or being pardoned. On July 3, 1881, Hardin writes that he worships on the Sabbath, belongs to the Moral and Christian Society and is secretary of the Debating Society. Once again he offers Jane her freedom if she thinks it is in her best interest. In a letter of August 14, he acknowledges that Jane has responded that she wants to remain his wife. He again gives reasons why he did not write her for so long including "to Keep you out of a disgraceful correspondence Something I cannot mention Now." On September 25, Hardin once more offers Jane her release if she wants it. He asks her to write and offers to give her advice on how to educate the children if she wants it.

1882 Letters: In a letter of February 26, Hardin writes that he is glad Jane has chosen to wait for him. In his next letter of April 2, he tells her that he wants to see her but not in stripes. Hardin's mother is writing from Gainesville in May and Hardin's sister, Matt Smith, moves to Lampasas Springs after her husband Bright's house burns down. The children are growing and Hardin's letters increasingly discuss their upbringing beginning with Sep 3. There is one letter from Jane's father Neill Bowen, the only letter of his in the collection. It is written from Pollard, Alabama to Wad who is probably a resident of Gonzales County. Some have thought Wad was Wes but the contents of the letter indicate rather that Neill is writing to someone who has family in Florida and is living in the free world.

1883 Letters: There is only one letter from this year written to Jane Hardin by her sister. Hardin writes in his autobiography that he tried to escape in 1883 without success. In the fall, he became very ill from an abscess to an old gun wound received in 1872. When he is well enough, he is put to work in the tailor shop. (Hardin 131-133)

1884 Letters: Hardin's letters begin to appear on prison forms. He writes Jane two letters in this year indicating he spent most of the year sick from his wound.

1885 Letters: In May, Hardin's mother Elizabeth died at the age of 58 in Ennis, Texas.In August, Hardin asks prison superintendent Ben McCulloch for proper medical treatment saying he has been suffering for two years. In September, Hardin writes Jane that he is feeling better after 2 years of sickness and that sickness prevented him from writing more. His two oldest children begin to write him.

1886 Letters: Hardin begins to write his children directly, giving them advice on the importance of education and the proper way to behave.

1887 Letters: Hardin continues to lecture wife and children using more biblical quotes and religious references. He explains to his children that he was unjustly imprisoned.

1888 Letters: Hardin writes flowery letters instructing Jane and the children on how they should behave. In a February 5th letter, he tells Jane his release date has been moved up because of his good conduct. He promises that if released, he will try to purge himself of his "wicked intemperate ways." On June 24, he defends his past as the actions of a brave man fighting all foes. He has never surrendered and he stood up against the mob. On October 7, Hardin tells Jane to tell the children all about him and that they should imitate his virtues and avoid his faults.

1889 Letters: All the letters from this year are addressed to the children but the body of the letter often contains individual messages to each member of his family. Hardin continues to claim he is imprisoned unjustly. In the July 14 letter to his daughter Jane, he relates his version of the Webb killing, his brother's lynching, his arrest and trial. He also expresses sorrow that Jane's father, Neill Bowen has died. In October he asks Jane why she is not writing.

1890 Letters: In an April letter, Hardin attacks successive Governor's administrations from Davis to Ross. He writes that he has endured 13 years of slavery in prison and the 10 years before he was in "tragic battle" with Yankee soldiers and their supporters. In a November letter, Hardin tells Jane to keep her good looks since he expects to be free in three years. He adds that he will continue to battle for his rights, and for the children to cease writing for the present. In every letter, Hardin gives advice on the behavior of the children.

1891 Letters: Many of these letters are addressed to Jane Hardin written by John and various other family members. Following a Southern familial custom, John continues advising Jane on the behavior of the children. In an April letter, John pleads with Jane to teach the children “that it is cowardly to lie to Steal to rob […] to murder or to violate any law civil.” Hardin also receives a letter from L.A. Whatley, Superintendent of Penitentiaries, detailing additional prison time Hardin has accrued on account of his “misconduct” and relates to Hardin’s that his term will thus expire on January 22, 1894, if Hardin “will be acquiescent & obedient to the rules.”

1892 Letters: Letters from the Fly & McNeal law firm are of interest here, such as one letter dated May 18, in which W.S. McNeal writes to Hardin reassuring him that his case “is a good one and will be of great benefit with the governor in obtaining a pardon for you.” Also of interest here are the heartfelt letters that Hardin sent to his children.In an August letter to his son and two daughters, Hardin writes that “Your papa” desires to greet his family with “Kisses of love and tender caresses emblematic of his deep and Sinceere [sic] affection for each of you.”

1893 Letters: Considering that Hardin was released from prison the following year, many of documents contained here are not surprisingly related to Hardin’s case (with various references to the murder of J.B. Morgan); including formal interaction with state legislators and Governor J.S. Hogg.

1894 Letters: Recently released from prison, Hardin is involved in prolific correspondence with various persons including sheriffs, attorneys, and local merchants. Of peculiar interest are several bills Hardin received from J.P. Randle, P. Levyson, and (responding to a request for a law book catalogue) Gilbert Book Company.

1895 Letters: One singular article of interest here is Hardin’s business card—as an attorney at law in El Paso. The card is fixed to a note, which reads, “This card and about 80 others were found in Hardin’s room after he was killed in 1895.” One humorous letter dated July 11, from J.H. Flynth, asks Hardin to “please tell me when you was convicted the first time and what was your sentence […] for the purpose of settling a dispute here in regard to the matter.” This was answered in a script that (to this writer) appears to be J.W. Hardin’s, but was written “in regard to Mr. Hardin,” and is unsigned.

Not all names have been indexed. First names without surnames which cannot be otherwise identified or are merely mentioned in passing are not indexed. A question mark in brackets means the identity or spelling is uncertain. The relationship after the name refers to the subject's relationship to John Wesley Hardin unless otherwise identified.

An, Doc J-cousin[?] may be an Anderson (see Parsons, Capture 34). Letters From: 1877 Oct 13[?]

Anderson, James (Jim)-cousin, was at the Waldrup ranch when Mrs. Waldrup told of Charles Webb's visit to arrest her son. Helped J.W. Hardin circulate pardon papers.(See Hardin vs. State 359, and Life 89) Letters From: 1892 Jul 17 Mentioned: 1877 Sep 9, Oct 26; 1879 Mar 2;

Anglemiller, Joe-acquaintance in Austin. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 13

Anglin, Mrs. Mollie - The Andrew Anglin family made clothes on order and sold them through the Bowen store in the 1870s. (Parsons, Brown 26). They are listed in the 1880 census as living next door to Jane. Mentioned: 1881 Jul 3, Dec 14 1882 Jan 18

Ann-sister-in-law [?] Jane had an older sister named Ann (Parsons, Bowen 15) Mentioned: 1877 May 6, Sep 5

Armstrong, Lieut. John B.- one-time Texas Ranger who participated in capture of Hardin. Mentioned: 1879 May 11

Ashe, J.D. - District Clerk - Harris Co. Letters From : 1894 Mar 6, Aug 16, 23, Sept 20 Auguero, Louis – Client of J.W. Hardin Letters From : 1894 Oct 7 Auguero, Roman – Client of J.W. Hardin Letters From : 1894 Oct 7

Baker, D.(avid) P. - probably an inmate with Hardin in the Travis County jail. J. H. Clements writes him a letter on the back of a letter to Hardin. Mentions other names that are difficult to decipher or identify. Letter To: 1878, Feb 15

Barbisch, Joe – Austin Printing Co. Letters To : 1894 Nov 20 Barnett, Mary - cousin to John and Jennie Hardin. Letter From: 1894 Oct 4. Barnette, R. E.-see Robert E. Hardin.

Bishop, F. D. - supporter of Hardin's pardon. Letters From : 1894 Apr 14

Bell, Tom - Sheriff - Hill Co. Letters From : 1894 Mar 27, 30, Apr 14, Benny- perhaps Edward Bowen's brother and Joshua Bowen's son. Joshua mentions him in a letter to Edward Bowen, . Mentioned: 1879 Jul 2; 1880 Jul 15

Blackburn, M. – Client of J.W. Hardin Letters From : 1894 Oct 6 Blackshear, K.R. - Tax collector. Letters From : 1893 Jul 14(2); 1894 Feb 7 Letters To : 1894 Jan 9 Bond, F.[?] M.- addresses herself as Jane Hardin's sister. Letter From: 1888 May 22

Bowen, Beasley- Jane's half-brother, son of Neill and Purity Bowen. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Bowen, Brown (Joshua) -brother-in-law, Jane's brother. Brown Bowen was hung for the murder of Thomas Haldeman in 1872. His father Neill Bowen asked Hardin to take responsibility for the murder but Hardin refused. Brown claimed Hardin was the guilty party even to the gallows. Mentioned: 1877, May 6, Aug 25, Oct 26, Dec 5, 20; 1878 Jan 31, Feb 15, Mar 14, 23, 26, Apr 19, May 18, 30, Jun 1

Bowen, Edna-Jane's half-sister, daughter to Neill and Purity Bowen. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Bowen, Edward- Jane's cousin, son of Joshua Bowen. Letter From: 1880 Jul 13 [Copybook] Mentioned: 1877 May 6, 1879 Jul 2

Bowen, Elizabeth (Lizzie, Liza?)-sister-in-law, Janes older sister. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26; 1878 Aug 19; 1879 Jul 22[?], 1881 Mar 5, May 1; 1882 Oct 4

Bowen, Joshua-Jane's uncle. Lives in Sadlers Mill, Gonzales County and is possibly the Josh in Santa Rosa, Florida. Letters From: 1880 Jul 15 Letters To: 1877 May 6 1878 Mar 23 [?], 1879 Jul 2 Mentioned: 1881 May 1; 1882 Feb 26

Bowen, Mattie (Mat, Martha, M. E, see also Mattie Odom)-Sister-in-law. Jane's sister. Becomes Mattie Odom December 1878) Letters From: 1877 Sep 5, Oct 26, Dec 20; 1878 Apr(May) 19, Jun 29, Aug 19 Mentioned: 1877 May 6, May 9; 1878 May 18, 30

Bowen, Neill (Neal)-Father-in-law, Jane's father. Letter From: 1882 Nov 26 Mentioned: 1877, May 6, Aug 25, Sep 12, Oct 26, Dec 5, 14, 20; 1878 Feb 15, Mar 14, 26, Apr 19, May 18, 2?, Jun 11, Aug 2, 19 1879 Jul 2, 22; 1881 Mar 5, May 1, Aug 14; 1889 Jul 14.

Bowen, Purity Ann Sunday-Neill Bowen's second wife, Jane's stepmother. Letter From: 1881 May 1 Mentioned: 1878 Aug 2

Bowen, William-brother-in-law, Jane's brother. Letters From: 1877 Oct 26 Mentioned: 1877 Dec 20; 1878 Apr 19

Bratton, B – Friend of J.W. Hardin Letters From : 1894 Oct 22 Brazell (Brassell) murders-Dr. Phillip Brassell and his son George were called from their beds on the night of September 19, 1876 and murdered by a group of men identified as members of the Sutton faction in the Sutton-Taylor feud. These murders aroused public outrage. The rangers were called in and eight men were arrested and charged. This is considered the last murder resulting from the long-running Sutton-Taylor feud. Mentioned: 1877 May 6, May 13

Brockius (Brosius), Doc-was in charge of the cattle that Hardin had gathered for a drive at the time of the Webb killing. Brockius was arrested and about to be lynched with Scrap Taylor and others when a member of the lynch mob helped him escape. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26; 1880 Aug 30; 1882 May 25 Buchanan, John - County Clerk - Halletsville. Letters To : 1894 Aug 22 Burnet, Sally-acquaintance. Mentioned: 1889 Dec 8

Bush, Dr. - Prison doctor. Mentioned: 1885 Aug 26

Camel, Mary - see Campbell Campbell [?], Caroline- Jane's cousin. Mentioned in letter from Mattie Odom. Mentioned: 1879 Jun 15

Campbell, Charles-acquaintance of the Bowens, probably related. Mentioned: 1877, May 6

Campbell, Mary-Bowen relation. Writes from Santa Rosa, Florida Letters From: 1878 Mar 23, Mentioned: 1879 Jun 15

Campbell, Neal-with Hardin when he was captured on the train in Pensacola. Mentioned: 1877, Aug 25

Campbell, Sallie-Hardin knew her family in Sumpter and is reacquainted with her when he is in jail in Austin. Mentioned: 1878 Mar 14

Carnes (Karnes), Sheriff John-Sheriff of Comanche County when Webb killing occurred. Mentioned: 1877, Sep 9

Choate, Mr. of Karnes County-Mattie Hardin writes that Choate is a friend of Hardin's who wishes to help him in his legal troubles. Mentioned: 1877 Nov 26

Clements, Gip - cousin, Mannen's brother Mentioned: 1877, May 6, May 9; 1878 Feb 15, Oct 21; 1879 Mar 23, Jun 19

Clements, Jim- cousin, Mannen's brother. Married Annie Caroline, daughter of George and Amanda Jane Billings Tennille. Letters To: 1894 Oct 4 Mentioned: 1877 May 6, May 9; 1878 Feb 15[?], Oct 2, 1879 Jun 19; 1892 Jan 25

Clements, Joe [Joseph Hardin, Jo]-cousin, Mannen's brother. Married Sarah Jane, daughter of George and Amanda Jane Billings Tennille. February 1878 is in the Gonzales County jail awaiting trial. Letters From: 1878 Jan 31, Feb 15 Mentioned: 1877, May 6, May 9, Sep 9, 12, Oct 14; 1878 Oct 21; 1879 Mar 23, Jun 19, Aug 17

Clements, Manning [Emanuel, Mannen]. Cousin. Mother, Martha Balch Hardin, was sister to Hardin's father. The two were very close and helped each other out of various scrapes. Mannen Clements helped Hardin escape from the Gonzales County jail in 1872 when W. E. Jones was sheriff. Clements unsuccessfully tried to help Hardin escape from Huntsville. He was shot and killed in a saloon fight in 1887. Letters From: 1878 May 2?, Jun 1, Aug 3, 27, Oct 21; 1879 Mar 23 Letters To: 1879 May 11, 25, Jul 6, 27 (note), Aug 10 (note) Mentioned-1874, Sep 18; 1877, May 6, 9; 1878 Jan 19, Jan 31, Mar 14, Mar 17, 26, Jun 15, Jul 4, 14, Aug 2, Sep 11, 28, Oct 4, 22/27, Dec 3, 8, 23, 28; 1879 Jan 10, 26, Feb 9, 23, Mar 2, Apr 13, 20, May 4, Jun 1, Jun 15, 19, Jul 6, 22, 30; Aug 10, Sep 21; 1880 May 27; 1881 Jun 1; 1884 Dec 7

Clements, Jr., Mannen (Mann)-Mannen Clement's son. Mentioned: 1878, May 2?, Jun 1, 27; 1879 Mar 23, May 25, Jun 1

Clements, Mollie, Mary A.-Mannen Clement's wife. Letters From: 1879 Mar 23 Mentioned: 1878, Jan 29, May 2?, Jun 1, 1879, Apr 13, 20, Jun 15[?], 19, Jul 6, 27, 30, Aug 10, Sep 21

Clements, Sallie-Mannen Clement's daughter. Married to Jim Miller. Mentioned: 1878 May 2?, Jun 1; 1879 Mar 23, May 4, 25, Jun 1, Sep 21

Clements, S. J. [Sarah Jane Tennille, Sallie] Daughter of George Tennille and Amanda Jane Billings, married Mannen's brother Joseph Hardin Clements. Letters From: 1879 Jun 19 Mentioned: 1879 Aug 17

Cloud, Mr.-Offers hospitality to Jane when she goes to Austin in 1878 to see Hardin in jail Mentioned: 1878 no date (mid August)

Cobb, Ben - Married to Jane's aunt Margaret, Neill Bowen's sister. Mentioned: 1877 May 6, Dec 20; 1879 Jun 15, Jul 2; 1882 Feb 26, Nov 26

Cobb, Bent-married to Lizzie Hardin Cobb? Mentioned: 1879 Sep 21

Cobb, J.B. "Buck"-Jane's cousin. Letters To : 1892 Sept 11, Nov 6; 1893 May 18 Mentioned: 1882 Sep 3;

Cobb [?] Daisy,-possibly Jane's cousin, Margaret Cobb's daughter Mentioned: 1879 Jul 2; 1890 Apr 6,

Cobb, Lizzie (Sissie, Elizabeth)-sister. Letters From: 1877 undated; 1878 Feb 17, Mar 11 Mentioned: 1877 Sep 9, 15, Oct 26, Nov 21, 26, Dec 5; 1878 Jun 15, Aug 30, Nov 17; 1879 Jan 10, 26, Apr 27, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 Apr 24; 1882 May 25, Aug 13; 1885 Nov 22; 1886 Aug 3

Cobb, Mary - mentioned in Purity's letter from Florida as a neighbor. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Cobb, Margaret-Jane's aunt, Neill Bowen's sister, married to Ben. Letter From: 1879 Jul 2 Mentioned: 1879 Jun 15, 19; 1881 Apr 26; 1889 Dec 8

Cobb [?], Mollie-Probably Margaret Cobb's daughter Mary. Mentioned: 1879 Jul 2; 1882 Sep 3; 1889 Dec 8

Cobb, Mr.-brother-in-law, married to sister Lizzie. see Bent Cobb. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 27, May 4; 1882 May 25?

Cobb, Nannie-married Tony Tenille. Mentioned: 1877 May 6, Sep 5; 1889 Dec 8

Cobb, Sally (Sarah)-Jane Hardin's cousin. Daughter of Margaret and Ben. Mentioned: 1889 Dec 8

Colbey [sp?], F. A. - Hosts a ball in 1882 Mentioned: 1882 Mar 20 (invitation)

Coleman, R.R. – Ran for Sheriff of Gonzales Co. 1894 Letters To : 1894 Oct 14 Letters From : 1894 Oct 20, 21, Nov 2 Cooley, George-broken out of Lampasas County Jail with John Ringo. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 13

Corwin, Dennis-Sheriff of Travis County when Hardin is jailed there. Mentioned: 1878 Jan 31, Sep 16, 17, 24, Oct 4; 1879 Apr 13

Cresap, S.H. – Neighbor of J.W. Hardin Letters From : 1894 Nov 1 Cunningham, William-testified in Hardin's Comanche County trial that Hardin and his associates had conspired against Charles Webb. Mentioned: 1877, Oct 26

Denson, James M.-Mannen Clement's brother in law. Married his sister Mary Jane Rebecca Clements. Letters From : 1894 Oct 27 Mentioned: 1879 Mar 23

Denson, Mary Jane Rebecca Clements-cousin, Mannen Clement's sister. Mentioned: 1879 Mar 23

Diedrich, F. Letters From : 1894 Oct 29 Dikes, A. C.-cousin living in Eastland, Texas. Letters From: 1877 Dec 3

Dinkins, B. R.-sold cattle to Hardin (alias Swain) in Jacksonville, Florida. Letters From: 1876 May 2

Dixon, Jack-mentioned in Doc J An's letter Mentioned: 1877 Oct 10

Dixson, Ellack (Elec)-uncle, mother's brother living in Navarro County. Mentioned: 1879 Mar 2, Sep 21

Dixson, Mollie-Aunt, married to Elec Dixson? Mentioned: 1879 Sep 21

Dixson, Tom - Hardin's mother writes Dixson conspired with Cunningham to help kill Hardin on day Webb was killed. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26

Dorst, Jim-friend from Gonzales. Mentioned: 1878 Jun 27

Doublin, Dell-acquaintance. Mentioned: 1879 Aug 17

Downing, L. M.-Meat vendor in Jacksonville, Florida who bought from Hardin as J. H. Swain. Letter To: 1876 Mar 23 Duncan, Jack-Dallas detective who assisted in the discovery of Hardin's whereabouts and his capture in Pensacola. Mentioned: 1877, Aug 25, Oct 10; 1878 May 2?,

Ed - Purity Bowen writes in a letter from Florida that Ed is in Sunday School. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Ed-Hardin's mother Elizabeth writes that she is living with daughter Nannie and Ed (Nannie's Husband?) Mentioned: 1882 Aug 13

Ellis, Wadkin-see Wad.

Finley, R.W. - Comptroller of Public Accounts, State of Texas. Letters From : 1894 Apr ? Fleming, J. R.-Judge who presided over Hardin's Comanche County trial. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26, Dec 5; 1878 Dec 3

Fleming, Mart-Comanche County citizen. Mentioned: 1878 Oct 20, Jul 6, 27

Fly & McNeal, atty.- Initiated petition to pardon J.W. Hardin from Cuero case. Letters From: 1892 Jan 8, 25, May 18, Letters To : 1893 Nov 5 Frank - Jane Hardin's sister?. Mentioned: 1877, May 6, Sep 5, 1878 Aug 19; 1879 Mar 16, May 13 1881 Mar 1, Apr 26, May 1, Dec 14; 1882 Jan 18, Feb 26, May 28, Oct 4, Nov 26; 1886 May 2, Aug 3; 1888 May 22

Freeman, Pone-acquaintance of Bowens. Was subpoenaed as a witness in Brown Bowen's trial for the murder of Thomas Haldeman. Mentioned: 1879 May 13

Godfrey, John C.-cousin, offers support and money for Hardin's legal fees. Letter From: 1878 Apr 7 Letter To: 1878 Mar 15(26), Apr 7 Mentioned: 1878 Mar 14, Mar 17, Apr 29, May 2?

Gary, W.J. - wrote a poem for Hardins Letters To : 1892 Oct 2 Gibbs, Barnett – Lawyer Letters From : 1894 Feb ? Gilbert Book Co. - Provided J.W. Hardin with law books.Sept 15, 28 Letters From : 1894 Glover, R.M. - Sheriff and friend of J.W.Hardin Letters From: 1894 Feb 28, Mar 28, 30, Apr 13, 16, Dec 1 Letters To : 1894 Mar 27, 30, Apr 14 Goree, Major Thomas J.-became superintendent of the Texas prison system in 1877. Mentioned: 1879 May 4 (note); 1880 Apr 24; 1885 Aug 26

Gray, Mr.-First husband of one of Elizabeth Hardin's Red River County neighbors. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 27

Grear, Mary Smith-mentioned in letter from Bright Smith's mother Mentioned: 1882 May 1

Grear, Will-Mentioned in letter from Bright Smith's mother. Mentioned: 1882 May 1

H, S. E.-Gives Jane $10 to help her get to Austin to visit Hardin in jail. Letters From: 1878 Aug ?

Haldeman, Tom (Halderman) -Murdered in 1872. Brown Bowen was hanged for his death on May 1878. Mentioned: 1878 Mar 14

Hall, Capt. Lee-Texas Ranger. Mentioned: 1879 May 11

Hardin, Aaron-cousin, son of Robert E. Hardin. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 14, Nov 26; 1878 Mar 15, Jul 6

Hardin, Alie B [Bell, Arabella]-sister-in-law. Married to brother, Jo Hardin who was lynched after the murder of Charles Webb in 1874. By 1880, Bell was married to her second husband, Mr. Pierce. Letters From: 1877 Sep 9 Mentioned: 1877 Sep 9, 15, undated; 1878 Feb 17, Mar 11; 1879 Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 Aug 30; 1882 May 25, Aug 13

Hardin, Barnett (W. B., Sr.) -Uncle, Polk County. Mentioned: 1877,undated[?]; 1878 Feb 17, Mar 30, Apr 7; 1879 Mar 2

Hardin, Dora-niece, daughter of Jo and Bell Hardin. Mentioned: 1882 May 25, Aug 13

Hardin [?], Elizabeth-Cousin [?], possibly daughter of Robert Hardin. Mentioned: 1877 May 9

Hardin, Elizabeth Dixon-Mother. Letters From: 1877 Sep 9, Oct 26, undated, Dec 14; 1878 Jan 15, Feb 15, 26, Mar 30, May 30, Aug 16, 30, Oct 10; 1879 Apr 27, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 May 27, Aug 30; 1882 May 25, Aug 13; Letters To: 1878 Dec 8; 1879 Jan 10 Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Sep 9, 12, 15, undated, Oct 14, Nov 21, 25, 26, Dec 3, Dec 5, 29; 1878 Feb 17, Mar 11, Jun 1, 2, 15, Jun 8, 23, Aug 2, 3, Oct 4, 20, 21, 27, Nov 17; 1879 Jan 10, Feb 23, Mar 3, Mar 23, Apr 13, May 4, 25; 1880 Apr 24; 1881 Jun 1; 1882 Feb 26, Apr 2; 1883 Jan 6; 1884 Dec 7; 1885 May 29 (funeral)

Hardin, Gippie [Barnett Gipson]- youngest brother. Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Sep 9, Oct 26, Nov 21, undated, Dec 14; 1878 Jan 15, Feb 15, May 30, Jun 15, Jul 4, Jul 9, Aug 16, 30, Oct 10, Nov 17; 1879 Jan 10, 26, Feb 23, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 Apr 24, May 27; 1882 May 25. Aug 13; 1885 Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, Aug 3, Sep 5; 1888 Feb 5,

Hardin, J.[ames] G.[ibson]. - Father, son of Benjamin Hardin and Martha Ann Barnett. He married Elizabeth Cartwright Dixon in 1847. They had eight children, five of whom reached maturity. Hardin was a Methodist circuit rider, a lawyer and a teacher. He died August, 1876. Letter To: -1874, Sep 18, 1874 Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Sep 9, Oct 26, undated, Dec 3, 14; 1878 Jan 15, Feb 15, Mar 30, Jun 2, Aug 30; 1882 Apr 2

Hardin, Jane Bowen (alias Jane Swain, Jennie) -Wife, married February 1872. Jane died November 6, 1892 while Hardin was still in prison. Letters To: 1876, (Thomasville, Ga), Sep. 8; 1877 May 6, 9, Jun 6, Aug 25, Sep 12, 16, Oct 14, 26, Dec 5, 14, 29; Nov 25; 1878 Jan 29, Mar 14, 17, 23, 26, Apr 29, May 18, 19, Jun 1, 2, 11, 15, 23, 27, 29, Jul 4, 14, Aug 2, 3, ?, 19, 27, 28, 31, Sep 11, 16, 17, 28, Oct 4, 10, 20, 21, 27, Nov 17, Dec 3, 8, ?, 28 1879 Jan 9, 10, 26, Feb 9, 23, Mar 2, 16, 23, Apr 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11 (note),13, 25, Jun 1, 15, 19, Jul 2, 6, 22, 27, 30, Aug 10, 17, Sep 21 (3), Nov 2; 1880 May 27, Aug 30; 1881 Mar 5, Apr 26, May 1, Jun 1, Jul 3, Aug 14, Sep 25, Dec 14; 1882 Jan 18, Feb 26, Apr 2, May 25, 28, Aug 13, Sep 3, Oct 4; 1883 Feb 16; 1884 Jan 6, Dec 7; 1885 Sep 27, Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, Aug 3, Sep 5, Nov 7; 1887 Mar 27, Sep 4, Nov 6; 1888 Jan 22, Feb 5, Mar 25, May 22, Jun 24, Oct 7; 1890 Apr 6, Nov 2; 1891 Apr 5, Oct 25;1892 Jan 4 Mentioned: 1877, Sep 9, 15, Oct 29, Nov 21, undated; 1878 Jan 15, Feb 15, Feb 26, Mar 11, Mar 30, May 30, Jun 8, Jul 9, Aug 16, 30; 1880 Apr 24, Jul 15; 1882 Aug 28Nov 26; 1886 Mar 7, May 2, Oct 3; 1887 Apr 3; 1889 May 5, Jul 14, Oct 20, Dec 8;

Hardin, Jeff (Jefferson Davis)-brother. Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Sep 9, undated, Oct 26-27, Nov 21, 25, undated, Dec 14, 29; 1878 Jan 15, Feb 15, 26, May 30, Jun 8, Jul 4, Aug 16, 30, Oct 10, 20, Dec 28; 1879 Jan 10, Mar 2, 23, Apr 27, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 Apr 24, May 27; 1882 May 25, Aug 13; 1885 Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, Aug 3

Hardin, Jennie (Callie, Jennie Martina, Jane)-daughter born in 1877. Letter of Jun 15, 1878 refers to the change of her name from Callie to Jane Martina. Letters To: 1886 May 2; 1887 May 1, Aug 28; 1889 Jul 14, Dec 8; 1892 Aug 28; 1893 Jun 30 Mentioned: 1878 Mar 17, May 30, Jun 8, 15, 27, Jul 9, Jul 14, Aug 30, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 3, 8; 1879 Jan 10, 26, Feb 23, Apr 20, 27, May 4, Jun 1, Jul 6, 30, Sep 21; 1881 Aug 14, Sep 25; 1882 Feb 26, May 25, Aug 13, Sep 3, Oct 1; 1884 Dec 7; 1885 Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, Mar 7, Aug 3, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7; 1889 May 5, Oct 20; 1890 Apr 6, Nov 2; 1891 Apr 5,

Hardin, Jodie-nephew, son of brother Joseph Hardin. Mentioned: 1877 Sep 9, 15; 1880 Aug 30, Aug 13

Hardin [?], John- Cousin[?], possibly son of Robert E. Hardin. Mentioned: 1877 May 9

Hardin, John Wesley-b. May 26, 1853 Letters From: 1874, Sep 18; 1876, May 12, Sep 8; 1877 Jun 6, Aug 25; 1878 Jan 29, Mar 14, 17, 26, Apr 29, May 18, Jun 2, 11, 15, 23, 27, Jul 4, 14, Aug 2, 28, 31, Sep 11, 16, 17, 28, Oct 4, 20, 27, Nov 17, Dec 3, 8, ?, 28; 1879 Jan 9, 10, 26, Feb 9, 23, Mar 2, 16, Apr 13, 20, May 4, 11, 25, Jun 1, Jul 6, 27, Aug 10, 17, Sep 21, Nov 2; 1881 Jun 1, Jul 3, Aug 14, Sep 25; 1882 Feb 26, Apr 2, Sep 3; 1884 Jan 6, Dec 7; 1885 Aug 26, Sep 27, Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, Mar 7, May 2, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7; 1887 Mar 27, Apr 3, May 1, Aug 28, Sep 4, Nov 6; 1888 Jan 22, Feb 5, Mar 25, Jun 24, Oct 7; 1889 Feb 1, May 5, Jul 14, Oct 20, Dec 8; 1890 Apr 6, Nov 2; 1891 Apr 5, Oct 25, Sept 11; 1892 Jan 4, Aug 21, 28, 30, Sept 11, Nov 6; 1893 Oct 29, Nov 5; 1894 Jan 1, Aug 22, Oct 4, 14. Letters To: 1875, Sep 26; 1876, Jan 24, 26, Mar 23, Apr 27, May 1, May 2, 12, 1877 May 9, Sep 9, 15, Undated, Oct 13, 26, 29, undated, Nov 21, undated, Nov 26, Dec 3, 5; 1878 Jan 15, 31, Feb 15 (2), 17, 26, Mar 11, 30, Apr 6, 7, 16, May 2?, 30, Jun 7, 8; 1891 Aug 4; 1892 Jan 8, Jan 25, May 18, Jul 5,Jul 17; 1894 Jan 28, Feb 28, Mar 6, 8, 28, 30, Apr 13, 14,16 28, May 9, 20, 23, Jun 22, Aug 4, 16, 23, Sept 1, 20, 28, Oct 4, 6, 7, 15, 21, 22, 28, 31, Nov 2. Dec 1, 30

Hardin, John Wesley, Jr.-son, B. August 3, 1875. Letters To: 1886 Mar 7; 1887 Apr 3; 1889 Oct 20; 1892 Aug 28. Mentioned: 1878 Mar 17, Jun 8, 15, 27, Jul 4, 14, Aug 30, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 3; 1879 Jan 10, 26, Feb 23, Apr 27, Jul 6, 30, Aug 17, Sep 21; 1881 Aug 14, Sep 25; 1882 Feb 26, May 25, Aug 13, Oct 1; 1884 Dec 7; 1885 Sep 17, Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, May 2, Aug 3, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7; 1888 Oct 7; 1889 May 5, Jul 14, Dec 8; 1890 Apr 6, Nov 2

Hardin, Joseph (Jo, Jodie)-brother, b. January 5, 1850. Lynched in retaliation for the killing of Charles Webb by John Wesley Hardin. Letters From: 1894 Jan 28 Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26, undated, Dec 14; 1878 Jan 15; 1879 Sep 21; 1880 Aug 30; 1882 Apr 2; 1888 Jun 24; 1889 Jul 14,

Hardin, Mattie-sister. See Smith, Mattie Hardin

Hardin, Mattie [Martha] -cousin, daughter of Robert E. Hardin. Letter from: 1877 May 9, Sep 9, 12, Oct 14, 29, Nov 26; Mentioned: 1877, Sep 9, 15, Oct 26

Hardin, Mollie (Mary Elizabeth) -daughter, b. February 6, 1873. Letters To: 1880 Apr 24; 1882 Oct 4; 1886 Oct 3; 1889 May 5; 1891 Sept 11; 1892 Aug 21; 1893 Jun 30. Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Oct 14, 26, Dec 14; 1878 Mar 17, Jun 8, 15, 27, Jul 9, 14, Aug 30, Oct 4, 20, Nov 17, Dec 3; 1879 Jan 10, 26, Feb 23, Mar 16, Apr 27, May 4, 11, 25, Jun 1, 19, Jul 2, 6, 30, Aug 17, Sep 21; 1880 Aug 30; 1881 Mar 5, Apr 26, Aug 14, Sep 25, Dec 14; 1882 Jan 18, Feb 26, May 25, May 28, Aug 13, Sep 3, Oct 1; 1883 Feb 16; 1884 Dec 7; 1885 Sep 27, Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, Mar 7, May 7, Aug 3, Sep 5, Nov 7; 1887 Apr 3; 1888 Feb 5, Oct 7; 1889 Jul 14, Oct 20, Dec 8; 1890 Nov 2;

Hardin, Molly E.-cousin. Letters From: 1878 Jun 7

Hardin, Nannie-sister. Letters From: 1878 Jun 8, Jul 9, 1879 Sep 21; 1880 Apr 24; 1894 Oct 28 Letters To: 1879 Feb 23 Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Sep 9, Oct 26-27, Nov 21, 25, undated, Dec 14; 1878 Feb 15, 26, May 30, Jun 15, Aug 16, 30, Oct 10, 20, Nov 17; 1879 Jan 10, Apr 27, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 Aug 30; 1882 Feb 26, May 25, Aug 13; 1884 Dec 7; 1885 Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3, Aug 3; 1888 Feb 5; 1891 Apr 5,

Hardin, Robert E. (Bob) [also R. E. Barnette, Marohn 104]-Uncle, brother to Hardin's father. Married Nancy Brinson Dixon. Living on a ranch in Brenham, Washington County, Texas. Helped harbor Hardin when he was on the run and with legal fees after he was captured. Letter From: 1877 May 9, Mentioned: Sep 9, 12, undated, Oct 26-27, 29, undated, Nov 26, Dec 5; 1878, Jan 15, Feb 15, Mar 17, Apr 6; 1879 Jul 6

Hardin, W. B. (Barnett)-cousin in Woodbury, Hill County. Letters From: 1878 Mar 15(26), Apr 6 Mentioned: 1877, Sep 9; 1878 Mar 14, Mar 15(26), 17, Apr 7, 19, May 2?; 1879 Jan 9, Jan 10, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1884 Dec 7

Hardin [?], Will-cousin. Robert Hardin's son? Mentioned: 1877 May 9

Hardy, Shep-friend. Hardin's logging partner. Was with Hardin when he was captured. Mentioned: 1877, Jun 6;

Harison [Harrison?], James-acquaintance. Mentioned: 1878 May 2?

Hays, Captain Jack - Texas Ranger. Mentioned: 1879 Sep 21

Helm, Jack-leader of the Sutton faction. Member of the State Police and Sheriff of DeWitt County. Killed by Hardin and Jim Taylor in Cuero Mentioned: 1878 Jun 15

Hendricks, Ben (Captain)-Hotel keeper in Austin. Mentioned: 1878 no date (mid August), Sep 11; 1879 Apr 13

Hickock, Wild Bill (Heycoc)-Marshal of Abilene, Kansas. Mentioned: 1888 Jun 24

Hodge [?], Nelson-His case for attempted murder is mentioned by J. H. Clements in a letter to Hardin along with another name that cannot be deciphered. Mentioned: 1878 Feb 15

Homesley, Jim-Comanche County resident. Mentioned: 1878 Oct 20

Hogg, James A.- Governor of Texas (1891-1895) Letters To: 1892 Jan ?; 1893 Oct 29; 1894 Jan 1 Howell, E. - Friend of the Hardins Letters From : 1893 Jun 30 Howell, Frank – Friend of R.R. Coleman Letters From : 1894 Oct 21 Hudson, R.B. – Sheriff of Dewitt Co. Letters From : 1894 Nov 1

Jernigan, Lomax - Purity Bowen writes from Florida that Lomax killed relation Steve Jones in a drunken fight in Pollard. Several Jernigans married into the Bowen family (Parsons, Brown 138) Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Jones, B. H.-Probably cousin Barnett Jones who was with Hardin in the John Gates saloon when Hardin was shot by Phil Sublett in 1872. Mentioned: 1879, Jul 6

Jones, Caroline-Rents cottage to Hardin as Swain in Jacksonville. Letters From: 1876 Apr 27

Jones, Lizzie - Purity Bowen mentions death in letter from Florida. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Jones, Steve (Steave) - Purity Bowen in letter from Florida mentions Jone's killing in a drunken fight in Pollard, Alabama. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Jones, Willis-Purity Bown calls him uncle and mentions death in letter from Florida. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

Jones, W.E. – Sheriff of Gonzales Co. Letters From – 1894 Nov 3

Karnes, Sheriff John-see Carnes

Kelso, Frank – Friend of R.R. Coleman Letters From : 1894 Oct 20 Kendrick, M. E.-Jacksonville Florida buyer of beef from Hardin as J. H. Swain. Letters From: 1876, Jan 26[?],

Kimbro, Manen-Mannen Clements writes Jane that Kimbro brought him news of her family. Mentioned: 1879 Mar 23

King, Fannie - friend of Jane Hardin

Krueger, O.P. – Friend of J.W. Hardin Letters From : 1894 Nov 20 Kotzel, - Druggist Letters To : 1894 Oct 29

Landrum, J. C.-teacher of Hardin and brother Joseph. Mentioned: 1878 Jun 27

La Opinion Del Pueblo – Gonzales paper – Letters From : 1894 Oct 13 – Vol 1 No 2 Lay, John - Friend to J.W. Hardin Letter From: 1894 May 20, Jun 22. Levyson, P. - General store owner - Gonzales. Letters From : 1894 May 23 (bill) Lewis, Callie – see Jennie Hardin Letters From : 1894 Dec 30 Lewis, Judge-Judge who heard Mannen Clements trial for the killing of Peyton Patterson in Gonzales County during February of 1878. Mentioned: 1878 Jan 31

Lipscomb, J A.-Attorney hired by Robert Hardin to defend Hardin Letters From: 1877 undated Mentioned: 1877 Oct 29

Loide-Mentioned in letter by mother of Bright Smith, Hardin's brother-in-law. Mentioned: 1882 May 1

Long, J.D.- friend of J.W. Hardin. Letters From : 1894 Mar 8

Mann, Jim-friend. Was with Hardin when he was overpowered on the train in Pensacola. Mann was shot and killed as he tried to run off the train. Mentioned: 1877, Aug 25

Mat-mentioned in 1882 letter from Mattie Odom, living with her in 1883. Mentioned: 1882 Oct 4; 1883 Feb 16

Mendoza, M. – Wife of Roman Augurero Letters To : 1894 Oct 7 McCall, J.D. – Comptroller Letters From : 1894 Jan 9 McCulloch, Capt. Ben-Superintendent at the Texas Prison System. Letters To: 1885 Aug 26 Mentioned: 1888 Jan 22

McGee, Duncan-friend or relative of the Bowens. Mentioned: 1877, Dec 20

McKenzie, J. W. T.-friend of Hardin family. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26.

McKinney, A.T. – Prison warden(?) Letters To : 1893 Jul 14 McMillan, Marion (A. M.)-Jane's cousin, a probate judge in Pollard, Alabama Letters From: 1877 Sep 16 Letter To: 1877, Aug 25 Mentioned: 1877, May 6

McMillan, Mary-probably wife of Malcolm McMillan and relation to Jane Bowen. Mentioned in Purity's letter from Florida. Mentioned: 1881 May 1

McMillan, Neill-Jane Bowen's relative. Deputy sheriff of Pollard, Alabama with whom the Hardins stayed under the name of Swain. Mentioned: 1877, Jun 6, Dec 5, 20

McQueen-friend of Jane Hardin. Mentioned: 1877, May 9

Moody, Dr. - Doctor in Red River County. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 27

Morgan, J. B.-Killed by Hardin in Cuero in 1872. Mentioned: 1878 Jun 11

Newman (Numan), Sunny (Sonny)-friend of Bowens. Mentioned: 1877 Dec 5, 20

Nixon, H. A. - Gonzales Attorney. Letter From: 1890 Mar 7

Odom, Frankey (Frank)-Mattie Bowen Odom's son, born May 1880. (Parsons, Bowen 140) Mentioned: 1881 Mar 5, Apr 26, Dec 14; 1882 Jan 18, May 28; 1883 Feb 16

Odom, Mattie Bowen - (see also Mattie Bowen)-sister-in-law. Married Oliver Odom December 1878. Letters From: 1879 Mar 16, May 13, Jun 15, Jul 22; 1881 Mar 5, Apr 26, Dec 14; 1882 Jan 18, May 28, Oct 4; 1883 Feb 16 Mentioned: 1879, Mar 23; 1881 Aug 14

Odom, Oliver-married Jane's sister Mattie Bowen. Is on trial in 1881 according to Mattie's letters. Parsons reports he was indicted in 1878 for an 1874 murder. He died June 22, 1881. (Parsons, Bowen 140) Letter From: 1879 May 13 Mentioned: 1879 Feb 9, Mar 23, Jun 15, Jul 22; 1881 Mar 5, Apr 26

Outlaw, J. C.-guard through whom Hardin was able to slip out letters. Mentioned: 1878 Dec 3, 8, 23, 28

Passmore, Ben-Bowen relation mentioned in letter from Joshua Bowen to Edward B. Bowen. Mentioned: 1880 Jul 15,

Patterson, Paten (Peyton, Pate)-Mannen Clements was indicted October 17, 1877 for the killing of Patterson on July 25, 1872. Clements was arrested December 19, 1877 and won acquittal in 1878. Mentioned: 1878 Jan 29, Mar 17, May 30

Phillips , Bill (William) - husband of Nancy Bowen, Jane Hardin's sister. Mentioned: 1878 May 2?, Jun 29, Jul 14, Oct 21, 22/27; 1879 Feb 9, Mar 7, May 13[?]

Phillips, Nancy Bowen -sister-in-law, married to William Phillips. Mentioned: 1877 Sep 5, Oct 26, 1878 Jul 14, May 13; 1881 Apr 26; 1882 Apr 2; 1888 May 22

Powell,[?] Houston-acquaintance, prison inmate. Mentioned: 1879 May 4,

Randle, J.P. - General store owner in Gonzales Letters To: 1894 - bill - May 9. Aug 4 Rauckedt - cousin to Mattie Odem

Renick, S. H.-attorney in Waco. Defends Hardin in Webb trial and appeal. Letters From: 1878 Apr 16 Mentioned: 1878 Mar 17, Apr 6, 19

Reynolds, Lieutenant-guarded Hardin on his way to Comanche for sentencing and on his way to Huntsville. Mentioned: 1878 Oct 4

Ringo, John - incarcerated in Austin jail at the same time as Hardin. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 13, Jul 6

Reuter, Charles - owner Gonzales Ice Works. Letters From : 1894 Sept 1 (bill)

S., John-fellow inmate. Debates with Hardin in the Debating Society defending the premise that women should have equal rights. Mentioned: 1881 Jul 3

S., J. [John] G. [?], friend living in Thomasville, Georgia. Identity unknown. Letters To: 1876, Sep 8;

Sallie-possibly Jane's niece, Frank's daughter. Mentioned: 1882 May 28

Schlikeisen, E.F. - Sold J.W. Hardin a horse. Letters From : 1894 Aug 10 (bill) Scott, J. B.-may be same as below. Promises to be at Hardin's appeal. Mentioned: 1878 May 2[?]

Scott, Mr. of Marlin-Mattie Hardin mentions him. Possibly lawyer hired by Mr. Choat of Karnes County to represent Hardin in his appeal. Mentioned: 1877 Nov 26

Shegog, Dr. J. M. - Uncle, married to Elizabeth Hardin's sister, Nan. Lives in Ennis, Ellis County. Mentioned: 1878 Apr 7; 1885 May 29; 1886 Aug 3

Shegog, Nan-Aunt, Elizabeth Hardin's sister living in Ennis. Mentioned: 1877 May 9, Oct 10; 1878, Feb 17, Dec 3, 8; 1879 Sep 21; 1885 May 29; 1886 Aug 3; 1888 Feb 5

Shepard, Seth-lawyer. Robert Hardin tried to hire for Hardin's Comanche County trial Mentioned: 1877, Sep 9

Shroeder, Molly-Jennie Hardin's teacher. Mentioned: 1887 Aug 28

Smith, Dick-Mentioned in letter from Bright Smith's mother. Mentioned: 1882 May 1

Smith, Bright-brother-in-law. Married Hardin's sister, Mattie. Letters To: 1879 Mar 16 Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Sep 9, 15, Oct 26-27, Nov 21, 25, Dec 5, 29; 1878 Feb 26, May 30, Jun 15, 23, 27, Jul 4, 14, Oct 4, Oct 10, 20; 1879 Mar 2, Apr 27, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 Apr 24, May 27; 1882 Feb 26, May 1, May 25, Aug 13; 1886 Jan 3, Aug 3, Smith, L. J. - friend of Hardin's from Jacksonville, Florida. Mentioned: 1878 Jun 23

Smith, Lillie-niece, first child of sister Mattie Smith born in 1878 Mentioned: 1878 Mar 11, Jun 15, Oct 10; 1879 Mar 2; 1880 Apr 24; 1886 Aug 3

Smith, M. A.-Probably Bright Smith's mother. Bright is married to Hardin's sister, Mattie. Letter From: 1882 May 1; 1886 Aug 3

Smith, Mattie Hardin-sister. Married Bright Smith in 1876. Letters To: 1879 Feb 23 (note), Mar 16; Letters From: 1877 Sep 15, Nov 21, 25, Dec 29; 1886 Aug 3; 1893 Oct 17 Mentioned: 1877, May 9, Sep 9, 12, Oct 14, 26-27, Nov 21, Dec 5; 1878 Feb 15, 26, Mar 11, Mar 17, Jun 8, 15, 23, Jul 4, 9, 14, Aug 16, 30, 31, Oct 10, 20, Dec 8 1879 Mar 2, Jul 30, Sep 21; 1880 Apr 24; 1882 Feb 2, May 25, Aug 13; 1885 Nov 22; 1886 Jan 3

Smith, J.F - County clerk- Brown Co. Letters from: 1893 May 29 Smither, Capt. J. G..-prison assistant superintendent. Letters To: 1889 [?]; 1893 Oct 29, Nov ?; 1894 Feb 7 Mentioned: 1890 Apr 6; 1891 Aug 4

Steadman, Ed-Prison inmate who had helped John Ringo and George Cooley break out of the Lampasas County jail. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 13

Stephens, J. D. (Stevens)-Prosecuting attorney at Hardin's Comanche County trial. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26, undated, Dec 5

Steward, Joe-Acquaintance in Austin. Mentioned: 1878 Aug 28; 1879 Apr 13

Sunday, Joe-brother to Neill Bowen's second wife, Purity. (Parsons, 46) Mentioned: 1878, May 2?, Aug 2

Sutton faction- Mentioned: 1877 May 6; 1878 Jun 15; 1879 Apr 13

Swain, Jane-see Jane Bowen Hardin. Letters To: 1877 May 6, 9, Jun 6, Aug 25

Swain, Jennie-Acquaintance of the Hardins in Brenham. Mentioned: 1877 May 9, Sep 12

Swain, J. H.-see John Wesley Hardin. Takes alias after he flees Texas in late 1874. He adopts the last name of the Brenham marshal, Harry Swain, who helped Hardin get out of Texas. Letter From: 1876- May 12; 1877 (Millview, Florida) Jun 6, Aug 25 Letter To: 1875, Sep 25; 1876, Jan 24, 26, Mar 23, Apr 27, May 1, May 2, 12; 1877 May 9, Jun 6, Aug 25

Talmadge, Rev. T. De Witt-syndicated columnist. Hardin is inspired by his teaching and sends clipping to Jane. Mentioned: 1888 Mar 25 (with clippings)

Taylor, Billy-son of Pitkin Taylor who was killed by the Sutton faction in 1872. With the help of Hardin, Billy along with his brother attacked Bill Sutton on a steamer in Indianola, Texas on March 11, 1874. Billy Taylor killed Sutton's companion, Gabriel Slaughter. In 1877, Taylor was in an Austin jail for this killing at the same time as Hardin. Mentioned: 1877 May 6, May 9; 1878 Jan 29, Jun 15, 27

Taylor, James- Son of Pitkin Taylor born 1852 and a leader in the Sutton-Taylor feud. Along with Hardin, killed Jack Helm July 1873. With the help of Hardin, along with brother Billy Taylor, killed Bill Sutton on a steamer in Indianola, March 11, 1874. Taylor himself was killed by a Sutton posse in Clinton, Texas on December 27, 1875. Mentioned: 1877 May 6, May 9, Oct 29

Taylor, J.M. - Friend of J.W. Hardin. Letter from: 1894 Apr, 28. Oct 31 Taylor, Scrap-Lynched after Webb killing. Mentioned: 1879 May 11

Templeton, Bill-prison inmate. Mentioned: 1879 Apr 13

Tennille, Mrs. [Amanda Jane Billings] Mentioned: 1877, May 6

Tennille, Tony-married Nannie Cobb. Mentioned: 1877, May 6, Sept 5

TEXAS, STATE OF Letters To : 1893 Oct 17 (Cooke Co.); 1894 Aug 10 (Gonzales Co.), Oct 27 (Gonzales Co.), Oct 31 (Gonzales Co.), Nov 1 (Gonzales Co.), Dec 16 (DeWitt Co. – Hardin/Billings marriage certificate) Tom-Hardin writes Jane to tell Mannen that Tom is all right. Mentioned: 1878 Oct 4

Turner, Mr.-J. H. Clements thanks for "kindness and indulgence" to Mannen Clements during his Austin incarceration. Mentioned: 1878 Jan 31

Turner, Sara -Cousin Mentioned: 1879 July 30

Tyler, Marcus-Oliver Odom reports to Mannen Clements that Tyler has several indictments against him. Mentioned: 1879 May 13

Unknown Letter From: 1876 Jan 24

Vancleaves, Mat - Jane's sister Matt and her husband Oliver Odom live with the Vancleaves in 1879.

Vandegriff, Major-Ranger wrote Hardin from Austin that Jane had started for his mother's home in October 1878. Mentioned: 1878 Oct 10, 21

Wad-Has been identified as Wes but the text of the letter indicates it is more likely written to a person living and working in the free world. The 1880 Gonzales County Census lists a Wadkin Ellis, a 45 year old farmer, living near the Bowens. Letter To: 1882 Nov 26

Waller, Bill-Ranger that hunted Hardin after the Webb killing. Mentioned: 1878 Oct 20

Webb, Charles-Deputy Sheriff of Brown County killed by Hardin on April 1874. Hardin received a sentence for 25 years in the penitentiary for the killing. Mentioned: 1877 Oct 26, 29, Nov 21, undated, Dec 5; 1888 Jun 24; 1889 Jul 14

West, M.L. – Bondsman in Floresville, TX. Letters From : 1894 Oct 15 Whattley, D.A. Superintendent of State Penitentiaries, Huntsville. Letters From: 1891 Aug 4; White, Mr. - mentioned in letter from Mattie Odom in 1882. He might move out west Mentioned: 1882 Oct 4

Willard, E. E.-City Clerk in Jacksonville Florida who records Hardin's (alias Swain) payments on a stall in the meat market. Letters From: 1876, May 1 (2)

Wilson, Frank-Deputy sheriff of Comanche County present at Webb killing. Mentioned: 1877, Sep 9; 1878 Oct 4, Oct 27

Wingate, J.F. – Prison mate of J.W. Hardin Letters From : 1894 Oct 21

Wright family - Friends of Jane's. Mattie Odom tells Jane to say hello Mentioned: 1881 Dec 14; 1882 Jan 18, Feb 26