John Wesley Hardin, a notorious Old West outlaw and gunslinger, led a life filled with gun slinging, dueling, gambling, and drinking. Despite being the son of a Methodist preacher, Hardin’s quick temper often landed him in trouble. The American Civil War deeply affected him, fueling his strong hatred for freed slaves. Hardin quickly gained a reputation as one of the Wild West’s most dangerous killers, with his first victim falling at the young age of 15. Evading authorities and leaving a trail of shootouts and cold-blooded kills, he is believed to have taken the lives of over 30 individuals before turning 23. While imprisoned, Hardin studied law and theological literature, eventually passing the bar exam upon his release. He practiced law in Texas, but his old ways soon resurfaced, leading to his untimely demise in a gambling saloon.
Quick Facts
- Died At Age: 42
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Carolyn Jane, Carolyn Jane “Callie” Lewis (m. 1895–1895), Jane Bowen (m. 1872–1892)
- Father: James Hardin
- Mother: Mary Elizabeth Dixson
- Children: Jane Hardin, John Wesley Hardin, Jr., Mary Elizabeth Billings
- Murderers
- American Men
- Died on: August 19, 1895
- Place of death: El Paso, Texas, United States
Childhood & Early Life
John Wesley Hardin was born in Bonham, Fannin County, Texas on May 26, 1853, to James Gibson Hardin and Mary Elizabeth Dixson. He was the second surviving son of 10 children. His father, a circuit-riding Methodist preacher, lawyer, and teacher, named him after John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Hardin’s family moved frequently during his childhood, living in various places such as Moscow, Polk County, and Sumpter, Trinity County. In 1861, they settled in Livingston, Polk County, where his father practiced law and taught at a school. After the American Civil War, they returned to Sumpter in 1865.
As a Fugitive
In 1867, Hardin attacked a bigger boy who had teased him for vandalizing the school’s wall. He used a knife, but the boy survived. At the age of 15 in 1868, Hardin killed his first victim, Mage, a former slave. He then became a fugitive after the Civil War, as Texas was under Union Army occupation and he believed he would not receive a fair trial for his murder. He lived in Pisgah, Navarra County, and committed more killings, including the murder of Benjamin Bradley in Towash, Hill Country, Texas, and another man in a gunfight at a circus in Horn Hill, Limestone County. In 1871, he was arrested for the murder of Waco Texas Town Marshal Laban John Hoffman but escaped while being escorted to trial. Hardin continued his violent acts, killing three Mexican cowboys in Abilene, Kansas, and getting involved with Town Marshal Wild Bill Hickok. He gained a reputation as a “mean man” after shooting a rancher friend, Charles Couger, in a hotel. Hardin escaped arrest by fleeing through a window and never returned to Abilene. He killed two Texas Special Policemen in October 1871.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In August 1872, Hardin was injured during a gambling dispute and decided to surrender. He was arrested by Sheriff Reagan of Cherokee County, Texas, but later escaped from jail. He continued his killing spree, including the murders of DeWitt County Deputy Sheriff J.B. Morgan and County Sheriff Jack Helm. Hardin relocated to Florida and changed his name to “Swain.” On his 21st birthday, he killed Brown Country Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb in a saloon in Comanche, Texas. A reward was announced for his arrest, and he was eventually confronted and arrested by local authorities and rangers in Pensacola, Florida. Hardin was wanted in multiple Texas counties for murder and assault with intent to murder.
Life After Trial
In 1878, Hardin was tried for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He made several escape attempts but eventually adapted to prison life. During his time in prison, he studied theology and law. After serving 15 years and 5 months, he was pardoned by Texas Governor Jim Hogg in 1894 for good behavior. Hardin returned to Gonzales, Texas, passed the bar exam, and obtained a license to practice law. He later moved to El Paso, where he set up a law practice and became involved with McRose, the wife of another outlaw.
Family & Personal Life
John Wesley Hardin married Jane Bowen in 1872, and they had three children together. Jane passed away in 1892 while Hardin was serving his prison sentence. He later married a 15-year-old girl named Callie Lewis in 1895, but the marriage ended quickly. Hardin was shot and killed by police officer John Selman in a saloon in El Paso on August 19, 1895.
Trivia
Despite being one of the most notorious killers of the Old West, Hardin was known for exaggerating and making up stories about his life. He had a reputation for being a gentleman among those who knew him and claimed that he only killed those who deserved it.