John Wesley Hardin

: For entries on other people named John Wesley, see John Wesley (disambiguation).

Biographical Details

Born in Bonham, Texas, to James G. Hardin (a Methodist preacher) and Elizabeth Hardin, he grew up during the trying times of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. At the age of 15, Hardin committed his first murder, the shooting of a black man. After admitting this crime to his father, he was urged by his family to flee. His killing spree began in earnest in his flight, during which he killed at least one Union soldier and possibly more. Surfacing on the Chisholm Trail, Hardin continued killing men over all manner of personal disagreements. He famously claimed that he never killed a man that didn't need killing.

Related Topics:
Bonham, Texas - Methodist - American Civil War - Reconstruction - Union - Chisholm Trail

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The 1874 murder of a sheriff in Comanche, Texas, led to another fugitive period, until the Texas Rangers captured Hardin in 1877. He was tried for the murder, convicted, and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Seventeen years later, Hardin was pardoned by Governor Jim Hogg and released from prison on March 16, 1894. He moved to El Paso, Texas, where he began practicing law. In the middle of a dice game at the Acme Saloon, he was murdered by John Selman over a personal disagreement—Hardin was having an affair with his wife.

Related Topics:
1874 - Comanche, Texas - Texas Rangers - 1877 - Pardon - Jim Hogg - 1894 - El Paso, Texas - Law

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After his death, an autobiography was released containing Hardin's accounts of many of his murders.

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