Outlaw and gunfighter (1853–1895). One of the most feared gunmen in Texas, when Hardin went to prison in 1878, he claimed to have killed 42 men. His supporters said “Hardin never killed a man that didn’t need killing,” though Hardin himself admitted to killing a man just for snoring. Ultimately, Hardin was shot and killed in the Acme saloon while playing dice. Very rare manuscript DS signed “John W. Hardin” on a lined white 4 x 2.25 ledger sheet, dated May 3, 1895, eleven weeks to the day before he was shot down. A bar bill bearing the stamp of “The Wigwam, 106 San Antonio, M. Collins, Prop.,” stating that Hardin’s tab is $1.50; he settles this and apparently pays a slightly larger amount in advance. Archivally triple matted and framed with a full-length portrait of Hardin to an overall size of 11.75 x 17. Brushing to the tally, not affecting the signature, and a hole to the upper left corner, otherwise fine condition.
