"That few people are familiar with Texas outlaw John Wesley Hardin, while nearly everyone knows about Billy the Kid or Jesse James can be explained in one word: Hollywood. Yet, Wes Hardin (as he was known) was widely considered the most lethal gunfighter of his time. His speed and skill with revolvers were phenomenal. His coolness and bravery under fire was legendary. He had no equal. How many men fell before Hardin's blazing guns? Nobody knows for sure, but it is said to be somewhere between twenty-seven and forty, perhaps more. Hardin was personable, intelligent, and articulate. He had strong family values and was loyal to friends, but he was a fighting man who showed no remorse for killing. Wes Hardin became the most wanted fugitive of his time and eventually fled Texas and was later captured in Florida by Texas Rangers. He spent nearly sixteen years in Huntsville prison. While incarcerated he proved to be difficult and was repeatedly punished before settling down. After his release he drifted to El Paso and started raising hell in the local watering-holes. He was murdered by a policeman on August 19, 1895 while rolling dice for drinks in a downtown bar"-- Provided by publisher.
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