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Infamous Texas!
Stories of outlaws and colorful characters make for sensational headlines. When public interest is picqued, legends and folk heroes often arise. Archives document the hard facts, challenges, and occasional myths concerning some of the state’s most infamous “outlaws.”
Exhibit Items
L.B. Wright to Governor of Texas, August 16, 1873, Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Back of Page 3. Governor Edmund Jackson Davis records, 2014/110-27.
In this letter, Yorktown justice of the peace L.B. Wright reports the murders of James Cox and “Crissman,” by a party of about 40 men led by outlaws John Wesley Hardin and Brown Bowen. He also reports that the party surrounded Captain Joseph Tomlinson’s house and held it for two days. Click or tap on thumbnail and links for larger images.
David Holderman to Governor of Texas, September 1, 1874, Page 1, Page 2, Page 3. Governor Richard Coke records, 2014/123-1.
David Holderman writes regarding the murder of his son, Thomas, and asks for a bigger reward to be offered for Brown Bowen who “was broken out of jail by the John Wesley Hardin Party.” A note on the back of the letter from Governor Coke states that he can honor Governor Davis’s $600 reward but not more. Selected by Tiffany Criswell, Archivist. The two letters demonstrate the harm perpetrated by outlaws. Reconstruction-era governors were left to grapple with a dangerous frontier and keep citizens safe while rebuilding the state’s economy and morale. Click or tap on thumbnail and links for larger images.
Gregorio Cortez, March 15, 1905. William Deming Hornaday photograph collection, 1975/070-5237.
Gregorio Cortez became famous in 1901 for his run-in with Texas law enforcement. A Karnes County Sheriff shot Gregorio’s brother while questioning the two about a nearby horse thief. Cortez shot back and killed the sheriff. The search for him lasted 10 days, covering miles of south Texas ground. The story of Cortez spread, particularly through its rendition into a Spanish folk ballad. Selected by Maria Barker, Library Assistant. Cortez is a significant figure because of his celebrity as a sole Mexican American farmer who thwarted Texas authorities. Click or tap on thumbnails for larger images.
Summary of Costs from the District Court of Maricopa County, Arizona Territory, January 30, 1900. Ranger Records, Texas Adjutant General's Department, 401-1166.
This receipt was sent to Texas from the District Court of Maricopa County, Arizona Territory for the arrest, imprisonment, and transfer of an individual. The record was filed with the quartermaster records of the Frontier Battalion. The agent listed is John W. Matthews, a Texas Ranger. Selected by Richard Gilreath, Reference Archivist. This record illustrates the challenges of law enforcement across state boundaries in the early twentieth century. Click or tap on thumbnails for larger image.
Convict Record Ledger, Texas Department of Criminal Justice records, April 21, 1930. 1998/038-164.
This convict ledger documents individuals who entered the State prison system. Clyde Barrow, one half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde gang, is one of those documented. Barrow was assigned convict number 63527. His entry details his appearance, drinking habits, the nature of his crime, and ultimate fate. Selected by Laura Saegert, Assistant State Archivist. This is a great historical record and an excellent source for genealogical information about the convicts listed. Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
Conduct Register, Texas Department of Criminal Justice records, April 21, 1930. 1998/038-213.
This receipt was sent to Texas from the District Court of Maricopa County, Arizona Territory for the arrest, imprisonment, and transfer of an individual. The record was filed with the quartermaster records of the Frontier Battalion. The agent listed is John W. Matthews, a Texas Ranger. Selected by Richard Gilreath, Reference Archivist. This record illustrates the challenges of law enforcement across state boundaries in the early twentieth century. Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.