Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin Marker

Inscription. John Wesley Hardin was one of the most notorious outlaws of the old west and Charlie Webb was a Brown County sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed by Hardin. Charlie Webb was a Texas Ranger and served Brown and San Saba Counties. In 1874 Webb had been appointed deputy sheriff in Brown County with instructions to go after the Hardin-Taylor gang who operated in the southern portions of Comanche and Brown Counties. John Wesley Hardin was an outlaw who was aligned with Jim Taylor and his anti-reconstruction faction. Hardin fled DeWitt and Gonzales Counties after killing Sheriff Jack Helm. Taylor and Hardin went on a cattle drive to Brown and Comanche Counties where the Hardin gang had a reputation for lawlessness.

On May 26, 1874, Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin were both in Comanche. Having a good day and winning money, cattle, wagons and horses, Hardin was celebrating in local saloons. Outside of Jack Wright's saloon, Hardin shot and killed Webb. Witnesses stated that Hardin was the first to draw. Hardin fled Texas with his wife and child and was on the run for three years. Texas Rangers and the Pinkerton men captured

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Hardin in Florida and he was extradited back to Texas to stand trial. Hardin was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to twenty-five years in the state penitentiary in Huntsville. While in prison Hardin studied law and when released after fifteen years began a law practice in El Paso. Hardin was killed on August 19, 1895 in the El Paso Acme Saloon and is buried in Concordia Cemetery. Charlie Webb is buried in Brownwood's Greenleaf Cemetery in the Masonic section.

Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17341.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is May 26, 1874.

Location. 31° 42.326′ N, 98° 59.885′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is on U.S. 377. The marker is located in the northern section of the Greenleaf Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2615 US-377, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

The view of the Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin Marker in the cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. The view of the Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin Marker in the cemetery

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Henry Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenleaf Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert E. Howard (approx. ¼ mile away); "Hey Paula" (approx. 1.1 miles away); Howard Payne University (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Rev. Dr. John David Robnett (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Rev. Noah Turner Byars (approx. 1.1 miles away); R. B. Rogers House (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Also see . . . Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb. Officer Down Memorial Page

Deputy Charles Webb was shot and killed by a notorious outlaw wanted for murder, robbery, and cattle rustling. He had encountered the suspect outside of a local saloon and a gunfight ensued. Deputy Webb was able to shoot the man in the side before being shot in the head. As he fell two accomplices continued to shoot him.

(Submitted on June 8, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 638 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.