Left Behind Wes Hardin’s wife suffered during his imprisonment.

The exploits of Old West notables usually obscure the stories of their loved ones. Case in point: John Wesley Hardin. When he started a 25-year prison term in 1878, left behind his wife Jane and three young children. They were left destitute, so they had to live with a family friend. In return for her room and board Jane worked by cooking, cleaning and sewing for the host family. The children also helped with chores.

Jane’s health faded in the 1890s and she died of TB in 1892. Newspapers said she was well-respected in the community.