Hanging Judge Roy Bean DS "He pulled out his pistol and fired 2 shots", Important Texas Document with Original Photos

1p, measuring 7.75" x 9.75", Langtry, Texas, dated December 23, 1889. A signed and endorsed witness statement by William Gannon related to the arrest of Royal B. Trent. Bean has signed at the conclusion of the document, "Sworn to before me Roy Bean." Gannon claimed to have seen the following event:

"…I went into the office as I came out I met Wm Cox. I walked as far as the truck I heard a man Holler - Guage I looked around and saw Wm Cox run in the direction of Guage Beans House Roy. B. Trent running after him he pulled out his pistols and fired two shots at him. Question by Roy. B. Trent. Was he running towards Guage Beans House. Answer. Yes he was running across the track." This witness statement may have been used in court as an arrest warrant for was issued for Trent on September 23, 1889, and executed on the 27th.

Accompanying the statement are two original photographs of Bean and his saloon/courthouse. The first, measuring 5" x 7", is a portrait of Judge Bean produced by Leash & Co., Texas. Although undated, the image is a fantastic piece, capturing an older-looking Bean dressed in a three-piece suit with a large watch chain. The second, measuring 8" x 5", is of Bean's old "Jersey Lilly" saloon and courthouse, taken several years after his death. With a stamp on verso stating it is a print from N.H. Rose, photographer. There is some light toning to the statement, with flattened folds. Boldly signed. Photographs have worn corners, very displayable.

Roy Bean (1825-1903) was a Texan saloon-keeper and Justice of the Peace in Val Verde County, Texas. A colorful character, he called himself 'The Law West of the Pecos' and held court right in his saloon, The Jersey Lilly. Bean started his service in 1882 and was known for interpreting the law by his own methods and settling all cases with fines, the majority of which he kept. Despite his post-mortem reputation as being a hanging judge, Bean only sentenced two men to hang, one of whom escaped, during his near 15-year tenure.

Provenance:
1. John Tackett Archives
2. Jim and Theresa Earle Collection
3. Bonhams Los Angeles

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!