Bill Wharton

Bill Wharton, taken from a tintype

Some friends recently brought by this great old portrait of Bill Wharton.  I'd seen something similar, but as a drawing.  It took me a while to remember: this fellow was mentioned in J. Evetts Haley's book "Charles Schreiner General Merchandise," and the illustration in that book is taken from this image.
Re-reading the account of Bill Wharton confirms he was quite a character.  He and his wife "Aunt Lou" settled about halfway between Kerrville and Rocksprings, and their home was known for its kind hospitality.