Rare and original 1914 Texas State Penitentiary escaped convict wanted poster for Mose Gage, an African American laborer from Houston convicted of assault to murder in Harris County and sentenced to three years. He escaped from Harlem State Farm in Richmond, Texas, on August 16, 1914.

Typed description on original official prison-issued reward flyer includes Gage’s full physical details, including identifying scars and marks: “cut scar above left eyebrow, corner left eyebrow, large birthmark left arm.” Also notes his occupation as laborer, tobacco use, and residence at 813 Burkemeir St., Houston, Texas. Mentions his brother, Joe Gage, as a contact.

Includes two exceptional 4" x 5" silver gelatin mug shot prints—frontal and profile portraits mounted above the typed sheet. Strong clarity and contrast. Both photos show Gage in a light-colored coat with buttoned collar, staring directly into the camera in the front view with a hardened expression.

Mounted on original prison file sheet, 9 1/2” x 11 1/4”, with edge wear and minor tears consistent with age and use. An uncommon and historically important document tied to the Jim Crow-era Texas prison system.