This image was used as the frontispiece illustration in the book The Notorious Ashley Gang, by Hix Cook Stuart (originally published in 1928 by St. Lucie Printing Company, Stuart Florida). Clockwise starting at top: John Ashley, Hanford Mobley, Clarence Middleton, Roy "Young" Matthews, Ray Lynn. Center: John Ashley and Laura Upthegrove, labeled "The King and Queen of the Everglades."
However, the middle image does not actually feature Laura Upthegrove and John Ashley. According to researchers Stephen Carr and Chessy Ricca, supported by interviews with Laura's niece Lisa Upthegrove Murtaugh, author Hix Stuart paid Laura's sister Evie and her husband to pose for this photo. There is a similarly posed authentic photo of Laura Upthegrove and John Ashley; perhaps the goal was to reenact this image.
