EPISODE · Jun 19, 2025 · 9 MIN
What Made this Warrior Vulnerable?
from An Ounce - For Your Consideration · host Jim Fugate
Orrin Porter Rockwell, bodyguard to Joseph Smith and feared legend of the American West. He is ‘Mormon’ (LDS) folk hero; is a historical legend, and was said to be invincible—as long as he never cut his hair. But in 1855, he picked up a pair of scissors. Why? This episode reveals a stunning moment of tenderness from a man known more for bullets than kindness. A story of faith, myth, and one sacred gesture you won’t forget.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:56 – A Man Called Rockwell02:40 – The Prophecy & the Hair04:03 – The Widow & the Wig05:38 – Fallout & Faith06:49 – Legend & Legacy07:58 – An OunceReferences:LDS Church History: Rockwell Prophecy & LoyaltyDetails Joseph Smith’s prophecy and Rockwell’s unwavering loyalty.Source: The Church Historian’s blog.URL: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-orrin-porter-rockwell?lang=engFact vs. Folklore – Rockwell’s Reputation & Haircut for AgnesExplores verified and legendary accounts, including the wig story and behavior after cutting his hair.Source: LDS Living article featuring input from Church History Library.URL: https://www.ldsliving.com/the-most-famous-porter-rockwell-stories-fact-or-fiction-church-history-library-explains/s/94474General Biography of Porter Rockwell (Wikipedia)Overview of his early life, Danite association, lawman role, and mythic status.URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_RockwellRockwell's Hair Donation to Agnes Coolbrith SmithReferences common questions about the life of Rockwell. Item 2 of the article addresses the hair donation.Https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-orrin-porter-rockwell?lang=engDanites Context and OriginsHistorical context and analysis of the Danite organization and its role in early LDS history.URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DaniteRockwell’s Legendary Status (Badass of the Week)Stylized but surprisingly well-sourced summary of Rockwell’s lawman years and rugged survival.URL: https://www.badassoftheweek.com/rockwellCredits: Several images and video were sourced from iStock and Getty, additional sources include Wikimedia, Picryl, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Music: from the YouTube Audio Library – Frog Kiss the Peat by Dan Lebowitz, Dance of the Mammoths by The Whole Other, Cats Searching for the Truth by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
What this episode covers
Orrin Porter Rockwell, bodyguard to Joseph Smith and feared legend of the American West. He is ‘Mormon’ (LDS) folk hero; is a historical legend, and was said to be invincible—as long as he never cut his hair. But in 1855, he picked up a pair of scissors. Why? This episode reveals a stunning moment of tenderness from a man known more for bullets than kindness. A story of faith, myth, and one sacred gesture you won’t forget. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:56 – A Man Called Rockwell 02...
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What Made this Warrior Vulnerable?
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