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
02:40 – The Prophecy & the Hair
04:03 – The Widow & the Wig
05:38 – Fallout & Faith
06:49 – Legend & Legacy
07:58 – An Ounce
References:
LDS Church History: Rockwell Prophecy & Loyalty
Details 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=eng
Fact vs. Folklore – Rockwell’s Reputation & Haircut for Agnes
Explores 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/94474
General Biography of Porter Rockwell (Wikipedia)
Overview of his early life, Danite association, lawman role, and mythic status.
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_Rockwell
Rockwell's Hair Donation to Agnes Coolbrith Smith
References 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=eng
Danites Context and Origins
Historical context and analysis of the Danite organization and its role in early LDS history.
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danite
Rockwell’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/rockwell
Credits: 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
10 second pre-roll promo for An Ounce Podcast on YouTube
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