An Ounce - For Your Consideration
Discover hidden stories from history—bite-sized, clever tales that challenge what you thought you knew. At An Ounce, we uncover the little moments that quietly changed everything, surprising truths, and fascinating facts you won’t hear elsewhere.
I’m Jim Fugate—retired firefighter, lifelong learner, and an outside-the-box thinker who loves sharing history’s hidden gems. These quick, engaging stories don’t take themselves too seriously, won’t steal your precious time, and might just make you feel a little bit smarter.
I hope you’ll join a community of curious minds who enjoy a fresh take on history—where conversation is always open and everyone’s invited.
An Ounce - For Your Consideration
What Made this Warrior Vulnerable?
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