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Books about Porter Rockwell

Porter Rockwell: A Biography

By on April 3, 2017 in

Read the true story of Brigham Young’s bodyguard – a man history (and Hollywood) has completely overlooked – the only man to kill more outlaws than Wyatt Earp, Doc Holladay, Tom Horn, and Batt masterson . . . combined. A man who believed from a blessing he received from Joseph Smith that if he never cut his hair he could never die in a fight. Assassins ambushed him, but no one could kill him, as confirmed by the Deseret News in 1918, stating he had passed through dangers “unscathed, as numerous as those recorded in the most lurid fiction” after it had interviewed numerous settlers who had known him.

Gunfighters traveled hundreds of miles to “get him” – none succeeded. Outlaws actually sang compfire ballads about him. Latter-day Saints are proud to view him as a folk hero. Reading this book allows us to see what a real hero is. Famed British journalist Jules Remy wrote in 1861, “He is the stuff from which heroes are wrought. It is he who is ever at hand where there is a sacrifice to be made which can be of advantage to the oppressed.” Richard Lloyd Dewey quotes hundreds of original sources – journals, letters, and court records – some from sources never before tapped – and weaves them all together in fascinating form.

In the process he clarifies the controversies, dispels the shadows, and melts away the myriads of anti-Mormon myths. Journalistic, fast-flowing writing sweeps you through explosive early Mormon history with charm and style. He reports little known events and unravels a bizarre yet faith-promoting tale. The Deseret News of 1986 reports, “The writing is slick and the pace is fast. Dewey has done his homework.” It’s a story told with breadth and feeling . . . the most intriguing, ACCURATE account yet of Orrin Porter Rockwell. Also the most comprehensive, by far. As the definitive work on him, this fascinating, epic biography is as exciting to read as a first-rate novel. Beautifully illustrated by western artist Clark Kelley Price.

  • Hardcover: 593 pages
  • Publisher: Paramount Books (UT); Later Printing edition (June 1, 1986)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0961602406
  • ISBN-13: 978-0961602406
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.9 inches
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Rockwell: U. S. Marshal – A Novel

By on April 3, 2017 in

A complex and fascinating character, Porter Rockwell procured a gunfighting legend still unmatched in American history and lore. Richard Lloyd Dewey has fleshed out Rockwell’s character with savvy, backed by research from his own definitive work in this 1987 Novel.

  • Hardcover: 216 pages
  • Publisher: Paramount Books (UT); First Edition edition (November 1987)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0961602422
  • ISBN-13: 978-0961602420
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
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Stories from the Life of Porter Rockwell Audio CD

By on April 3, 2017 in

When Orrin Porter Rockwell died of a heart attack in 1878, his name was as well known as Brigham Young’s. Cowboys sang songs about him, and newspapers had frequently printed scandalous accounts about the malicious Mormon destroying angel. But to many, Rockwell was a guardian angel, and it could easily be said that he saved far more lives than he took. It seems history tells two contrasting narratives about one of the West’s most controversial men.

Yes, at times Porter Rockwell could act violently, yet he was overly generous to those in need. At least two dozen people died at his hand, yet in every instance he was exonerated. As the ninth person baptized into the restored Church, Porter was central to the early growth of the Church, even though he was never called to a position of leadership. He was called a saint and a sinner, a lawman and a criminal, a hero and a villain. Indians feared him, saying he was impossible to kill, but some people traveled hundreds of miles to try. Although his death by natural causes likely disappointed the many outlaws seeking his life, it also fulfilled a prophecy given by Joseph Smith that no bullet or blade would ever harm Porter Rockwell.

A friend of Joseph Smith’s since childhood and later his bodyguard, Rockwell saved the life of the Prophet more than once. Porter also served as a bodyguard to Brigham Young and helped guide the first pioneers across the plains to the Salt Lake valley. He became a legend as a frontiersman, a marksman, and a man of iron nerve. And though many outsiders characterized Porter Rockwell as a notorious, vengeful murderer, those who knew him saw a protector, a miraculous healer, and a loyal friend.

Stories From the Life of Porter Rockwell is not a biography, nor is it fiction. It is a collection of accounts about Porter Rockwell that provide insight into his character, his incredible physical stamina and skill, and his devotion to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. While others of his time acted differently than he, his life was a legitimate and lawful response to the world in which he lived. These are the stories that his contemporaries found significant.

About the Author

John W. Rockwell has spent his life teaching students history, especially U.S. history and the history of the Wild West. He received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the National Honors Society in 2008. John has also worked on the Lehi City Historical Preservation Commission and has been involved in historical restoration and preservation projects throughout Lehi, Utah. Jerry Borrowman is an award winning author of World War II coauthored biographies, including Three Against Hitler with Rudi Wobbe and A distant Prayer with Joseph Banks. He’s also a best-selling fiction writer, having written the popular four-book series stating with the world war I novel Til the Boy’s Come Home, and the Depression-era novel One Last Chance.

  • Audio CD (2CDs)
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (May 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1608610063
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608610068
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Stories from the Life of Porter Rockwell DVD

By on April 3, 2017 in

When Orrin Porter Rockwell died of a heart attack in 1878, his name was as well known as Brigham Young’s. Cowboys sang songs about him, and newspapers had frequently printed scandalous accounts about the malicious Mormon destroying angel. But to many, Rockwell was a guardian angel, and it could easily be said that he saved far more lives than he took. It seems history tells two contrasting narratives about one of the West’s most controversial men.

Yes, at times Porter Rockwell could act violently, yet he was overly generous to those in need. At least two dozen people died at his hand, yet in every instance he was exonerated. As the ninth person baptized into the restored Church, Porter was central to the early growth of the Church, even though he was never called to a position of leadership. He was called a saint and a sinner, a lawman and a criminal, a hero and a villain. Indians feared him, saying he was impossible to kill, but some people traveled hundreds of miles to try. Although his death by natural causes likely disappointed the many outlaws seeking his life, it also fulfilled a prophecy given by Joseph Smith that no bullet or blade would ever harm Porter Rockwell.

A friend of Joseph Smith’s since childhood and later his bodyguard, Rockwell saved the life of the Prophet more than once. Porter also served as a bodyguard to Brigham Young and helped guide the first pioneers across the plains to the Salt Lake valley. He became a legend as a frontiersman, a marksman, and a man of iron nerve. And though many outsiders characterized Porter Rockwell as a notorious, vengeful murderer, those who knew him saw a protector, a miraculous healer, and a loyal friend.

Stories From the Life of Porter Rockwell is not a biography, nor is it fiction. It is a collection of accounts about Porter Rockwell that provide insight into his character, his incredible physical stamina and skill, and his devotion to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. While others of his time acted differently than he, his life was a legitimate and lawful response to the world in which he lived. These are the stories that his contemporaries found significant.

  • Format: DVD
  • Region: Region
  • Publisher: Issimo Productions Film
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Stories from the Life of Porter Rockwell Book

By on April 3, 2017 in

When Orrin Porter Rockwell died of a heart attack in 1878, his name was as well known as Brigham Young’s. Cowboys sang songs about him, and newspapers had frequently printed scandalous accounts about the malicious Mormon destroying angel. But to many, Rockwell was a guardian angel, and it could easily be said that he saved far more lives than he took. It seems history tells two contrasting narratives about one of the West’s most controversial men.

Yes, at times Porter Rockwell could act violently, yet he was overly generous to those in need. At least two dozen people died at his hand, yet in every instance he was exonerated. As the ninth person baptized into the restored Church, Porter was central to the early growth of the Church, even though he was never called to a position of leadership. He was called a saint and a sinner, a lawman and a criminal, a hero and a villain. Indians feared him, saying he was impossible to kill, but some people traveled hundreds of miles to try. Although his death by natural causes likely disappointed the many outlaws seeking his life, it also fulfilled a prophecy given by Joseph Smith that no bullet or blade would ever harm Porter Rockwell.

A friend of Joseph Smith’s since childhood and later his bodyguard, Rockwell saved the life of the Prophet more than once. Porter also served as a bodyguard to Brigham Young and helped guide the first pioneers across the plains to the Salt Lake valley. He became a legend as a frontiersman, a marksman, and a man of iron nerve. And though many outsiders characterized Porter Rockwell as a notorious, vengeful murderer, those who knew him saw a protector, a miraculous healer, and a loyal friend.

Stories From the Life of Porter Rockwell is not a biography, nor is it fiction. It is a collection of accounts about Porter Rockwell that provide insight into his character, his incredible physical stamina and skill, and his devotion to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. While others of his time acted differently than he, his life was a legitimate and lawful response to the world in which he lived. These are the stories that his contemporaries found significant.

 

About the Author

John W. Rockwell has spent his life teaching students history, especially U.S. history and the history of the Wild West. He received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the National Honors Society in 2008. John has also worked on the Lehi City Historical Preservation Commission and has been involved in historical restoration and preservation projects throughout Lehi, Utah. Jerry Borrowman is an award winning author of World War II coauthored biographies, including Three Against Hitler with Rudi Wobbe and A distant Prayer with Joseph Banks. He’s also a best-selling fiction writer, having written the popular four-book series stating with the world war I novel Til the Boy’s Come Home, and the Depression-era novel One Last Chance.

  • Hardcover: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (May 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1608610055
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608610051
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches
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The Porter Rockwell Chronicles, Vol. 4

By on April 3, 2017 in

Volume 4 continues the epic story, revealing Rockwell’s first 10 years in Utah, where he joyously reunites with his daughter Emily, takes on the U.S. Army in a guerilla war, and enters a new phase of adventures as U.S. Deputy Marshal.

When the U.S. Army invades their new territory, he courageously leads a band of guerilla fighters to face a huge invading force with surprising results. These scenes are all accurately depicted in this splendid work of well-researched historical fiction.

  • Series: Porter Rockwell Chronicles
  • Hardcover: 570 pages
  • Publisher: Stratford Books; 2nd edition (December 1, 2002)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 096160249X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0961602499
  • Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.8 x 9.3 inches
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The Porter Rockwell Chronicles, Vol. 3

By on April 3, 2017 in

The final three years of life in Nauvoo are accurately detailed in Volume 3 – – gun battles with mobs, the murder of Rockwell’s best friend, Joseph Smith, and his wife leaving him and remarrying, taking his beloved daughter Emily from him, which tears him apart. Porter must bid a heartbroken farewell as he and the Mormons are driven from Nauvoo and flee West.

As chief scout and hunter, he will help his people survive, crossing the plains to the Great Salt Lake, where he can put his life back together and help fight off the lawless once again.

  • Series: Porter Rockwell chronicles
  • Hardcover: 527 pages
  • Publisher: Stratford Books (October 1, 2001)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0961602481
  • ISBN-13: 978-0961602482
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.7 inches
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The Porter Rockwell Chronicles, Vol. 2

By on April 3, 2017 in

Volume 2 covers the turbulent first four years in Nauvoo, Illinois, where Porter Rockwell continues to fight mobs and is assigned as Joseph Smith s bodyguard.

They make an unusual visit to the White House to visit the President of the United States, Martin van Buren, and then return home to face domestic turmoil and enemies determined to kill them.

Note that only the printed editon – not the eBook version – contains in the second half of this volume a photographic essay of Nauvoo, the places and streets that Rockwell loved and fought for.

  • Hardcover: 452 pages
  • Publisher: Stratford Books, L.C.; 4th edition (January 1, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0929753178
  • ISBN-13: 978-0929753171
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
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The Porter Rockwell Chronicles, Vol. 1

By on April 3, 2017 in

This best-selling, historically accurate novel series renders Porter’s life in story form, bringing it alive for adults and teens alike. (While Volume 1 sets the stage for the series, Volumes 2-4 engage readers more completely as Porter’s life becomes increasingly dangerous and interesting.)

Volume 1 begins with his childhood years in New York, where he becomes best friends with the future Mormon prophet Joseph Smith. The story continues through Porter’s settlement with the Mormons in Missouri, where he fights against mobs and falls in love with a vivacious young woman.

Readers witness his humorous courtship, as he is determined to marry her. He meanwhile proves himself in friendship and loyalty to his neighbors, and even as a teen becomes their protector. In a surprise move, the young woman he loves agrees to marry him.

Based on solid research from the best-selling biography by the author, Dewey proves himself a capable novelist as well as best-selling biographer.

First hardcover printing sold out in only 8 days. Now in 5th Hardcover Printing and in E-book.

  • Series: Porter Rockwell Chronicles (Book 1)
  • Hardcover: 486 pages
  • Publisher: Stratford Books; 5th edition (January 1, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 092975316X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0929753164
  • Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.7 x 9 inches
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Orrin Porter Rockwell: Man of God, Son of Thunder

By on May 29, 2014 in

The legend of the Destroying Angel of Mormondom was well established by the time of his death, of natural causes, in 1878. Travelers sang ballads about him as they gathered around their campfires at night. Mothers used his name to frighten children into obedience. He was accused of literally hundreds of murders, all in the name of the Mormon Church.

Yet behind all the myth was a man, a human being. Orrin Porter Rockwell believed in his prophet, Joseph Smith. He spent most of a year chained in an Independence dungeon for his belief, then walked across Missouri to Nauvoo, stumbling into Joseph’s house on Christmas Day. Joseph said to him then, “Cut not thy hair and no bullet or blade can harm thee,” and the legend was born.

Rockwell continued to serve the leaders of his church—as hunter, guide, messenger, scout, guerilla, emissary to the Indians, and lawman. He traveled thousands of miles, raised three families, accumulated land and wealth—and favorably impressed almost everyone who met him. But although he walked with presidents and generals, scholars and scoundrels, in a life lived at the center of many of the great events of the American frontier, he has remained an enigma, a source of continuing controversy.

Harold Schindler’s remarkable investigative skills led him into literally thousands of unlikely places in his search for the truth about Rockwell. Dale L. Morgan, one of the west’s foremost historians, called the first edition “…an impressive job of research, one of the most impressive in recent memory, in the Mormon field. Mr. Schindler has shown great energy and sagacity in dealing with a difficult, highly controversial subject; and he has also made maximum use of the latest scholarship and newly available archival resources.”

But the author was not satisfied until he had probed even more deeply, and this revised and enlarged second edition contains greatly expanded documentation as well as textual additions that flesh out the characters and events of this classic drama of early America.

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