These days you watch a movie or the news about the President of the United States and you see the polished secret service men and women who protect our nation’s leader. They wear dark suits and ties with hidden communication devices. Their hair is clean cut and they are in excellent physical shape. That’s not exactly the visual that comes to mind when you think of Joseph Smith’s bodyguard, Porter Rockwell.
A new documentary DVD about Rockwell (Stories from the Life of Porter Rockwell) details some stories about his life. His appearance was that of a wild unkempt man. He kept his hair long and could often be heard to swear. He knew Joseph as boys and he remained loyal to Joseph his whole life. He went on to protect Brigham Young after Joseph’s death.
Though it’s hard to picture him running along side an armored limousine, he was just as fierce a protector of the Prophet as the Secret Service is today of the President. The story goes that he was jailed for killing Governor Boggs and then after suffering in terrible conditions was found innocent and released. While in prison he prayed for Joseph. He was worried about his friend. When he was released he returned to where the saints were and crashed a party at Joseph’s place. At first the prophet didn’t recognize him. But when he did he prophesied that if Porter did not cut his hair no man would be able to kill him. Like Samson of old he was blessed with great strength. He was protected. Word got around about his indestructibility and some men came to try to kill him but none succeeded.
Some called him the “Mormon Destroying Angel.” He himself admitted that he “never killed anyone who didn’t need killin.’” He’s not what you think of when considering a disciple of Christ, and his life was very different from ours today, but we can still learn from his example.
We can learn a couple other lessons as well. First, don’t judge a book by its cover. Porter Rockwell was kind and generous and loyal to those he loved, and at the same time tough and fierce to his enemies. Second, not all heroes are polished Supermen out doing deeds for all to see. Sometimes it’s the small quiet things that are truly heroic. And thirdly, stay true to God and to the Church and you will never need to fear. He stayed loyal at a time when many of the Prophet Joseph’s friends betrayed him and fell away. Have you been somebody’s hero today?
To get your copy of the new DVD, click here.
I have read several biographys on Porter Rockwell. The controversy I’d heard from others, negative writings against him other factors led to a desire to gain more knowledge about him.
Not only did I obtain more knowledge of our Mormon history, I developed a great respect, even a love for Porter Rockwell as a great defender of truth. He was, brave, noble, true to the truth in every reguard. Some may say he was a different mold, but he was (I believe)called and had to be different to accompolish what he did and to protect Gods prophets.
At Porter Rockwells funeral services the President of the Church at that time, stated Porter would be in the celestial kingdom. I agree.
Cathy Marshall
Love Porter!