Legends of the Old West: Mountain Men Ep. 6 | “Jeremiah Johnson: The True Story”
Podcast Information:
- Title: Legends of the Old West
- Host: Black Barrel Media
- Episode: MOUNTAIN MEN Ep. 6 | “Jeremiah Johnson: The True Story”
- Release Date: October 16, 2024
- Description: This episode delves into the life of Jeremiah Johnson, exploring the real story behind the legendary mountain man known for his adventures in the American West.
Introduction: Unveiling the Legend
In this episode, host Chris Wimmer embarks on a journey to disentangle the myths from the realities surrounding Jeremiah Johnson, a figure immortalized in literature and film. Johnston, often synonymous with the moniker "Liver Eating Johnson," presents a complex image shaped by personal accounts and popular culture.
The Origin of "Liver Eating Johnston" [01:14]
John Johnston vehemently refutes the sensationalist nickname attributed to him. During an interview, he emphatically declares:
“It’s a damned lie. I know I got that reputation, but ain’t so.” [00:30]
Johnston explains that the nickname originated from a practical joke rather than any actual acts of brutality against Native Americans. He recounts an incident where a fellow traveler misinterpreted his actions, leading to the enduring but misleading title.
Early Life and Conflicting Identities [05:45]
Johnston's early years are shrouded in ambiguity. Born three miles outside Little York, New Jersey, in July 1824, he left home as a teenager to pursue life at sea, working as a whaler. His service in the Navy during the Mexican-American War further complicates his identity, with records suggesting a possible name change from John Garrison to John Johnston upon deserting the Navy.
“I left home as a teenager and went to sea... I wasn’t going to waste no good cartridges on him.” [01:14]
This period laid the groundwork for his adventurous spirit, ultimately steering him toward the untamed landscapes of the American West.
The California Gold Rush and Transition to Mountain Man [15:22]
Johnston's stint in the California Gold Rush was brief and unremarkable. Disenchanted by the diminishing beaver population and shifting market demands—from beaver hats to buffalo robes—he pivoted to hunting and trapping. This transition marked his full embrace of the mountain man lifestyle, despite the economic challenges posed by overhunting and market saturation.
Life in Montana: Wood Selling and Vigilante Justice [25:10]
By the early 1860s, Johnston had relocated to Montana Territory, engaging in wood selling near the Musselshell River. Partnering briefly with John X. Beidler, Johnston's operations were not just about commerce but also about maintaining order in a tumultuous region.
He describes a scene that encapsulates the harsh realities of frontier life:
“We killed 36 and wounded 60. We was short of ammunition... I was the best shot with a rifle in Montana at the time...” [01:14]
Johnston's vigilantism earned him respect and fear, contributing to his emerging legend as a formidable figure in Montana.
Military Service and the Civil War [40:50]
In 1864, driven by Union loyalties amidst the Civil War, Johnston enlisted in the Union Army. His military career was marked by valor and injury:
“He was injured multiple times in Missouri, suffering gunshot wounds to the left shoulder... and a bullet to the right leg at the Second Battle of Newtonia.” [12:37]
Despite his robust performance, Johnston's disdain for military discipline led to a brief desertion. However, his skills were indispensable during critical campaigns, including the intense pursuits against the Nez Perce.
Conflicts and Nicknames: Fire Devil and More [55:30]
Johnston's prowess in combat earned him additional nicknames, such as "Fire Devil," after surviving a Sioux assault involving flaming arrows. These episodes underscore his reputation as an almost invincible mountain man, capable of outsmarting and overpowering formidable adversaries.
“I never need any weapons to keep the peace. I would either kick troublemakers or knock them out with a single punch.” [11:49]
Transition to Law Enforcement [1:05:12]
As the West began to stabilize, Johnston sought steadier employment. Appointed as Justice of the Peace and later as Deputy Sheriff in Colson, Montana, his reputation as an Indian fighter and his formidable presence made him an effective lawman. However, increasing tensions and local politics led to his eventual departure from law enforcement in 1884.
The Wild West Show and Mythologizing Johnston [1:15:45]
Johnston's brief foray into Wild West performances with Thomas Hardwick's "Avenging Fury of the Plains" played a significant role in cementing his legendary status. Despite his actual affiliations with the Crow tribe, performances exaggerated his persona, perpetuating the myth of his relentless vengeance against Native Americans.
“Johnston's friendly association with the Crow helped him recruit his friends for the Wild west show...” [1:15:45]
Reinterment and Legacy [1:30:00]
The episode concludes with the 1974 reinterment of Johnston's remains, orchestrated by junior high students aiming to honor his legacy appropriately. The ceremony, attended by notable figures like Robert Redford, symbolizes the enduring fascination with Johnston's life—a blend of fact and fiction.
“John Johnston's life was marked by constant reinvention... He left behind a legacy that blended reality and myth...” [1:35:00]
Conclusion: Fact Meets Fiction
Johnston's life story, embellished by books like "Crow Killer" and films such as "Jeremiah Johnson," illustrates the complex interplay between historical reality and popular mythology. His enduring legacy is a testament to the enigmatic nature of the American frontier, where legends often overshadow the nuanced truths of individual lives.
“Now, nearly 125 years after the real mountain man's death, all the stories are mixed up into one legendary tale.” [1:35:00]
Chris Wimmer aptly captures the essence of Johnston's legacy, highlighting the seamless fusion of fact and fiction that continues to captivate audiences and inspire enduring legends of the Old West.
Notable Quotes:
-
Johnston on His Nickname:
“It’s a damned lie. I know I got that reputation, but ain’t so.” [00:30]
-
Johnston on Frontier Life:
“We killed 36 and wounded 60. We was short of ammunition... I was the best shot with a rifle in Montana at the time...” [01:14]
-
Johnston on Law Enforcement:
“I never need any weapons to keep the peace. I would either kick troublemakers or knock them out with a single punch.” [11:49]
-
Final Reflection by Wimmer:
“John Johnston's life was marked by constant reinvention... He left behind a legacy that blended reality and myth...” [1:35:00]
Final Thoughts:
“MOUNTAIN MEN Ep. 6 | 'Jeremiah Johnson: The True Story'” offers a comprehensive exploration of John Johnston's life, meticulously distinguishing between legend and truth. Through detailed narratives and poignant reflections, the episode invites listeners to reconsider the origins of Western folklore and appreciate the intricate tapestry of personal histories that define the American West.