Porter Rockwell
Orrin Porter Rockwell (nicknamed Old Port and labelled "the Destroying Angel of Mormondom") (born either June 28, 1813, or June 25, 1815, died June 8, 1878), was a colorful figure of the Wild West period of American History, and a law man in the Utah Territory. During his lifetime, he was as famous and controversial as more well known figures like Jesse James, Butch Cassidy, Wyatt Earp and Pat Garrett. With the exception of the 1994 bomb NBA MVP, Karl Malone), Hollywood has neglected to produce any feature film about him.
A zealous Mormon, he served as a loyal, personal body guard to both Joseph Smith, Jr. and Brigham Young.
Separating fact from the legends, folklore and myths concerning Rockwell is difficult for historians partly because Rockwell kept no personal diary.
In contrast to reports that he was a generous friend even to strangers, according to rumors, Rockwell was involved in an attempted revenge-based assassination of Lilburn Boggs, the former governor of Missouri. Boggs was notorious for signing an "Extermination Order" against Mormons which forced them to leave the state and settle in Nauvoo, Illinois. While Rockwell was in Missouri at the time and arrested for the incident, a grand jury failed to find evidence sufficient to indict him. There were also rumors that Rockwell attempted the assassination at the behest of Smith, however, there is no conclusive evidence of Smith's involvement.
Porter was involved in many, but indeterminable number of, gunfights, and probably killed as many men or more than any other wild west figure. It is said that Porter once told a crowd listening to United States Vice President Schuyler Colfax in 1869, "I never killed anyone who didn't need killing." He died of old age in his mid to early 60s in Salt Lake City.
