What Happens When 1 Teenager STANDS UP to a Gang of Armed Men?

Witness the incredible true story of Joseph F. Smith, a Mormon teenager who showed incredible courage when faced with a gang of armed men in the Wild West. This story of bravery and calm in the face of death will inspire you.
Joseph F. Smith, LDS history, and teenage bravery come together in this true story of quiet courage. At 19, while crossing Southern California during a time of anti-Mormon violence, Joseph faced a gang of armed men. While others ran, he didn’t flinch. “Yes, siree. Dyed in the wool. True blue, through and through.” That one line said it all. But this moment was just the tip of a life forged by hardship—an orphan at 13, a missionary at 15, tested in the Sandwich Islands, and transformed by grit and faith.

🧠 Quick Takeaway:
This An Ounce episode is about the kind of strength that doesn’t shout, but stands calmly.
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⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro
01:17 – QUIET RESOLVE
02:32 – THE CRUCIBLE
04:17 – THE MOMENT OF COURAGE
06:50 – WHAT BECAME OF HIM
07:40 – An Ounce

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🎥 Watch More Stories from History:
👉 Think Fake News is New? Wild West Journalists Did it First – With Style!
https://youtu.be/pIrCZ5L8DJc
➡️ Teddy Roosevelt: Takes an Assassin’s Bullet – Then Finishes His Speech
https://youtu.be/oxiCHrs3V08
➡️ Why Didn’t They Smile in Old Photos?
https://youtu.be/l3xddLnkqME
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📚 References & Resources:
• Charles W. Nibley’s account of Joseph F. Smith's confrontation with armed men
Published in Improvement Era, January 1919, later referenced in multiple biographical retellings.
📍 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/08/joseph-f-smith-true-blue-through-and-through
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• Joseph F. Smith’s early letters and mission experience
Compilation of letters to his sister Martha Ann; insights into language struggles, personal conviction, and self-education.
📍 https://rsc.byu.edu/joseph-f-smith-reflections-man-his-times/personal-glimpses-joseph-f-smith-adolescent-prophet
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• Biographical overview from Doctrine and Covenants Central
Includes background on his orphaned youth, mission call, and leadership years.
📍 https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/people-of-the-dc/joseph-f-smith
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🛒 Check Out My Book:
Firehouse Philosophy – Real stories and lessons from an exceptional life
📘 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Philosophy-Embers-Insight-Exceptional/dp/B0BJ58Q1FS
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📬 Contact / Collaboration Inquiries:
[email protected]
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🎵 Credits:
Music: Ukulele Beach by Doug Maxwell; Frog Kiss the peat and Come Along by Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz; In The Wild by National Sweetheart
Illustrative and Background Visuals: iStock, Getty, and AI-generated via Meta
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