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. ________________________________________ ⏱️ 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 ________________________________________ 🎥 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 ________________________________________ 📚 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 ________________________________________ • 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 ________________________________________ • 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 ________________________________________ 🛒 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 ________________________________________ 📬 Contact / Collaboration Inquiries: jim@anounce.org ________________________________________ 🎵 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  ________________________________________ 📢 Subscribe for Short History, Big Ideas An Ounce Podcast delivers daily Shorts and weekly episodes that are surprising, thoughtful, and just a little bit profound. #historypodcast #shortformhistory #lifelessons #storytellingpodcast #humorandhistory #educationalentertainment #realstories  10 second pre-roll promo for An Ounce Podcast on YouTube