He is described as being physically one of the most fearful men that ever lived. But on the contrary one of the most noble, faithful, and true to the Church and especially the Prophet Joseph.
He was imprisoned nine months in a Missouri dongeon without conviction, nearly hanged several times yet endured faithfully and as prophesied by the Prophet he indeed "escaped honorably from the Missiourians."
Also serving many years as a Utah Territorial Marshal (in which he gained most his notoriety) he left this world without a scar, on account of a special blessing given by the Prophet, that "cut not thine hair, and thine enemies shall have no power over thee, and bullet nor blade shall ever harm thee."
At the time of his death he was one of the richest men in the territory, yet he never learned to read or write. On his headstone is inscribed, "He was brave and loyal to the faith. True to the prophet Jos. Smith, a promise made him by the prophet, thro. obedience it was fulfilled."
