John “Liver Eating” Johnson – Mountain Man and Lawman
John "Liver-Eating" Johnson, a name that conjures images of a rugged frontiersman, stands as a figure of considerable intrigue and debate in the annals of the American West. His life, shrouded in both documented fact and embellished legend, paints a portrait of a man who embodied the spirit of the era – a sailor, a mountain man, an Indian fighter, and a lawman. While the origins of his gruesome moniker remain a subject of speculation, the legend of John “Liver Eating” Johnson has solidified his place in Western lore.
Born William Garrison in Little York, New Jersey, in July 1824, to Isaac Garrison and Eliza Mettler, Johnson’s early life offers few hints of the extraordinary path he would eventually tread. The transition from East Coast origins to the untamed landscapes of the American West marks the beginning of a transformation that would ultimately forge the legend of John “Liver Eating” Johnson.
His initial foray into adventure involved a stint in the U.S. Navy during the Mexican-American War. However, this chapter was cut short when an altercation with a superior officer led to desertion. To escape the consequences of his actions, William Garrison shed his identity and reinvented himself as John Johnston, embarking on a westward journey that would forever alter the course of his life. The desertion and name change were pivotal moments, effectively erasing his past and paving the way for the emergence of the enigmatic figure we know as John “Liver Eating” Johnson.
Montana became his adopted home, a vast and unforgiving landscape that demanded resilience and resourcefulness. He embraced the life of a frontiersman, engaging in a variety of occupations that reflected the demands and opportunities of the time. He worked as a trapper, navigating treacherous terrain and battling the elements in pursuit of valuable furs. Mining provided another avenue for sustenance, as he sought to extract riches from the earth. He also served as a wagon master, guiding settlers across the perilous trails, and as a scout, utilizing his knowledge of the land to assist travelers. Other ventures included tour guide, whiskey peddler, and supplying cordwood to passing steamboats. He also served with the Union during the Civil War. He had a brother named John, that was killed at Cold Harbor, Virginia, during the war.
The most enduring aspect of the John “Liver Eating” Johnson narrative, and the source of his notorious nickname, revolves around his alleged vendetta against the Crow tribe. According to popular accounts, Johnson married a Flathead woman named Swan, who was tragically killed by Crow warriors. Consumed by grief and rage, Johnson is said to have embarked on a relentless campaign of revenge, targeting any Crow he encountered. The gruesome detail that cemented his legend was the claim that he would kill Crow warriors, cut out their livers, and consume them.
However, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction when examining the legend of John “Liver Eating” Johnson. Historical records and critical analysis challenge the veracity of certain aspects of the popular narrative. Some researchers point to military records that place Johnson as a sailor aboard a ship during the Mexican-American War, casting doubt on the timeline of events associated with his alleged Crow vendetta. Similarly, the claim that he actually ate the livers of his victims is largely unsubstantiated. One account suggests that during a battle with the Sioux, he jokingly told his companions he had eaten a piece of liver.
Despite the questionable origins of his moniker, Johnson’s reputation as a formidable figure in the West persisted. He transitioned from mountain man to lawman, serving as the constable of Coulson/Billings, Montana, in the early 1880s. Later, he took on the role of town marshal in Red Lodge, Montana, in the 1890s, further solidifying his image as a figure of authority in the often lawless frontier. These roles highlight a different facet of Johnson’s character, demonstrating his willingness to uphold order and protect communities in the burgeoning towns of the West.
As his life drew to a close, Johnson’s health began to decline. In December 1899, he was admitted to a veteran’s hospital in Los Angeles, California, where he succumbed to peritonitis on January 21, 1900. He was laid to rest in the Sawtelle National Cemetery, seemingly marking the end of his remarkable journey.
However, the story of John “Liver Eating” Johnson did not end with his death. In the early 1970s, a group of enthusiasts, captivated by his legend, took the initiative to exhume his body and relocate it to Cody, Wyoming. There, he was reburied at Old Trail Town, a historical site that showcases the lives and stories of prominent figures from the Old West. This act of relocation served to further immortalize Johnson, ensuring that his name and legend would continue to resonate with generations to come.
The enduring fascination with John “Liver Eating” Johnson has extended beyond historical accounts and into popular culture. His life and exploits served as inspiration for the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson, starring Robert Redford. While the film took creative liberties with the details of Johnson’s life, it captured the essence of the mountain man archetype and further cemented his place in the collective imagination. The film introduced Johnson’s story to a wider audience, sparking renewed interest in the man behind the legend.
In conclusion, the life of John "Liver-Eating" Johnson remains a complex and captivating tale, a blend of documented fact and embellished legend. While the precise origins of his gruesome nickname and the details of his alleged Crow vendetta may never be fully verified, there is no denying the impact he had on the American West. From sailor to mountain man to lawman, Johnson embodied the spirit of a bygone era, a time of exploration, adventure, and survival on the untamed frontier. His story continues to be told and retold, ensuring that the legend of John “Liver Eating” Johnson will endure for years to come.