Britt Johnson & the Searchers: Defying All Odds

2 роки тому

In October of 1864 Britton Johnson’s son was murdered and his wife and two surviving children were taken captive by a Kiowa War Party. Not willing to just sit back and hope for the best, Britt took matters into his own hands. Set out, alone, into Indian Territory. Determined to get his family back, one way or another. And believe it or not, he was successful. Unfortunately, he made some enemies along the way, a desperate savage foe who were just biding their time until they could catch up with Johnson once again. John Ford’s 1956 masterpiece starring John Wayne, The Searchers, is said to be inspired by Britt Johnson. #blackhistory #wildwest #history
Email me! www.wildwestextra.com/contact/
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The First Battle of Adobe Walls - www.wildwestextra.com/firstad...
Satanta’s Flight - www.wildwestextra.com/satanta...
Elm Creek Raid - www.frontiertimesmagazine.com...
Brit Johnson, The Real Searcher - www.historynet.com/brit-johns...
Britton Johnson, Christy Claridy - www.texasranger.org/wp-conten...
Indian Depredations in Texas, J. W. Wilbarger - babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?i...
The Mystery of Millie Durkin - myrahmcilvain.com/2014/09/26/...
Big Wonderful Thing, Stephen Harrigan - www.amazon.com/Big-Wonderful-...
The Captured, Scott Zesch - www.amazon.com/Captured-Story...

КОМЕНТАРІ: 313

@danwallace1499 7 місяців тому

Thank you, Thank you for telling this story. .I'm a 65 yr old black man and I feel like I'm just now, finding out about my history....again thank you...

@goldrush49 2 роки тому

Britt Johnson and Bass Reeves. There needs to be real movies made involving these two men.

@visionaryrecords7644 Рік тому

Yes

@mrpescadore Рік тому

I’ve been saying the same!

@randy129 10 місяців тому

It is said that the lone ranger was based on bass reeves.

@scottyfox6376 6 місяців тому

Tbh I wouldn't trust Hollyweird to tell that story straight. You know how politics interfere with every story they make these days.

@goldrush49 6 місяців тому

@@scottyfox6376 true .

@fabiosplendido9536 11 місяців тому

"Britt Johnson & The Searchers" sounds like a 50's Doo-wop ensemble. Awesome!

@tanberetO 2 роки тому

I'm a simple man, I see you post, I click. Keep up the good work Josh.

@aaronplain5322 2 місяці тому

"Finding the whitest guy to play a Native American." That is without a doubt the greatest, truest quote I have ever heard. I can not even begin to describe how your writing and storytelling impacts me. I only can wish I had a grasp of the English language as you. You've come far pilgrim. Aaron Plain

@rogerwhite7202 2 роки тому

Bad ass story. Thanks. No one ever accused the Comanche or Kiowa of being unimaginative. Holy shit.

@dannysimmons3167 2 роки тому

You have to admit Ethan is the most vicious John Wayne character

@dubyacwh7978 2 роки тому

I think the Duke set the tone for the future anti-hero western movies Clint Eastwood did.

@dubyacwh7978 2 роки тому

Also the Duke's best movie was Stagecoach and the best western title has three main contenders, Once Upon a Time in the West, Unforgiven and Open Range.

@robertayoder2063 2 роки тому

Big jake probably his second

@dalemitchell2006 2 роки тому

For every famous historical figures of the old west, there were many more of these unsung heroes that fought and died in forgotten battles. You do a great job.

@aaronhannah4486 2 роки тому

Josh, I appreciate you story telling and fact based approach to the characters you investigate. I used to live in Jack County. This is a fascinating story. Thank you for sharing.

@rockyperez2828 2 роки тому

And I lived my whole life in Young county and not more the 18 miles from where Britt was killed

@johndanley2019 2 роки тому

Best western movie...The Outlaw Josey Wales!

@kevinwainscott3035 5 місяців тому

I live in rural Young County, just 5 miles north of Britt Johnsons death place. The county is still not very populated, and I hope it stays this way. This story has always intrigued me, I wish there was more information on this man. My family moved to Young County in the early 1900s. I thank people like Britt for settling this country.

@Vassiliadis504 3 місяці тому

I found out about this man’s story several years ago; funny enough my name is Britt. Lol. This man was an absolute legend of his time!

@kevinwainscott3035 3 місяці тому

Him and others like him are the true heroes of this country

@bethbartlett5692 Місяць тому

Great Westerns: "Duel at Diablo' Excellent, and my favorite film score by Neil Hefty. Starring James Garner and Sidney Poitier. My favorite JW Western is probably "Hondo" I love the kid, he steals the Show! Another underrated Western that is 5 ⭐ is "The Glory Guys" (James Cann absolutely an award worthy performance and good ole Slim Pickens did a fabulous job in his Sgt role. This movie had a host of excellent actors and exceptional starring role actors: Tom Tryon was stellar. Senta Berger absolutely beautiful and a most accomplished performance.

@WildWestExtravaganza Місяць тому

Great list

@WoefulPie 2 роки тому

Lived in Graham for awhile, arrowhead hunter's paradise. Fort Belknap is also worth a look if in the area.

@WoefulPie 2 роки тому

@Josh Traffanstedt Wow, I'd heard of the Nueces Massacre but never that. Thanks for the info! Good luck in Kansas btw.

@bdavis7801 2 роки тому

Wow, I'm so glad this showed up in my feed! Well done! It's not often I run across someone who's done so much research when recounting history. Tracing their genealogy is going to be hard. I don't know that area. Perhaps something would show in the land or court records.

@dannysimmons3167 2 роки тому

To quote another John Wayne movie, If it isn’t, it ought to be. Good story

@tbone6203 Рік тому

My pop is full blood commanche and one of the first native american combat pilots in the korean war

@gibwest4968 Рік тому

Elmore Kelton is the best Western author ( all about West Texas ) and The Searchers the best Western, period and John Wayne was the best .

@timbyhanna532 2 роки тому

Glad for the new post and hope the baby is doing well

@shanesawhutchison9255 2 роки тому

Jesus this was an awesome episode Josh! Honestly, out of all the podcasts that I listen to, this is the one that I always look forward to! Thank you. 🇺🇸🇨🇦

@nativetexan8386 3 місяці тому

Native Texan here. I know you have heard this before but i am related to Quanah Parker. He is my great cousin. I did some research on captives and you are right there were some many back then. It’s hard to keep up with them all. Anyway Britt Johnson was an awesome man and thanks for doing this episode.

@markmicensky2744 9 місяців тому

looking forward to hearing more about the Britt you referenced in min mark 19

@richardb2942 2 роки тому

I just found this channel after finding out who clay Allison is. Thanks for the content and history lessons.

@AIRRAID2 2 роки тому

Thanks Josh ! Hope the family is doing good. (Such a nice piece of background picture, hot damn those old lever actions are so sleek and sexy , a Winchester 66' i believe )

@davidsloan3480 3 місяці тому

Henry ?

@richardcarpenter-jo5ej 11 місяців тому

The Searchers IS the best damn movie ever made!

@kristaberck6821 2 роки тому

Hey Buddy! I hope this story is the one i think it is. Youre one of the best storytelling channels on youtube in my opinion. I always look forward to your stories.

@INeverMetAGunIDidntLike 2 роки тому

About this video, "That which we are about to receive, we thank thee, O Lord." When I was a kid, the Searchers was not one of my favorite John Wayne movies but as I got older it became one of my favorite J.W. movies. I love the cast and the lines that came from that movie ( a lot more classic lines from it than from Unforgiven, "HAW, HAW, HAW!") One of my favorites is "Mount.....M-O-N-T-E, MOUNT!" I use that line a lot whenever we go on trail rides. Hank Worden did an awesome job in the Searchers and he is one of my favorite character actors, "My rocking chair, you promised me my rocking chair." Thanks for another great one.

@timsain5959 11 місяців тому

Lonesome Dove young man!

@ConfederateBob 2 роки тому

Best of all time is The Wild Bunch,, the directors cut. Honorable mentions, Culpepper Cattle co. Red River and The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Professionals, Hombre, Liberty Valance.

@mikemarley2389 2 роки тому

You forgot "the cowboys" .

@swhip897 2 роки тому

Outlaw Josey !

@jameswilliams3241 Рік тому

Director's cut of Major Dundee, the one without Mitch Miller's soundtrack, great Sam Peckinpah movie. The final editing was taken over by the studio claiming the movie was too violent and the music was added to be more "rollicking and upbeat " all against Peckinpahs wishes.

@TsmithJustin 2 роки тому

Another banger. Much appreciate your hard work and dedication!

@robertgraham1626 4 місяці тому

Brett Johnson became a hero of mine when I was in the 6th grade in Catholic School he was an individual in which I Incorporated as much as his honor and character an ethics into my life several others I appreciate what that man did and others just like him

@dubyacwh7978 2 роки тому

Another great podcast Josh, my son has really been enjoying your shows as much as me, keep up the good work, I look forward to every show you do!

@bumfit5491 Рік тому

Love your stories! So much more humanity ,real folks with good and bad behavior…

@sunnyjacksmack Рік тому

Well told and well researched. Many thanks

@monkeybmcgee 3 місяці тому

Greatest western.....Blazing Saddles

@BenSHammonds Рік тому

I love that film also, and yeah I remember Ken Curtis on that one lol Man dig those panoramic camera views lol

@Sunluvr69 2 роки тому

Josh this is awesome!! Britt Johnson seems like he was the kind of guy a man could be proud to have as a friend ! And I've always been a Jimmy Stewart fan and didn't know he was a captive of native people till he was 12 !! You are so knowledgeable and full of inf... well you already know what yer full of lolololol Thanks for the info and all your podcasts even if I am a new listener..

@DgDanger72 2 роки тому

I'm one of them lucky fools who get to work from home, and thanks to this latest gem I'm not going to get shit done. Already knee deep in Britton Johnson research. Keep them coming good sir, and I'm with the person who says we need a mug shot... eh an 8X10 glossy. I'm still not convinced that you are not Danny McBride.

@donc9751 Рік тому

I really enjoy your style and sense of humor you blend with the history and have to agree with you Josh about The Searchers! Thanks for all the work and effort it takes to bring this to us and for all the great historical links and references you provide!!! So glad I discovered your channel Josh!

@jamesjenkins1680 5 місяців тому

Henry Brandon was superb as war chief scar !!

@MrRuss5099 9 місяців тому

Love this one truly amazing and a real hero. Thank you for bringing up June Tenth it is very important.

@raymondpilarczyk2773 2 роки тому

Britt Johnson might be the most courageous man to ever walk Texas, if not, he surely was one of them. As far of "The Searchers", it's doubtful that movie is even a dramatic telling of the historical facts of Britt's ventures but probably was one of many of the captive stories which did help inspire the author who wrote the novel which the movie is based on. Anyone who thought John Wayne could not act never saw this movie because the way he played a twisted man bent on revenge is up there with Bogart's distraught character from "The Treasure of Sierre Madre"... interesting fact, the last scene where Wayne's character shoulders his arm before walking away from the doorway was a gesture towards the then late actor Harry Carey which nobody on the set expected, especially Harry Carey Jr. his son who was in the movie on the set who broke down in tears along with others, one of those class moves which they said even moved the director John Ford who was known to be a hard ass on set

@jameswilliams3241 Рік тому

Harry Carey's widow was also in the movie.

@mikecook2714 10 місяців тому

Thank you brother, love your info and Chanel, keep them coming ,I appreciate them very much ! ! ,!

@WildWestExtravaganza 10 місяців тому

Much appreciated

@UnStrungHero 5 місяців тому

I really am enjoying these stories. Have always liked the old west history, and some of these people and incidents are new to me. Thank you

@WildWestExtravaganza 5 місяців тому

Thank YOU

@brianbartow7658 2 роки тому

Awesome job Love your content

@akmchefskingdom6607 Рік тому

Thank you for your work.

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

Thanks for listening

@mecurymikey 10 місяців тому

Hi Josh, once again thanks for a job well done. I'm an avid history buff you are very easy to listen to. Glad I found your work.

@WildWestExtravaganza 10 місяців тому

I'm glad you did, too

@johnwalker4251 2 роки тому

These are great as are your podcasts. Keep it coming! I’m gonna go talk to my grandpa with a recorder!

@Williamleo71 10 місяців тому

As always, you knocked it out of the park! Cool dude putting out excellent info in the soothing voice of a young William J. Le Petomane!

@captainblue2344 2 роки тому

Great story and narration!

@erickdegler354 Рік тому

Excellent way of telling stories of West Texas that need to be told. I live 13 miles south of Tascosa City. I love the way you handled the whole presentation.

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

Thank you

@howardanderin Рік тому

They need to make a movie about this fine man's life!

@CmdrMoosicvsLounge 2 роки тому

Great content as always! Keep 'em coming sir!👍✌😎

@WildWestExtravaganza 2 роки тому

Thank you

@billrichards2177 2 роки тому

Dang Josh! Yet another great one! Keep it up!

@SirKnight1096 Рік тому

Britt Johnson and Bill Pickett. There are Bass Reeves films. Including Corsicana by Isaiah Washington. Now go listen to Ken Curtis sing. He was amazing.

@rosendorios1292 2 роки тому

I love this guy. Good research. I love western history like this.

@WildWestExtravaganza 2 роки тому

I love you too

@bethbartlett5692 Місяць тому

@@WildWestExtravaganza In case you don't catch my comment, a couple for your list to watch, either again or 1st time. Great Westerns: "Duel at Diablo' Excellent, and my favorite film score by Neil Hefty. Starring James Garner and Sidney Poitier. My favorite JW Western is probably "Hondo" I love the kid, he steals the Show! Another underrated Western that is 5 ⭐ is "The Glory Guys" (James Cann absolutely an award worthy performance and good ole Slim Pickens did a fabulous job in his Sgt role.) This movie had a host of excellent actors and exceptional starring role actors: Tom Tryon was stellar. Senta Berger absolutely beautiful and a most accomplished performance. My favorite genre' for movies. But, I'm actually a forward thinking, open mind/Higher Minded individual. A Liberal that recognizes Moderate is where Harmony resides. I believe in your right to be You fully Free and without Judgement. I trust the Creator knows and doesn't make mistakes. I apply Discernment rather than Judgemental. But, I have a Passion for Westerns and particularly those Produced prior to 1966, and I'm partial to John Ford. He was ahead of his time in his early productions. Carry on ... PS: a couple that may be considered B movies, that are fabulous: "Ride the Man Down" with Ella Raines, love her. "The Desperados " Randolph Scott, Glenn Ford, early years. "Arizona" Jean Arthur, Williams Holden ... and JW in "The Horse Soldiers" is another with some priceless scenes. Enjoy! Excellent movies.

@zeropointsincharisma1861 11 місяців тому

What a great opener

@keithmaxwell2169 2 роки тому

Good Story Where You Been Beav? I hope your doing good KEEP'EM COMING 🇺🇸🤠

@forrestwebb8590 Рік тому

You do a fine job on the history lessons! I've just recently found your u-tube show, I really dig it! Stay with it! I live about a hour from Amarillo, we have a lot of Indian camp's along the Canadian river, I live in Borger, TX - about 40 minutes from Adobe Walls, I worked on a work over rig in the oilfield for 39 years, I have found a lot of artifacts over that time. Love westerns

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

Thanks Forrest

@mjsup1 Рік тому

100% agreed on all your movie references!

@historyattheokcorral Рік тому

This whole episode was amazing and your take on the greatest Westerns is 🔥🔥🔥

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

Hey thanks man!

@skanarchy694 7 місяців тому

Y'all two are my favorite history channels y'all keep up the awesome work

@jameswilliams3241 Рік тому

Isaiah Gorman, scout at the Greasey Grass fight, the man who has only his first name on the Custer memorial .

@user-hb8nq9xj6w 10 місяців тому

I watched a movie last night called blackfox and I believe it is about Brot Johnson

@bradmoberly6164 Рік тому

This man is a legend.

@williamh3823 Місяць тому

He undoubtedly used a repeating rifle..Henry rifles were surplused after 1865..spencer 7shot were more plentiful in 1864 for sure

@NP-ek7dl Рік тому

Yes - I agree with you 100% Unforgiven is the best cowboy movie I ever I saw. Great story about Britt. That Indian Depredations is very popular.

@01karmacop Рік тому

Listening from Scotland amazing my friend l love all your posts

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

Thank you, sir

@denisethetford9178 8 місяців тому

Daaaaaang 41k views and lil ol me....great job, bud!

@WildWestExtravaganza 8 місяців тому

Gracias

@WorldwideBushcraftSurvival 11 місяців тому

Unforgiven is the best western ever. Deadwood is the best series.

@franbarnaby7638 2 роки тому

Great one 👌. Didn't know that many were kidnapped. Unforgivin is an awesome western, the quick and the dead is a childhood favorite and a new western favorite is Appaloosa...8 gauge.

@johnathonbrent2242 3 місяці тому

Black fox is a great movie that is actually about Britt Johnson

@MicahBell_1860 Рік тому

You painted a great picture of why Britt would do what he did. Yes, I agree he had a big pair of coconuts, but I think he had nothing left live for, but to find his family, & I agree he had nobody to turn to, so he was always going to head out alone. Best western of all time? A toss up between Unforgiven, the Man With No Name Trilogy & Blazing Saddles

@ambushedimagination1931 4 місяці тому

The best stories are always the toughest to verify. It gives them that more desirable hue, in my opinion. I mean, was there a real logger from the north who stretched some 64 axe handles high, or had a Big Blue Ox and when the two horsed around they created the Great lakes? The magic from a story comes from the wondering. I enjoy your stories, enjoy them a great deal. Thank ya

@jackgoodner6789 9 місяців тому

You're a very talented story teller, Josh.

@WildWestExtravaganza 9 місяців тому

I'm trying, Jack

@carlosquintero8662 2 роки тому

Great show as always 👏 have anyone brought up cochise yet ??

@WildWestExtravaganza 2 роки тому

He is on the list

@theodoresmith5272 10 місяців тому

Josh, my best western with John and John is 'she wore a yellow ribbon'. The best Western is the outlaw Josie whales'. End of story.

@ryanh9183 11 місяців тому

Somebody needs to produce an 'Expedition Unknown' style show for you where you talk about this stuff while visiting some of the locations. Nothing fancy. Drone shots to show off remote areas. One camera on the ground while you do your thing. And once in a while we throw in a shot of horses running or a tumbleweed tumbling to some mournful music. That's a show I'd watch all day long. Even if you think Unforgiven is better than The Searchers.

@WildWestExtravaganza 11 місяців тому

I'm down!

@terribethreed8464 Рік тому

I started laughing when you started talking about the movie & the other Westerns that were your favorite. But you missed a few, The Quick & The Dead, Tombstone, Silverado, Shane & a few others I can't remember the titles of but know them when I hear or see them lol. I'll be 69 in September & I've got a lot of Westerns & history under my hat to remember lol. Thank you for sharing your videos with us & for all the work you do digging up the past to bring them to us.

@jamesjenkins1680 Рік тому

Searchers no 1 by a long way

@ASSHOLE123456ish 10 місяців тому

You had me on the Jimmy Stewart miss knommer

@BeardClipper 6 місяців тому

The best Western Movie of all time is "Once Upon a Time in the West" and I'll go to the mat over this :D Great episode!!! Nice!

@WildWestExtravaganza 6 місяців тому

It's good

@stevecornell8260 11 місяців тому

My favorite John Wayne movie is McClintock! .

@WildWestExtravaganza 11 місяців тому

That's a good one. "Someone outta belt you one...but I won't..."

@ethanpage5921 Рік тому

Can’t replace the Duke, but I’d like to see an updated movie about this. Jamie Fox as Britt with a Django Unchained type of character. What y’all think?

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

I'd watch it

@esgotcher7538 Рік тому

Hi, been going thru these vids having recently found your page. This one reminded me of another piece of Texas history when Natives kidnapped people, The Gotcher family massacre in now what is Austin texas. Yes, my family the Gotchers. There is a plaque currently in front of the tx Capitol that talks about it. You may find it interesting.

@mesomemore97 Рік тому

Great content. I grew up in Young Co Texas. Wonderfully narrated. Outstanding job..... Greatest Western movie ever made is Lonesome Dove. Hands down. You can argue about what might be secondary.

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

Lonesome Dove is perfect

@grrrr2807 2 роки тому

My Third Great Grandpa was at Elm Creek Thornton Kindred Hamby I’m surprised to find a video on it

@WildWestExtravaganza 2 роки тому

I'm full of surprises

@jonhenson5450 7 місяців тому

I know those 82' Jacksboro Tigers could come off the gotdam football, hand

@abrahamisaacmuciusiii9192 2 роки тому

I read about Britt Johnson in a book I owned titled, Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage by William Liren Katz.

@abrahamisaacmuciusiii9192 Рік тому

Technically, I should say "a book I own" instead of owned because I still have that book.

@kenneththomas7582 2 роки тому

I have no answers!! My family showed up sometime time in the “late” 1880’s or early 1900’s (there is a gap in our time line.) after hauling stone to the Capital(They were freighters.) My G.Grandfather was that freighter. He later settled in Proffitt Tx(young Co.). My father was born in his Grandfathers house in 1934 and rode horseback to the Proffitt Schoolhouse(perhaps a 1/2 mile North of Elm Creek)All of that to say that my VERY “blanco” father made it a HUGE deal to to ALWAYS stop at the Britt Johnson’s historical marker and read it to his children with Reverence in his voice. It resonated with us as our father was a proven war fighter with kills beyond counting. Britt was taught to us as the epitome of what a man should be.

@comondantemendez4732 2 роки тому

sounds like a kickass motown group. keep up the good work nerd.

@mikedesil23 2 роки тому

Yo Josh! Another great episode! Thank you! Have you and Chris Wimmer ever shared any correspondence? Would love for you guys to team up on a future project 🤠🤠👋

@AIRRAID2 2 роки тому

From Legends of the Old West Podcast?

@AIRRAID2 2 роки тому

Okey i will google it . Thanks for answering

@robertreisner6119 11 місяців тому

As a word on the Kiowas tribe. This is from the book Lone Star by T.R Fehrenbach released in 1968, located on page 35. "The Kiowas never moved entirely into Texas territory, but in a terrible sort of way they became a true Texas tribe: they were noted, even more than the Commanches, for distant raiding. Kiowas pushed war parties many hundreds of miles into hostile country, harrying both Indians and Europeans. One was band raided so far south they brought back descriptions of monkeys and parrots. They had reached either Guatemala or Yucatan." Just a small fact in history that a few are aware of, many are not. Hope you find this interesting Josh.

@robertdouglas7101 2 роки тому

true grit was John Wayne's best movie

@MicahBell_1860 Рік тому

@jasonmatthews7829 10 місяців тому

Looking forward to the episode about the other Britt Johnson as well.

@richardriley8906 Рік тому

Marion Michael Morisons Character, Ethan Edwards name he liked so much he named a son after it. He used it in 2 other movies. I grew up with the Morrisons in Iowa. Ken Curtis was one of Roy Rogers original Sons of The Pioneers band . I believe He plays a little Guitar in the searchers.I love John Ford and company Movies . Monument Valley Utah.

@marco529 2 роки тому

WTF EVER! Everybody knows that Blazing Saddles is the greatest western ever made!

@TrayDyer38 Рік тому

I just have to hit that subscribe button now. That Texan accent sound similar to my native home of Kentuckians Accents.

@WildWestExtravaganza Рік тому

Awwwww yeah

@goldrush49 2 роки тому

The color of lightning

@colinmcgrath6877 9 місяців тому

I was hesitant to subscribe to your channel. However, that Jimmy Stewart joke at the end of this story was good enough that I hit that wording. Nice joke!

@WildWestExtravaganza 9 місяців тому

Hell yeah

@elijahn.grisham4017 7 місяців тому

Greatest western movie ever made was the hateful 8 or Bone Tomahawk good sir just my personal preference then it goes open range Wyatt Earp Tombstone silverado and last the new version of the magnificent 7

@mikemarley2389 2 роки тому

I would be gratefull for any information you could dig up on John Marsh Pioneer,and one of the first white settlers in California.Who was one of those responsible for populating California before statehood.The Searchers,Ken Curtis .He says "unhand my feeansay Marty"and the fight was on.And the young beautifull Natalie Woods.Jimmy Stewart did a radio show called "The Six Shooter"And he played Brik Ponset in the 50s I believe.