Lorin Morgan-Richards Presents Biographies of the West

Season 2

Lorin Morgan-Richards Presents Biographies of the West - short documentaries about the people of the Old West, from early pioneers to cowboys at the turn of the 20th century. Included are biographies on Native American leaders, artists, outlaws, lawman, and Western singing-cowboys, and much more. Each episode is written and produced by host Lorin Morgan-Richards, Western author and illustrator, who colorizes historical photos, bringing the stories to life.

Where to Watch Lorin Morgan-Richards Presents Biographies of the West • Season 2

5 Episodes

The Lincoln, New Mexico Story
E1
The Lincoln, New Mexico StoryThe Lincoln, New Mexico story explores the dramatic history of a small frontier town that became the epicenter of one of the most violent conflicts in the American West-the Lincoln County War. Narrated by Lorin Morgan-Richards, the documentary traces the town's transformation from a peaceful settlement into a battleground for economic and political control, where rival factions of merchants, ranchers, and lawmen clashed in a deadly feud. At the heart of the story are figures like Billy the Kid, John Tunstall, Alexander McSween, and Sheriff William Brady, whose alliances and betrayals fueled a war marked by ambushes, courtroom drama, and the infamous Battle of Lincoln. With colorized imagery, site visits, and historical documents, the documentary captures how Lincoln's dusty streets became a symbol of lawlessness, resistance, and legend in the Old West.
The Bass Reeves Story
E2
The Bass Reeves StoryThe Bass Reeves story recounts the extraordinary life of Bass Reeves, a former slave who rose to become one of the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi. Narrated by Lorin Morgan-Richards, the documentary uses colorized imagery and historical documents to trace Reeves' journey from bondage in Arkansas to legendary lawman, patrolling the perilous Indian Territory. Renowned for his expert tracking, fluency in Native languages, and fearless pursuit of justice, Reeves made over 3,000 arrests and killed 14 outlaws during his 32-year career-without ever being wounded. The story also explores his complex personal life, including the arrest of his own son, and the enduring speculation that Reeves may have inspired the fictional Lone Ranger.
The Cabot Yerxa Story
E3
The Cabot Yerxa StoryThe Cabot Yerxa story explores the life of Cabot Yerxa, a desert pioneer, artist, and visionary who helped found Desert Hot Springs, California. Born in 1883 in the Dakota Territory, Yerxa led an adventurous life-from selling cigars in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush to homesteading 160 acres in the California desert in 1913. The documentary, presented by Lorin Morgan-Richards, highlights Yerxa's creation of the Cabot's Pueblo Museum, a hand-built, 35-room Hopi-style structure made from reclaimed materials. It also delves into his discovery of two aquifers-one hot and one cold-that helped shape the future of Desert Hot Springs. A naturalist, writer, and early environmentalist, Yerxa's story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep respect for the land and its history.
The Annie Oakley Story
E4
The Annie Oakley StoryThe Annie Oakley story traces the extraordinary life of Phoebe Ann Mosey-better known as Annie Oakley-from her humble beginnings in rural Ohio to becoming a world-renowned sharpshooter. Narrated by Lorin Morgan-Richards, the documentary uses vivid colorized imagery and historical documents to explore Oakley's groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated sport, her dazzling performances before European royalty, and her lifelong advocacy for women's empowerment through self-defense and firearm education.
The Tiburcio Vásquez Story
E5
The Tiburcio Vásquez StoryBorn in 1835 in Monterey, California, Tiburcio Vásquez came from a respected Californio family with deep roots in the region. Educated and charismatic, he turned to crime in his late teens, eventually leading a gang that committed robberies, horse thefts, and stagecoach holdups across Central and Southern California. Vásquez claimed his actions were retaliation against the discrimination faced by Mexican-Americans after California became part of the United States. Narrator Lorin Morgan-Richards uses historical records, site visits, and expert commentary to examine the man behind the legend and the turbulent era that shaped him.