Lorin Morgan-Richards Presents Biographies of the West

Season 7

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 7

5 Episodes

The Jim McKinney Story
E1
The Jim McKinney StoryThe Jim McKinney story chronicles the violent and tragic life of Jim McKinney, a once-promising cowboy and teamster who spiraled into a life of crime and bloodshed. Known for his charm when sober and his volatility when drunk, McKinney became a feared outlaw across Arizona and California in the late 1800s. Narrator Lorin Morgan-Richards recounts through historical records and colorized imagery, McKinney's descent into violence, culminating in one of the last great Old West shootouts in Bakersfield, California, in 1903.
The Daggett Story
E2
The Daggett StoryThe Daggett story explores the rise and fall of Daggett, California, a once-thriving mining town in the Mojave Desert. Founded in 1883 after the discovery of silver, Daggett became a key supply hub for nearby mining operations and was named after California's Lieutenant Governor, John Daggett. Narrator Lorin Morgan-Richards traces the town's boom years through colorized photos, expert narration, and site visits, the story captures the spirit of a town that played a vital role in the development of the American West.
The Seminole Rancher Story
E3
The Seminole Rancher StoryNarrator Lorin Morgan-Richards highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Seminole cattle ranchers. The documentary explores the rich history of the Seminole Tribe's role in cattle ranching, particularly in Florida, where they became expert cattle people long before the cowboy era became mythologized in popular culture. Through historical accounts, colorized photographs, and thoughtful commentary, the documentary sheds light on how the Seminole people adapted to changing times, resisted displacement, and built a lasting legacy in ranching.
The John Big Tree Story
E4
The John Big Tree StoryThe John Big Tree Story delves into the life of the Seneca actor who made significant strides in early Hollywood. Despite facing typecasting and racism, he was highly respected for his unwavering commitment to his craft. His serious approach to acting, even in silent and uncredited roles, earned him recognition and admiration. John Big Tree's perseverance and dedication helped pave the way for future Indigenous actors. Beyond his acting career, he participated in rodeos globally, contributed to cultural events, and played a significant role in helping the Iroquois people reclaim their identity and repatriation. Narrator Lorin Morgan-Richards paints the pictures of the past through his colorization and storytelling.
The Dick Fellows Story
E5
The Dick Fellows StoryThe Dick Fellows Story follows the misadventures of one of California's most infamous-and most inept-stagecoach bandits. Born George Brittain Lyttle, Fellows was a former Confederate soldier and aspiring lawyer who turned to crime after struggling with alcoholism and financial hardship. Under the alias Dick Fellows, he became known for a series of bold but often bungled robberies, including a failed attempt to steal a $240,000 Wells Fargo shipment that ended with him unconscious, injured, and dragging a treasure box through the wilderness. Despite repeated arrests and prison sentences, Fellows was a charismatic figure who managed multiple escapes and even taught Sunday school while incarcerated. Narrator Lorin Morgan-Richards uses colorization, site visits, expert commentary to explore the tragicomic life of a man whose outlaw legend was defined as much by his failures as his crimes.