Folk Figure. He inspired Owen Wister's classic Western novel "The Virginian" (1902). Born in Richmond, Virginia, he worked his way West as a cowhand during the 1870s. He met Owen Wister in 1885 when both were living in Medicine Bow, Wyoming, and although they knew each other only briefly, Johnson made a lasting impression on the future author. He later became foreman of the Bar-U Ranch in Calgary, Canada, and had no idea he had become something of a celebrity until 1912, when Wister tracked him down and gave him a copy of "The Virginian." Johnson claimed that, apart from some creative liberties, the book was an accurate depiction of his Wyoming days. He did not, however, utter his fictional counterpart's famous threat, "When you call me that, smile!" Wister attributed that line to Medicine Bow's deputy sheriff. Johnson had another interesting connection to the Wild West: He was a friend of Harry Longabaugh, "The Sundance Kid," and records show that Longabaugh was a guest at Johnson's wedding in Calgary.
Folk Figure. He inspired Owen Wister's classic Western novel "The Virginian" (1902). Born in Richmond, Virginia, he worked his way West as a cowhand during the 1870s. He met Owen Wister in 1885 when both were living in Medicine Bow, Wyoming, and although they knew each other only briefly, Johnson made a lasting impression on the future author. He later became foreman of the Bar-U Ranch in Calgary, Canada, and had no idea he had become something of a celebrity until 1912, when Wister tracked him down and gave him a copy of "The Virginian." Johnson claimed that, apart from some creative liberties, the book was an accurate depiction of his Wyoming days. He did not, however, utter his fictional counterpart's famous threat, "When you call me that, smile!" Wister attributed that line to Medicine Bow's deputy sheriff. Johnson had another interesting connection to the Wild West: He was a friend of Harry Longabaugh, "The Sundance Kid," and records show that Longabaugh was a guest at Johnson's wedding in Calgary.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
Inscription
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
- DAD
EVERETT C. JOHNSON
1858 - 1946.
*THE VIRGINIAN.*
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