Mountain Man was born and raised on a cattle farm in Amelia County, Virginia, in 1937. By the age of 15, he was branding, birthing, milking and herding cattle all day, seven days a week. He was a young, competent cowboy, but he felt that the long hours and low wages would not be enough to keep him on the ranch. At 19, he decided to enroll in the military’s Airborne Division. When he was asked to shine his helmet he set out to make it sparkle. For a whole day he sanded down the rough and worn surface of his helmet, and to the dismay of his officers, his helmet gleamed in the light, making him a noticeable target to any enemy! He was punished for his efforts for a fortnight, and realized, like a true cowboy, he had his own way of doing things. He found his way to New York City in the 1970’s and under the guidance of George Williams, he got involved with the Harlem Rodeo. He went on to become an accomplished steer wrestler and won the event at the Black World Rodeo Championship in 1984. Since then, he has mastered the art of chuckwagon cooking using the instruments and techniques of the Old West. His biggest influence is John Wayne because of his attitude and his inclination to do things his own way.