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I read the novel Mountain Man by Vardis Fisher years ago and his fictional character, Sam Minard , was the inspiration for the Sydney Pollack film Jeremiah Johnson, starring Robert Redford.
Fisher's novel romanticized the folklore surrounding John "Liver-eatin'" Johnston, so I think the Sam Minard character was based on the myths that surrounded Johnston.

Oh I see, yes. I've seen the name Vardis Fisher but wasn't sure where, I think I remembered it because it was so unusual. Well this has to be it then, don't tell anybody how it ends! lol.

I am going to delete my comment and leave it up to you to tell this story! I don't want to ruin it for you!