Arthur "Art" Thompson

Art Thompson

Born nine miles northeast of Lusk on May 12, 1888, 22 months before Wyoming was admitted to the union, Arthur Thompson was a son of the Wyoming Territory. He was the third of five sons born to Thomas L. and Torborg Thompson and brother to five sisters.

His brothers were Thomas, Olie, Lewis and Ben; his sisters were Bertha, Thea, Anna, Jeanette and Ethel. He, together with his brothers and sisters, attended the country schools of Lind and Kirtley, graduating in 1906. Mr. Thompson died May 15, 1984 at the Niobrara Nursing Home in Lusk.

In a very real sense, Arthur Thompson typifies America's rugged pioneers who endured hardships in order that the West would grow, contribute its strengths, and assume its responsibilities to our nation as a whole.

His early years were absorbed in helping with the family ranching efforts. He married Inga Paulsen, a school teacher at Kirtley, in 1917 at the age of 28, and in that same year bought exclusive control over the family ranch near Kirtley. Through his efforts, the original ranch of 1,700 acres was expanded to 6,000, running at its peak 350 head of the finest Hereford cattle.

Arthur Thompson was one of the most outstanding cowboys ever to come from this area. As a young man he rode in many roundups, the last being known as the Tom Bell Roundup in 1926. He was a great bronc rider. Still remembered was his successful riding of I-Be-Damned, for three years a world champion bronc at the Cheyenne Rodeo. He also successfully rode Lightning Creek, a horse who held for three years the State Bucking Bronc Championship. In later years he frequently acted as the judge at the Harrison and Niobrara County Fairs.

In response to the County's needs for able leadership, Arthur Thompson served for eight years during the 1930's as chairman of the Rural Electrification Authority in Niobrara County. He served as County Commissioner from 1930 to 1934, and later was chairman of the County Welfare Board for six years.

He was the father of four children, Eleanor, born in 1918, and then Camila, Arthur Jr., and Marian Browder of Lusk; one sister, Ethel Taylor of Lusk; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

To Arthur Thompson, Cowboy - Rancher - Civic Leader, who served his family and his community well, who has made his contribution to the greatness of the West, we bow our heads humbly before Almighty God and thank Him for permitting this man to have lived among us.

Memorial Services were held at Peet Mortuary Chapel in Lusk, May 18, 1984 with the Rev. Roy Howell officiating. Music was provided by Rose Kremers, organist and Mark Lohr, who sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Pallbearers were James Willson, Merle Hahn, Willard Porter, John Lohr, Cody Thompson and Allen Leeling. Interment was at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Kirtley.

Memorials may be made to the Niobrara County Nursing Home.

Arrangements were by Peet Mortuary.

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