I have many years of experience modeling for western artists. Whether you need mountain men, emigrants headed west, miners for the various gold rushes, citizens of the many towns on the frontier, any decade of the U.S. military between the Civil War through World War I, cowboys, scouts, or even 1920s pilots, I have the wardrobe. Need a particular impression? Send me a message and let’s see what we can work out! If you need primary references for your artwork, I can accommodate. I am a capable rider and have access to numerous types of tack to match the historical impression. If you’re passing through the Yellowstone region, let’s set up a shoot! There’s some amazing country out here. If you can’t manage a trip to the region, I can arrange a remote shoot for you and send your exclusive photos to you digitally.

Young Buffalo Bill – Impersonation, Living History, & Entertainment Experience the early adventures of William F. Cody before his Wild West show! Through Lonesome Bill’s Historical Interpretation, I bring his frontier days to life with authentic storytelling, period attire, and engaging performances. Available for lectures, special events, parades, and film productions, my portrayal offers an immersive look at Cody’s time as a scout, Pony Express rider, and rising frontier legend.

Seeking to bring history to life with authenticity and engagement? Look no further. With years of experience in programming for institutions like the National Park Service, historical sites, and private museums, I specialize in living history. My passion lies in meticulously recreating the past, crafting narratives that captivate audiences and transport them to bygone eras. Whether you're planning an exhibit, workshop, program, or event, I have the expertise to ensure an unforgettable journey through history. Let's collaborate to inspire future generations through the illumination of the past.

I offer a variety of public presentations and lectures that include but are not limited to the following: The U.S. Army’s Role in Establishing and Maintaining Yellowstone National Park Scouting and Survival in the American West Old Abe: The Mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry and Origin of Patriotic Imagery Life in the U.S. Army on the Frontier Buffalo Nation Ecology: A Foundation of a Country Birds of Prey in the Rocky Mountains Contact me to book a presentation at your facility or group!

In my opinion, the feel of the Old West cannot be better symbolized than in the pen and ink drawing by artist Frederic Remington in what has come to be known as “Old Bill” over the years. Remington created this sketch while visiting a camp of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry in 1898, before they disembarked from Florida to fight in Cuba in the Spanish-American War. The sketch was to embody the essence of the U.S. Cavalry trooper, a testament to the service of the hard-riding and fighting men of previous eras. Remington selected Sergeant John Lannen as the epitome of a cavalryman and took several field sketches that he used to draw the final version. Sergeant Lannen was a weathered, thirty-year veteran and had seen much over his career. He was held in high regard by his officers and the men he served with. Unfortunately, Sergeant Lannen died in Cuba from yellow fever, shortly before he was supposed to retire from the service. This simple and yet complex sketch represents not just John Lannen, but also the generic trooper, the 3rd U.S. Cavalry (who unofficially adopted Old Bill as their mascot), the United States Cavalry, and later, all mobile operations of the U.S. Army. It symbolizes decades of sweat, blood, and turmoil in times long gone, and a story that needs to be told of those times. I put my own twist on the name and called it Lonesome Bill by accident, at first. It seemed to fit: the lonesome trooper gazing out at whatever adversity he faced or had previously faced. It was his story that I wanted to hear, though it wasn’t simply his. The name caught on and I decided to go with it. I would tell the story. I would research, interpret, and share – to the best of my ability- the stories of those that came before. I became Lonesome Bill. A monument, based on Remington’s sketch, was constructed at Fort Riley, Kansas, in 1961. Known as The Old Trooper or Old Bill, the monument marks the resting place of the last U.S. Cavalry horse registered to the United States Government. The horse, Chief, was laid to rest there in 1968. The untitled sketch resides in the U.S. Cavalry Museum located at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Event/session(s) may be cancelled no less than 3 weeks out from the confirmed scheduled time for a fully refunded deposit. Past this point, deposits are nonrefundable. Deposits are due within 3 days of booking an event/session. Full payment is due upon completion of the session/event unless otherwise specified in the contract. If at anytime a session needs to be rescheduled, contact Lonesome Bill 3 weeks prior to the session to rebook to not lose the deposit. Contact as soon as possible with event/session timeline. Dates are not always available/guaranteed. For more detailed resumes, referrals, program rates, or information on services supplied, please contact us at lonesomebillinterp@gmail.com or call (307) 575-3177.