Russell Thorp, Jr. was a prominent rancher from Niobrara County. Born in 1877, he grew up in near the Rawhide Stage Station near Lusk, Wyoming. His father, Russell Thorp, Sr., served in the Civil War, operated the Cheyenne-Black Hill stage line near Lusk, and engaged in ranching in Niobrara County. The younger Thorp attended the University of Nebraska and maintained a long relationship as a valued alumnus. After graduation, Thorp worked the family ranch, became involved in cattle companies in Wyoming and Montana, invested in mining and oil ventures, served as secretary-manager of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, and was a representative of the American National Cattlemen’s Association. He wrote articles and gave talks about ranching in Wyoming for numerous local and national organizations. Besides ranching, Thorp enjoyed music and played the banjo. He was interested in the history of Wyoming, collected articles and information about historical people and events, promoted that preservation of stage coaches, and served on the Wyoming Historical Landmarks Commission and the Wyoming Pioneer Association. Russell Thorp, Jr., died on October 26, 1968