The Arkansas Kid was born in Washington Heights, NYC, in 1944. He became a cowboy in fifth grade when his mother, originally from Arkansas, would send him to school dressed in cowboy clothes. At the time, The Arkansas Kid was named “Oklahoma Tex” by his teachers and schoolmates. Currently retired from the insurance business, The Arkansas Kid spends his time fixing up the museum and helping out at Cedar Lane Stables. He also creates wood burning carvings on leather and on wood based on Native American and Cowboy themes. He has also learned to build Native American artifacts, such as tomahawks and arrows. His heroes include Gene Autry and Bass Reeves.