Tom Three Persons

by Hugh A. Dempsey

Tom Three Persons became a successful rancher at a time when Canadians did not expect Indians to succeed. His even greater claim to fame was in the rodeo arena―at the first Calgary Stampede in 1912 he won a world championship in bronc riding, and was the only Canadian to achieve a championship in any major event at the stampede. He became a hero, took up calf roping, and inspired generations of Blood Indians to success in the rodeo arena. But there was a dark side―Tom Three Persons carried out vendettas against neighbours, drank too much, abused his wives, and was said to have had no natural children who reached adulthood.

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 1997

About the author

Hugh Aylmer Dempsey is a well known Canadian historian and writer who has authored twelve books and numerous articles. He is an honorary chief of the Blood Tribe and was the chief curator of the Glenbow Museum. Among the many awards he has received for his writing are the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Alberta History and Award of Merit, Local History Section, Canadian Historical Association. He lives in Calgary.