Tom Bicknell graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bradley University in May 1974. He and his wife Karen, have been married for twenty-one years and they have three daughters. His career has remained in the field of business, however, his outside interests have always included an active study of history focusing on the American Civil War and the Old West.

Over the years he has read every book he could find about America's western frontier. His interest was drawn to Ben and Billy Thompson because so very little had been presented about them and much of what he had read was contradictory.

In 1995, his curiosity set him off searching cemetery records, libraries, county clerk offices, state and federal depositories, photographic archives and to read through dozens of 19th century newspapers.

He has since authored several articles, and through the help and tireless efforts of some very dear friends, both in America and England, he has been able to separate fact from legend when presenting these episodes of the remarkable lives of Ben and Billy Thompson.

Knottingley and Ferrybridge Online are indebted to him for offering us his assistance and support, and for his permission to reproduce a selection of his articles within our website.