Andrew "Hermit of Rawhide" Madsen

Rawhide Hermit Found Dead Sun.

Andrew Madsen, 76, who had the nickname "Hermit of Rawhide", was found dead at his home southwest of Lusk Sunday evening. He had apparently been sitting on the steps of his home at the time of his death and had toppled over backward. He was believed to have been dead since May 1.

Mr. Madsen had a habit of marking a calendar daily and the last date marked was April 30. He was found by H.P. Klemke who occasionally checked on him when he was at his south ranch.

Mr. Madsen was born in Denmark in March 1886 and came to the United States with his parents as a small child. The family located in South Dakota. Mr. Madsen came to Wyoming to homestead in 1912. He had lived in the Rawhide area for 32 years and had never been to Lusk.

Private services were held at the Peet Chapel in Lusk at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Frank Bozart in charge. Burial was in the Lusk Cemetery.

Survivors include a brother, Chris Madsen of Aurora, Colo.; three sisters, Mrs. Emil Person, Viborg, S. Dak., Mrs. L.A. Woodbury, Centerville, S. Dak., and Mrs. Adolph Ambrosen, Spicer, Minn.; nine nieces and five nephews. Two sisters, Miss Emma Person and Mrs. Anna Larsen live at Lusk. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Madsen were here for services.

Note:   Although the obituary indicates death was May 1, the Lusk cemetery records state the date of death as April 30.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records