ELLEN MORTENSEN , WITH EXCERPTS FROM MIDWEST MESSENGER

Sandhills cowboy Sam Connell of Arnold, well known to many in this area as “Grandpa Sam”, was inducted into the Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 5, in Valentine.

Sam will turn 86-years-young on June 18, and was born in his grandparents’ home in southwest Thomas County. He was the fourth of eight children of Dan and Fay Connell. He graduated from Thomas County High School in 1958, and two years later married his wife, Phyllis, and began a family of his own. Sam and Phyllis are the proud parents of Gordon, Sandi, Casey, Mardel, DanDee, and Luke.

Ranching was always a way of life for Sam, and he worked on several ranches throughout the Sandhills, including the Milldale Ranch, until his late 70s. He also worked at Cattle Growers Feedlot in Stapleton and for the Nebraska Brand Committee as a brand inspector. His son Casey and grandson Cade followed in those footsteps as brand inspectors. Just last spring, Sam retired from working at the sale barn in North Platte after 40 years and nine different owners.

Sam also served for more than 40 years as a 4-H leader, was an area 4-H horse judge, and served as arena boss and announcer for Rodeo Bible Camp. Adding to his long list of accomplishments, Sam decided to try his hand at Christian poetry and eventually published his own book. He has had an opportunity to share his poetry at various festivals and events across Nebraska.

“Today, you will find Sam trading in his saddle for a stadium seat. He spends his time supporting his family at all their events. Even though the years have stolen the chances of seeing him horseback, he is still very known as ‘Cowboy Sam,’ an icon in the area as he leaves his imprint for the next generation to come,” stated an article that appeared in Midwest Messenger in April 2026.

The Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet was held at the 4-H Building at the Cherry County Fairgrounds in Valentine. This was the 21st year of the event.