Jeffrey L. Barnhart, a Wichita, Kansas native and proud Navy veteran, developed his deep love for Western history, trains, and storytelling thanks to his maternal grandmother, affectionately known as Grandma Winki. Growing up on Santa Fe Road across from the railroad tracks, Jeff spent countless hours on her porch swing, listening to tales of her early life in Wichita and classic Western stories. She introduced him to legends like Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey, as well as Western TV staples like Bonanza and Gunsmoke, sparking his lifelong passion for the Old West. Her influence shaped not only his imagination but also his dreams—dreams he made reality when he began volunteering at Old Cowtown Museum as a cowboy reenactor after retiring from a distinguished 22-year Navy career as a Chief Petty Officer.
With nearly two decades of historical reenactment experience—from Civil War portrayals to mountain man gatherings and Old West shootouts—Jeff has brought the spirit of the frontier to life for countless audiences. He’s even appeared as an extra in several B-movies, often alongside his beloved horses, Gus and Chapo. A natural storyteller with a heart rooted in history, Jeff sees writing Western novels as the next chapter in living out his cowboy dreams. A proud father of three—Joshua Denver, Olivia, and Camden—he believes it’s never too late to follow the calling placed in your heart.