Was a founder, in 1961, and past president of the Western History Association.
Obtained his higher education at Purdue (1951) and Indiana (1952) Universities.
Holds honorary doctoral degrees from Purdue (1972), Indiana (1983), and the University of New Mexico (1976).
Reared in Pennsylvania and Indiana.
During his college years he spent six summers (1947-52) as a "historical aide" for the National Park Service at Custer Battlefield National Monument which led to a career in the National Park Service.