Julie Riley, Anne Amsden, and John Amsden, founders of Ultima Thules and proud descendants of Kingsley, Montana

 

 

Ultima Thules - meaning the farthest point; the limit of any journey - works to preserve natural and cultural spaces. As descendants of Kingsley, Montana, we tell their story, and those of dozens of others in Powder River County - and all of the Western states' homesteaders. We are inspired by unique, rare places throughout the world - Costa Rica's Playa Junquillal is one, where we are working to Preserve the Canopy.

See our vision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow this path to learn more about Kingsley, Montana, the long-forgotten homestead settlement 8 miles north of Broadus, once a bustling community, now no more than few shards of glass and metal in the ground. As we drew upon historical documents to awaken Kingsley's story, we were surprised - and endeared by the fact that many of the families who homesteaded here are here still. We appreciate the importance of place, and welcome you to join in our efforts to tell the story of Kingsley and so many other homestead communities lost to history. Please help us bring their stories to life by sharing your story here.

With Mary Herron and HL Rayner as the driving force, Kingsley became a true community, relying on each other for farm and ranch work, baseball games, dancing, picnics, and friendship. Read more about the community these founders built, here.

Many thanks to those who've helped so far:

  • Powder River Historical Museum
  • Louise Edwards Alderman, descendant of Lee & Elizabeth Henning Rayner
  • Faye Hough Denson
  • Diana McCurdy Edwards, spouse of Frances, descendant of Lee & Elizabeth Henning Rayner
  • Virginia Watters Pierce, descendant of Mae Rayner and Frank Watters
  • Clinton Watters
  • Kitty Belle Amsden Riggs, descendant of Kate Rayner and Ralph Amsden
  • Darryl Henning, grandson of Lee and Elizabeth Rayner and Ferd Henning
  • Alison Gamble Poole, great grand daughter of Mary Elizabeth and Lulu Rayner Curry
  • Illa Dee Edwards Talcott
  • T.J. Trusler
  • Mike Leffingwell, allowing access to his ranch purchased by Mangens, in turn comprised of dozens of original homesteads

The following sources are cited, providing either background or direct quotes, where noted:

Kingsley, Montana

A story of adventure, agriculture, and adversity.

Would you risk everything for a new life?
Kingsley, Montana

Preserve the Canopy

Playa Junquillal deserves protection.

Costa Rican Wildlife Depends on Us
Preserve the Canopy