Rev. Joseph Conrath, pastor of St. Joseph's church at Rawlins, Wyoming, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 25, 1876, a son of Philip and Theresa (Schwindt) Conrath, both of whom were natives of Germany. On coming to America they settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became well known residents of that city. The father devoted his active business life to tailoring, but in his later years lived retired. He passed away in Cincinnati in 1910, at the age of eighty-four, while his wife died in 1890, at the age of forty-five years. They were the parents of six children, of whom one son is deceased, the others being Charles, Joseph, Caroline, Kate and Sister Carola, who is a teacher in a high school in eastern Minnesota.
    In his boyhood days Rev. Joseph Conrath attended the parochial school and later became a student in St. Xavier's College, from which he was graduated in 1899. He then entered Mount St. Mary's Seminary for his theological course, which he completed by graduation with the class of 1902. For six months thereafter he was located at Pueblo, Colorado, and then removed to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he also spent a half year. Since that time he has been continuously located as pastor of St. Joseph's church in Rawlins.
    In August, 1916, a most imposing ecclesiastical function was held in Rawlins–the dedication of St. Joseph's church, a new edifice, having been erected at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. A church paper said of the occasion: "It must be regarded as a red letter day in the annals of the Catholic church not only in the city of Rawlins, but also in the state of Wyoming. The Catholic people of Rawlins have now a sacred edifice of which they may feel justly proud. In fact, their new church would reflect credit upon a city of metropolitan proportions. It is built in Roman style of gray buff brick with terracotta trimmings, and its stately tower, which can be seen from every part of the city, is surmounted by an elaborate cross of copper, of which material the dome of the tower, as well as the gutters, are made. The roof is of red tile and adds immeasurably to the external beauty of the edifice. On the occasion of the dedication Bishop McGovern officiated and special services appropriate to the occasion were held. This was a happy day in the life of Father Conrath which saw the fulfillment of his hopes in regard to his parish, which now has a most splendid house of worship.
    He is one of the most popular priests in his diocese and is widely known, doing splendid work among his parishioners in Rawlins, the various branches of the church work being thoroughly organized, while the results achieved are highly gratifying and satisfactory.