Joseph J. Klodt, a rancher living at Newcastle, Wyoming, whose well directed interests and activities have brought him a substantial measure of success, was born in Milton, Van Buren county, Iowa, October 14, 1877, His parents being Anthony and Lena (Knecht) Klodt, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in Austria. The father left Germany in young manhood and became a resident of Iowa during the pioneer epoch in its history. There he followed farming for many years and passed away in that state in 1909, while his widow survives and still makes her home in Ottumwa, Iowa. The father had come to America in the late '40^s, leaving Germany because of the political strife existing there during that period. To him and his wife were born eight children, and all are yet living, namely: Peter J., who resides on the old homestead farm in Van Buren county, Iowa; Frank H., who lives on a ranch near Billings, Montana; Joseph J., of this review: Theresa, twin sister of Joseph and now the wife of George Emanuels, a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa: William A., who is living upon a farm near Ottumwa, Iowa: Albert A., who has removed to the west and is now on a ranch near Lewiston. Montana; George, who with his brother Peter occupies the old home place in Iowa : and Elizabeth, who lives at home with her mother.
    Joseph J. Klodt, whose name introduces this review, acquired his early education in the district schools of Van Buren county and in the public schools of Milton, and when not occupied with his textbooks gave his assistance in the development of the home farm. When his education was completed he concentrated his entire time and attention upon the farm work and thus continued until he reached the age of twenty-one. In 1900 he removed westward, settling in Converse county, Wyoming, where he was employed for a year by H. L. Reed of that place. He also spent one year in the employ of Joe Gans, both prominent sheep men of Converse county. From 1902 until 1906 he was associated with S. C. Holts in the sheep business, and in 1906 they entered into partnership with J. L. Baird and continued in that connection until 1908, at which time Mr. Klodt disposed of his interests to his partners and engaged in the sheep business independently. In 1910 he organized the Mush Creek Land and Live Stock Company, a sixty thousand dollar corporation, which owns at this time over two thousand acres of land in Weston county, more than twelve hundred head of cattle and more than five thousand head of sheep. The officers of the company are: Joseph J. Klodt, president and manager; Mrs. Joseph J. Klodt, secretary and treasurer; and Julius Knecht, vice president. Mr. Klodt is also a director and stockholder in the Newcastle National Bank, a director in the Newcastle Drug Company and secretary and treasurer of the Wyoming Transfer & Machine Company. He also has large interests in the Buck Creek oil field and other oil interests. In a word, he has extended his efforts into various fields and his activities have been a most potent force in bringing about the material development and progress of Weston county as well as the promotion of his own interests. He has one of the finest bungalows in the town of Newcastle, which was completed at a cost of over twelve thousand dollars. His success has enabled him to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. His advancement in a business way has been the direct result of his own labors, which have been most intelligently put forth.
    In Salt Lake City. Utah, on the 8^th of October, 1907, Mr. Klodt was united in marriage to Miss Nina L. Kelley, a native of Minnesota, who spent her girlhood days in Athens, Tennessee, and in California and who completed her education in Grant University at Athens, Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Kludt has been born a son, John J., whose birth occurred in Weston county, Wyoming, September 15, 1908.
    In his political views Mr. Klodt has always been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He has always preferred to give his untiring attention to his business affairs, working persistently and earnestly to provide a good living for his family, and as the years have passed on his purpose has been accomplished.