Carl Schweighart was born on September 27, 1926 at the family homestead on Cottonwood Creek in Washakie County. Carl is one of nine children born to Charles and Wilhelmine Schweighart. He attended elementary school through the 8th grade at the Schweighart School and then boarded out to attend and graduate from Worland High School.
Carl served in the United States Army starting active duty in 1952 and being honorably discharged from the reserves in 1960. He worked on the family ranch upon returning from the service. In 1966 Carl went to work for Dan and Martha Healy at which time he moved his family to the LU Ranch where Carl remained until his retirement.
Carl started as a foreman and progressed to managing the ranch that raised cattle, horses, and sheep. Carl exemplifies the true essence of a cowboy. He is most at home when he is on his horse and caring for the livestock. Carl is known as a true “stock man”.
Carl is an advocate for ranchers having served on many county and state boards for associations such as the Predatory Animal Board and Wyoming Wool Growers. He served on a joint committee with the Wyoming Wool Growers and Wyoming Stockgrowers to make the Wyoming State Brand Board self-sufficient generating revenue to pay for the brand inspectors. Carl served on the state predatory animal board helping develop the operating guidelines and by-laws as well as testifying before a senate subcommittee concerning predatory animal control. Carl served as a BLM Advisory Board member and was recognized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for outstanding contributions to wildlife management. Carl worked diligently to preserve the cowboy way of life.
Although Carl never participated in rodeo he has always been an avid fan. He has had many a good friend who were rodeo greats such as Casey Tibbs, the Knight brothers, the McQuarry brothers and the Lindermans. In recent years, he has enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in rodeo and traveling with his son-in-law, PRCA Pro-Official Bruce Keller, as a spectator while Bruce judged.
Carl is a man of few words but his actions speak volumes whether it be his kindness in working with livestock or his interaction with people. Carl’s life reflects the values and ethics of a true cowboy.