Belden, Charles J., 1887-1966

Charles Josiah Belden was a photographer, author, rancher, airplane buff, and employee of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. Charles, his first wife Frances Phelps, and his brother-in-law Eugene Phelps, were willed the legendary Pitchfork Dude Ranch. In 1940, Charles and Frances divorced and Charles moved to Florida with his new wife Vern Steele Belden.

Belden was known for his beaver Stetson hats, and had one model, "The Belden," named after him. In the late 1920s he was involved in raising antelope and sending them by airplane to zoos around the world. Belden helped to pioneer the process of planting fish from the air and filmed the experience for future reference. In addition, he helped the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission conduct a census using aerial photographs to count large herds in 1940. His articles covered subjects from ranch life to his one-of-a-kind bighorn and domestic sheep hybrid.

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