Kleberg, Robert J., Jr.

Kleberg, Robert J. (Justus), Jr.

(1896–1974) rancher; born in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1916 he joined the King Ranch in Texas, the country's largest producer of beef, then owned by his father, who had married Alice King. He became president and CEO of the giant King Ranch (1924–74). On his more than 12 million acres, "Mr. Bob" bred grasses, quarter horses, and Santa Gertrudis, the country's first breed of cattle (1940). He was the owner of a string of champion racehorses.