John Skolfield Wold (June 9, 1916 – August 14, 1996) was an American petroleum geologist, businessman, and Republican politician who served a single term as the United States Representative for Wyoming’s at‑large congressional district from 1969 to 1971.
Early life and education
Wold was born in Rock River, Wyoming. He earned a Bachelor of Science in geology from the University of Wyoming and subsequently completed a Master of Science in petroleum engineering at Cornell University.
Military service
During World War II, Wold served in the United States Army Air Forces as a pilot, attaining the rank of captain.
Business career
After the war, Wold worked as a petroleum geologist for several oil and gas companies. He later founded the Wold Oil Company, through which he was involved in exploration and production activities primarily in the Rocky Mountain region.
Political career
In the 1968 election, Wold was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Democrat John J. McCarthy. He served in the 91st Congress (January 3, 1969 – January 3, 1971). While in office, he sat on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and advocated for policies favorable to the energy sector and Western states.
Wold ran for reelection in 1970 but was defeated by Democrat Teno Roncal. He later sought the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in 1976; however, he did not secure the party’s nomination.
Later life and death
Following his congressional service, Wold returned to private business and remained active in the Wyoming energy community. He died on August 14, 1996, in Laramie, Wyoming, at the age of 80.
Legacy
Wold is remembered for his contributions to the development of Wyoming’s petroleum industry and for his brief tenure in federal legislative service representing the state’s interests during a period of significant national focus on energy policy.