William Broderick Cloete

William Broderick Cloete (1851 – 7 May 1915) was a Cape Colony-born British industrialist active in the border zones between Mexico and the United States in the late 19th century.

After the Mexican National Construction Company chose to plot the Mexican National Railroad across this land, Symon sold his stake for $60,000 to a group of British investors incorporated as the San Marcos and Pinos company, while Cloete - who gained an additional advantage from land ownership, since the railway would access several mines he owned - retained his stake, eventually becoming a director of the new company.

[1] Cloete is also noted for his belief in the legend of the Lost Nigger Gold Mine; he offered Lock Campbell, a Texan man, expenses of $10,000 if he would undertake an expedition to find it.

[3] On 18 July 1902 he married Violet Kate Henley, the daughter of Joseph Arthur Henley; they leased a town house at 28/31 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair[4] and maintained a country residence in Hare Park outside London.

[5] Cloete was also a famous owner and breeder of race horses, with his colt Paradox securing a number of major wins, including the Grand Prix de Paris, and claiming second place in the 1885 Derby.