Clint Murchison Sr.
Clinton Williams Murchison Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Tyler, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | June 20, 1969 (aged 74) Athens, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Oil entrepreneur, political figure |
| Known for | Founder of Southern Union Company; father of Dallas Cowboys founder Clint Murchison Jr. |
Clinton Williams Murchison Sr. (April 11, 1895 – June 20, 1969) was a distinguished oil entrepreneur and political figure based in Texas. He established several enterprises, including the Southern Union Company, and was the father of Dallas Cowboys founder and owner Clint Murchison Jr..
Personal
Murchison was born on April 11, 1895, in Tyler, Texas, as the third child of John Weldon and Clara Lee Murchison. During World War I, he served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army. Following his military service, he teamed up with Sid W. Richardson in 1919 to trade leases in the Burkburnett oilfield.
He owned several ranches, one of which was located near Tampico, Mexico, where he famously hosted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1950.
Family
In 1920, Murchison married Anne Morris from Tyler, Texas, and they had three sons: John Dabney Murchison (1921–1979), Clinton Williams Murchison Jr. (1923–1987), and Burk Yarbrough Murchison (1925–1936). Anne Morris Murchison passed away in 1926. Later, in 1943, he wed Virginia Long from Commerce, Texas.
Business
Murchison initially worked at his father's bank before his military service during World War I. In 1919, he began a partnership with long-time associate Sid Richardson as lease traders within the Burkburnett oil field near Wichita Falls, Texas. He quickly advanced into oil exploration and development throughout North and West Texas and sold his assets for $5 million by 1925.
In 1929, he founded the Southern Union Gas Company, which provided natural gas to regions including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico. By 1930, he played a significant role in developing the East Texas Oil Field, acquiring large leasehold interests and constructing the Tyler Pipe Line to transport crude oil to a refinery located in Tyler, Texas. This venture was named American Liberty Oil Company to express his resistance to government intervention.
During the late 1930s, Murchison expanded his investments alongside his sons John Dabney and Clint Jr., who became involved after their service in World War II. Their diversified portfolio encompassed sectors such as life insurance, banking, transportation, publishing, industrial goods, and leisure industries. Key assets included holdings in the New York Central Railroad, Daisy Manufacturing Company, Lionel Trains, Henry Holt Publishing, Field & Stream magazine, Heddon Rod & Reel, and Alleghany Corporation.
In 1945, he founded Delhi Oil Corporation, which evolved into one of the largest independent integrated oil firms in the United States. Its Canadian branch developed gas reserves in Western Canada and facilitated the construction of the 2,100-mile Trans-Canada Pipe Lines completed in 1958. Delhi Australia focused on Australian gas reserves development while Delhi Coastal Transmission transported natural gas from Texas to Florida. In 1955, Delhi merged with Taylor Oil and Gas Company to form Delhi-Taylor Corporation. Additionally, Murchison acquired interests in Kirby Petroleum Company.
Apart from his energy ventures, Murchison owned extensive cattle ranches across Mexico and East Texas.
Politics
Murchison was a fervent supporter of states' rights and the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees, particularly emphasizing the protection of private businesses within the oil and gas industry amid the proration disputes of the 1930s. His political agenda also encompassed agricultural policies, federal land banking initiatives, the dairy sector, international commerce, the gold monetary system, and anti-Communist campaigns.
Alongside Sid Richardson, Murchison actively encouraged Dwight D. Eisenhower to pursue the presidency, personally delivering one of two letters on the day Eisenhower made his decision to run. Although Eisenhower was aligned with the Republican Party, both Murchison and Richardson endorsed the “Democrats for Eisenhower” initiative.
Beginning in 1945, Murchison engaged in regular communication with Lyndon B. Johnson, using his influence to help secure Johnson’s backing in East Texas during the 1948 election and supporting his presidential campaign in 1960.
With concerns about Communist infiltration rising before the conclusion of World War II, Murchison utilized his significant stake in Holt Publishing to promote J. Edgar Hoover’s book Masters of Deceit, which revealed Communist strategies. He initially endorsed Senator Joseph McCarthy but withdrew support once McCarthy’s political intentions became evident.
Death
After enduring several years of illness, Murchison passed away on June 20, 1969, at Henderson County Memorial Hospital located in Athens, Texas. At the time of his death, his wealth was valued at approximately $500 million.
JFK conspiracy allegations
Madeleine Duncan Brown, an advertising professional, asserted that she attended a gathering at Murchison’s Dallas residence on the evening prior to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The event reportedly included figures such as Lyndon B. Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, Richard Nixon, and H. L. Hunt. Brown claimed that Johnson made a remark suggesting Kennedy would no longer cause him embarrassment following the assassination—an allegation that contributed to various JFK conspiracy theories and drew widespread national interest.
Notes