Michael Late Benedum

Michael Late Benedum
Born	Bridgeport, West Virginia, U.S.
Died	July 30, 1959(1959-07-30) (aged 90)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur in oil and natural gas sectors
Known for	Co-founder of Benedum-Trees Oil Company; philanthropy in West Virginia and Pennsylvania

Michael Late Benedum (July 16, 1869 – July 30, 1959) was a distinguished entrepreneur from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who accumulated his wealth through ventures in the oil and natural gas sectors during the early 1900s. He became one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States and is remembered as an emblem of business achievement in both West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Early life and family

Born in Bridgeport, West Virginia, Benedum received his name from the family physician Michael Late. At the age of 16, he left formal education to take a position at the Davison Flour Mill, where he earned $16 monthly for working twelve-hour shifts.

His spouse, Sarah "Sadie" Nancy Lantz Benedum, was instrumental in his commercial accomplishments. Serving as a trusted confidante and collaborator, she supported Michael throughout his ascent within the oil industry. Together, they established the Benedum Foundation, which continues their philanthropic mission. Despite the tragic death of their son Claude, Sadie remained deeply involved in both their business ventures and charitable activities.

Their son, Claude Worthington Benedum (born 1898 in Cameron, West Virginia), passed away at age 20 amid the 1918 influenza pandemic while serving in the United States Army's chemical warfare division.

Career

Benedum’s professional journey commenced following an encounter with a superintendent from South Penn Oil Company. Known for his expertise in negotiation and his reputation as a successful wildcatter, he is credited with discovering oil in more locations than anyone else historically. Alongside Joe Trees, he co-founded the Benedum-Trees Oil Company, initially acquiring an oil lease in Pleasants County, West Virginia. The first well began production in 1896 and was soon followed by six additional wells, generating revenue that allowed for expansion to approximately twelve more leases within West Virginia.

The company gained prominence through its discovery of the Yates Oil Field in Texas. Benedum’s achievements secured him a position among America’s top 76 wealthiest individuals by 1957—the same year he was honored as West Virginian of the Year for his charitable contributions to the region.

As a dedicated Democrat, Benedum made substantial donations to the party and was regarded by The New York Times as a close associate of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He played an active role in encouraging African American voters to align with the Democratic Party during a time when their support largely favored Republicans.

Legacy and philanthropy

Benedum maintained an unwavering work ethic throughout his life, laboring seven days per week even at age 87. In 1910, he sold an oil lease located in Caddo Parish, Louisiana for $7 million.

His philanthropic efforts encompassed financing a civic center and a Methodist church in Bridgeport, West Virginia. The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation—named to honor his late son—oversees his estate’s assets, directing funds primarily toward initiatives in Pittsburgh and West Virginia. To date, this foundation has contributed over $565 million.

In recognition of his impact on the oil industry, the Texas Railroad Commission named an oilfield after Benedum following the discovery well Alford No. 1 in northeast Upton County, Texas, which triggered the Permian Basin oil boom during the 1940s.

His likeness is preserved at the National Portrait Gallery (United States) in Washington, D.C., and his biography was featured in the 1980 film "Michael Benedum: The Wildcatter."

Devotion to West Virginia

"Life has treated me kindly… rewarding me with cherished loved ones, surrounded by loyal friends, and presenting valuable opportunities. I could not depart this world feeling content or fulfilled if I believed I had failed to share some of these blessings with those less privileged.

We cannot predict where potential may arise. Within the most neglected and impoverished child, seemingly forsaken to ignorance and hardship, there may lie dormant virtue, intelligence, and brilliance. It is our responsibility to plant and nurture these seeds, entrusting others to reap the benefits of our labor.

Although my affection for the state of my birth has shaped how I have arranged my estate, practical considerations have also guided my preference for West Virginia. This is not due to a lack of appreciation for my adopted state of Pennsylvania, but rather an effort to balance the needs and possibilities of both regions.

It cannot be overlooked that Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania possess abundant wealth, with affluent individuals being relatively common. In contrast, West Virginia faces greater challenges and requires more support than my adopted home. Therefore, in allocating resources to West Virginia institutions, I have acted with fairness and a sense of duty to distribute my estate in a manner that maximizes benefit for the greatest number. This choice was made after careful deliberation." -Michael Late Benedum, will dated June 15, 1957.

Passing

Benedum passed away in 1959 and was laid to rest at Homewood Cemetery.

His philanthropic impact extended beyond his lifetime, with over $100 million left to his family and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. This Pittsburgh-based organization continues to play a significant role in supporting West Virginia, dedicating much of its charitable efforts to the area.

Namesakes

• Benedum Field: An oil field located in Upton County, Texas, named in honor of Benedum following the 1948 discovery well Alford No. 1.
• Benedum Hall (West Virginia University): The building housing WVU's College of Law, established through Benedum's 1927 contribution.
• Benedum Hall (University of Pittsburgh): The facility accommodating the School of Engineering.
• Benedum Center: A performing arts venue in Pittsburgh constructed with funds from Benedum's 1962 donation.
• Benedum Trees Oil Company Building: The historic Pittsburgh headquarters of Benedum-Trees Oil Company, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Michael Late Benedum Chapter of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL): A chapter named in his memory within this professional oil and gas association.
• Benedum Foundation: Founded in 1944, it supports initiatives in education, culture, and healthcare across West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
• Benedum scholarship: A scholarship provided by West Virginia University for students pursuing careers in the oil and gas industry.
• Benedum Civic Center (Bridgeport, WV): A community center designed after Benedum’s family residence, dedicated by him in 1956.
• Benedum Libraries: Including Benedum Public Library in Bridgeport, WV, as well as Benedum Library at WVU.
• Benedum Airport: Situated in Bridgeport, WV; also known as North Central Regional Airport (Code CKB).
• Benedum Room: Located within the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, WV; a favored space named to honor him.