Pattillo Higgins
Pattillo Higgins | |
|---|---|
| Clean shaven man with receding hairline in a coat and tie | |
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | June 5, 1955 (aged 91) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, geologist |
Pattillo Higgins (December 5, 1863 – June 5, 1955) was an American entrepreneur and autodidact in geology. Often referred to as the "Prophet of Spindletop," he significantly influenced the Texas petroleum sector by co-founding the Gladys City Oil Gas and Manufacturing Company and later launching the Higgins Standard Oil Company.
Early life
Higgins was born in Sabine Pass, Texas and relocated to Beaumont, Texas at six years old. He discontinued formal education after fourth grade to apprentice as a gunsmith under his father's guidance. Known for unruly conduct during his adolescence, at seventeen he was involved in a deadly encounter with a sheriff's deputy that resulted in the loss of his left arm below the elbow; he was acquitted on grounds of self-defense. Subsequently, he found employment as a logger near the Texas-Louisiana border.
Following a spiritual awakening in 1885, Higgins embraced Christianity and returned to Beaumont to explore business ventures.
Venture into business
Higgins initially ventured into real estate and invested earnings from logging to establish the Higgins Manufacturing Company, which specialized in brick production. His fascination with oil and natural gas developed as he utilized gas to fuel brick kilns. Through self-directed study of geological surveys and reports, he concentrated on identifying indicators of subterranean oil deposits.
His investigations focused on "Sour Hill Mound" close to Beaumont—a salt dome known for sulfurous spring emissions—which local residents suspected contained oil. In 1892, Higgins collaborated with George O'Brien, George Carroll, Emma John, and J.F. Lanier to create the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company. Despite skepticism from professional geologists and criticism by local press, Higgins' belief in oil beneath Spindletop was grounded on the presence of mineral water and natural gas seepage.
Drilling operations commenced in 1893 but were unsuccessful due to unstable sands and clay formations. After three failed shallow wells, Higgins withdrew from the project, sold his shares, and purchased 33 acres atop Sour Spring Mound.
Partnership with Anthony Lucas
Committed to discovering oil, Higgins placed advertisements in industrial publications and trade journals, receiving a sole response from Croatian-American Anthony Francis Lucas. Lucas entered into contracts with both the Gladys City Company and Higgins in 1899 and began drilling in June 1900. The first well collapsed after reaching , exhausting their financial resources. Lucas then obtained financial support from John H. Galey and James M. Guffey based in Pittsburgh; however, these terms diminished Lucas’ ownership stake and excluded Higgins entirely.
The Lucas Gusher at Spindletop
Drilling recommenced in late October 1900 with assistance from the seasoned Hamill brothers from Corsicana, employing a heavier-duty rotary drill bit. Despite difficulties penetrating underground sand layers, on January 10, 1901, six tons of drill pipe erupted suddenly, forcing workers to evacuate. The oil spout reached heights exceeding , releasing an estimated . The well attained , exactly where Higgins had forecasted; drilling merely 50 feet south would have missed the deposit entirely. Named "Lucas 1," its initial production surpassed that of all other U.S. wells combined at that time. Spindletop yielded over in its first year and doubled production the following year, effectively dismantling John D. Rockefeller’s international monopoly.
Litigation involving Lucas and Gladys City Company
Higgins initiated legal action against Lucas and the Gladys City Oil, Gas and Manufacturing Company concerning royalty payments, contending that the second lease was null because the initial lease had not yet expired. Following a settlement reached outside of court, Higgins established the Higgins Oil and Fuel Company at the heart of Spindletop. Nevertheless, his assertive approach to land acquisition exposed the company to risk, enabling lumber magnate and entrepreneur John Henry Kirby to purchase Higgins's shares for $3 million in 1902. Despite this, Higgins maintained leasing privileges on his property and went on to create the Higgins Standard Oil Company. He later collaborated with investors on additional drilling ventures but frequently exited prematurely, allowing others to reap the financial rewards.
Later years and passing
Throughout his life, Higgins embraced multiple roles including wildcatter, inventor, artist, engineer, and draftsman. Deeply rooted religious convictions shaped his personal conduct, leading him to avoid public amusements and oppose the sale of alcoholic beverages. He possessed residences in Beaumont, Houston, and San Antonio. Remaining unmarried until age 45, he adopted Annie Jahn when she was 15 in 1905; three years later they wed and had three children despite attracting public controversy. Higgins passed away in San Antonio on June 5, 1955.
Higgins World's Oil Company
From the Prescott Evening Courier – December 23, 1905: Incorporation documents for "Higgins World's Oil Company"
Further reading
- East Texas Historical Association, "A self-taught Texas wildcatter: Pattillo Higgins and the Hockley Oil Field," by Ronald H. Limbaugh, East Texas Historical Journal, Vol. 34 No. 1, 1996