Robert Galbreath Jr.
Robert Galbreath Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1863-12-23 Pickaway County, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | 1953-12-12 Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, oil prospector, wildcatter |
| Years active | Late 19th century–early 20th century |
| Known for | Discovery of the Glenn Pool oilfield |
Robert Galbreath Jr. (1863–1953) was a prominent American businessman, oil prospector, and wildcatter based in Oklahoma. Originally from Ohio, he later relocated to Kansas and California during the late 1800s before making his way back to Indian Territory. Together with his brother Herman, he took part in the Land Rush of 1889 to claim unassigned lands, acquiring and subsequently selling property near what is now Hennessey. Settling in Edmond, he served as both town marshal and deputy U.S. marshal. Galbreath’s legacy is chiefly tied to his discovery of the Glenn Pool oilfield, a landmark event that significantly influenced Oklahoma’s oil industry.
Early life
Born on December 23, 1863, in Pickaway County, Ohio, Robert Galbreath Jr. was the son of Robert and Sarah A. (née Hill) Galbreath. In 1884, he moved westward to Kansas where he encountered David L. Payne, the leader of the Boomers (Oklahoma settlers) movement; however, Galbreath did not become involved with this group. By 1889, he had ventured to California but returned that same year with his brother Herman to Indian Territory. They participated in the 1889 Land Rush, claiming land near Hennessey which they quickly sold before moving to Edmond. There, Robert took on roles such as town marshal and deputy U.S. marshal, establishing a foundation of local authority prior to entering the oil business.
Settling in Indian Territory
Once settled in Edmond, Robert assumed multiple responsibilities including serving as postmaster and running a newspaper. In 1892, he married Mary Ellen Kivlehen. He also took part in the 1893 Cherokee Outlet land opening before relocating his family to Perry, where he became publisher of the Perry Evening Democrat. By 1895, Galbreath was appointed United States commissioner in Shawnee, charged with evaluating evidence in federal cases. Around 1899, he moved to Oklahoma City to establish a real estate firm and entered into a business partnership with Charles Colcord.
Wildcatting
Galbreath’s entry into oil drilling came through collaboration with Colcord and Charles "Gristmill" Jones as they drilled a wildcat well in the recently discovered Red Fork oil field near Tulsa. The success of this well provided capital for further exploration efforts. Subsequently, he partnered with Frank Chesley to lease land from Ida E. Glenn—a mixed-blood Creek Indian who had obtained the property through allotment—paying roughly three cents per acre for the rights. Their well, known as "Ida Glenn No. 1," struck oil on November 22, 1905, triggering a significant boom and establishing the Glenn Pool field as Oklahoma’s largest oil reserve.
After moving to Tulsa, Galbreath drilled two additional producing wells within Glenn Pool. These achievements earned him nicknames such as "Oil King of the Southwest" and "the richest man in Oklahoma." In 1907, he drilled the first productive well in Bald Hill Field located in Okmulgee County. By 1909, he divested his interests in Glenn Pool by selling them to J. E. Crosbie and redirected his efforts toward politics, securing election as national committeeman for the Democratic Party in 1912.
Other business interests
Galbreath expanded his business interests into the hospitality sector by constructing the three-level Galbreath Hotel in Bromide. His intention was to create a health resort capitalizing on the area's mineral-rich waters; nonetheless, the onset of the Great Depression interrupted these ambitions. In addition, he engaged in mining operations focused on extracting iron and manganese resources in southeastern Oklahoma.
Family
Robert and Mary Ellen were parents to three children: Robert, Leona, and George Francis.
Death
Galbreath passed away on December 12, 1953, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.