William Balser Skirvin
William Balser Skirvin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Near Sturgis, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | March 25, 1944 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Real estate entrepreneur, oil magnate |
| Known for | Establishing the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City |
William Balser Skirvin (November 10, 1860 – March 25, 1944) was a prominent American real estate entrepreneur and oil magnate, renowned for establishing the Skirvin Hotel, a distinguished landmark in Oklahoma City that is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally from the vicinity of Sturgis, Michigan, Skirvin participated as an original settler in the 89er when he moved to the Oklahoma Territory in 1889. He partnered with an associate to acquire and trade land in Guthrie before moving to Galveston, Texas, where he engaged in real estate ventures, including the development of Alta Loma. Additionally, he attained considerable success within the oil sector.
Upon returning to Oklahoma in 1906, Skirvin concentrated his efforts on oil and property development. Between 1910 and 1911, he constructed the Skirvin Hotel, residing with his family on its ninth floor. The hotel underwent multiple expansions and emerged as a leading center for political and commercial gatherings in Oklahoma City. In 1931, Skirvin launched a second initiative, the Skirvin Tower, which was completed in 1938 despite economic difficulties and was later transformed into office space during the 1970s.
Following the passing of his wife Harriett Reid Skirvin in 1908, Skirvin raised their three children alone. His daughter, Perle Mesta, married a wealthy businessman from Pittsburgh, inherited his estate after his death in 1925, and rose to prominence as a socialite, political hostess, and served as U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg (1949–1953) under President Harry S Truman.
Skirvin sustained critical injuries in a car accident on March 12, 1944, and passed away on March 25.