William Thomas Waggoner
William Thomas Waggoner | |
|---|---|
| File:W. T. Waggoner 1929.jpg | |
| Born | August 31, 1852 |
| Died | Template:Death-date and age |
| Resting place | Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas |
| Occupation(s) | Rancher, oilman, banker, horsebreeder, philanthropist |
| Spouse | Ella (Halsell) Waggoner |
| Children | Electra Waggoner Guy Waggoner E. Paul Waggoner |
| Parent(s) | Daniel Waggoner Nancy (Moore) Waggoner |
| Relatives | Sicily Ann (Halsell) Waggoner (stepmother and adoptive mother) Albert Buckman Wharton III (great-grandson) |
William Thomas Waggoner (August 31, 1852 – December 11, 1934) was a distinguished figure in Texas as a rancher, oil entrepreneur, banker, horse breeder, and benefactor. He owned the Waggoner Ranch, where he struck oil in 1903. He established the Waggoner National Bank of Vernon and provided financial support for the Arlington Downs racetrack as well as three buildings at Texas Woman's University.
Early life
Waggoner was born in Hopkins County, Texas to rancher Daniel Waggoner and Nancy (Moore) Waggoner. His grandfather, Solomon Waggoner, was also recognized as a prominent cattleman and trader.
Ranching
At the age of eighteen, William was given responsibility for driving 5,000 steers to Abilene, Kansas, transforming a $12 investment into a $55,000 gain. By 1879, he oversaw ranch operations in Wilbarger County, Texas. Following his father's passing in 1902, he inherited vast landholdings spanning several Texas counties including Wise, Clay, Wichita, Foard, Baylor, Archer, and Knox. Additionally, he leased a portion of the Big Pasture in Oklahoma from Comanche Chief Quanah Parker.
In 1905, he accompanied rancher Samuel Burk Burnett and President Theodore Roosevelt on a wolf hunting expedition aimed at promoting open range policies. Although Roosevelt valued the experience, the policy ultimately was not upheld.
Oil was discovered on his ranch in 1903 while drilling for water. By 1911, he had launched the Waggoner Refinery to process crude oil extracted from his properties.
To prepare his descendants for estate management, by 1909 he divided the ranch into four sections: one retained by himself (White Face) and three smaller subdivisions (Zacaweista, Four Corners, Santa Ros) allocated to his children. In 1923 ownership was restructured into a Massachusetts trust, with his offspring appointing a Board of Trustees led by him.
Banking
In 1893, Waggoner held the position of Vice President at the R.C. Neal Banking Company located in Vernon. He became the inaugural president of the Waggoner National Bank of Vernon, serving from 1899 until 1907. In addition, he joined the board of directors at the First National Bank of Fort Worth in 1904.
Three D's Stock Farm
The Three D's Stock Farm represented the Thoroughbred breeding and racing enterprise operated by W. T. Waggoner alongside his sons. He was also responsible for constructing the Arlington Downs racetrack situated between Fort Worth and Dallas.
Waggoner made an unsuccessful bid to acquire Man o' War for $500,000. However, he owned several notable horses including Yellow Jacket, Yellow Wolf, Midnight, Blackburn, and Pretty Boy. The farm produced Now What, who earned the title of American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly in 1939.
Horses from Three D's Stock Farm secured victories in prestigious races such as the Arlington Oaks, Louisiana Derby, New Orleans Handicap, and Washington Park Handicap. They participated in multiple editions of the Kentucky Derby (1929, 1930, 1932, 1933, and 1937), achieving their highest placement in 1929 when their colt Panchio finished third with future Hall of Fame jockey Frank Coltiletti.
Philanthropy
He sponsored the erection of three facilities at Texas Woman's University located in Denton. In 1933, the city of Fort Worth recognized him with the title of 'First Citizen of Fort Worth.'
Personal life
He wed Ella (Halsell) Waggoner, who was the sister of his stepmother, Sicily Ann (Halsell) Waggoner. Their residence was the Waggoner Mansion ('El Castile') in Decatur, Texas, which he renovated in 1931, and they later moved to Fort Worth. The couple had three children: two sons, Guy Waggoner and E. Paul Waggoner, and a daughter, Electra Waggoner.
Death
He passed away on December 11, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas, and his final resting place is near Samuel Burk Burnett.