Who started the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company?

Who started the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company?

• A. Harry Ford Sinclair
• B. John D. Rockefeller
• C. Patillo Higgins
• D. Anthony Lucas

Answer: (C)

This item tests knowledge of the early promoter behind the Spindletop oil boom. Patillo Higgins organized the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company to pursue the Spindletop prospect near Beaumont, Texas, and he brought investors together to drill for oil there. He acted as the promoter and founder, while Captain Anthony Lucas was brought in as the chief driller to actually supervise the well. The other two men—John D. Rockefeller and Harry Ford Sinclair—were influential oil figures later in the industry, but they did not start this company. Anthony Lucas did not found the company; he led the drilling effort. So, the founder is Patillo Higgins.

This item tests knowledge of the early promoter behind the Spindletop oil boom. Patillo Higgins organized the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company to pursue the Spindletop prospect near Beaumont, Texas, and he brought investors together to drill for oil there. He acted as the promoter and founder, while Captain Anthony Lucas was brought in as the chief driller to actually supervise the well. The other two men—John D. Rockefeller and Harry Ford Sinclair—were influential oil figures later in the industry, but they did not start this company. Anthony Lucas did not found the company; he led the drilling effort. So, the founder is Patillo Higgins.