Pattillo Higgins and the Search for Texas Oil.

Paul A. Foerster, Grandson of Pattillo Higgins

Abstract:

Born in Sabine Pass, Texas, during the Civil War, and raised in Beaumont, Pattillo Higgins is credited with finding the Spindletop Oil Field. His Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company drilled the first two oil wells there the early 1890s. When drillers failed to reach the contracted depth, he brought in Captain Anthony Lucas, who drilled the Lucas Gusher that came in on January 10, 1901, “the tenth day of the twentieth century.” Forced out of Spindletop (he called it “Swindletop”), he developed other oil fields in the area, notably the Barbers Hill Field that is still producing after 114 years. In this presentation, his grandson Paul Foerster of San Antonio will relate some of the interesting things about this remarkable, clairvoyant man who started life as a hell raiser, lost his left arm at age 17 in a gun fight, was converted to Christianity at a Baptist revival at age 22, and lived to be 91. You’ll also learn who “Gladys” was.