Pattillo Higgins (1863-1955)
Known as the "prophet of Spindletop", Pattillo Higgins formed partnerships with other men who believed that there was oil in the gulf coast region of Texas. In 1892, Higgins, George Carroll, and George Washington O'Brien formed the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company but after several unsuccessful wells, enthusiasm lulled. Anthony Francis Lucas eventually discovered oil on land adjacent to Spindletop on January 10, 1901, but Higgins's land on the crest of Spindletop proved even more productive. He was a self-taught geologist, draftsman, inventor, cartographer, and engineer.
Handbook of Texas Online: HIGGINS, PATTILLO