Silas Morton Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met Nov. 7 at the Woman's Club of Graham. Regent Charlotta Hamilton, right, introduced Lee Boyd, petroleum geologist, who presented a program on "Wallace E. Pratt, Father of Petroleum Geology." (Courtesy photo)
DAR learns about the 'father of petroleum geology'
(Posted 11/17/2009 03:20 pm)
Silas Morton Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met Nov. 7 at the Woman’s Club of Graham. Regent Charlotta Hamilton presided. She introduced Lee Boyd, petroleum geologist, who presented a program on “Wallace E. Pratt, Father of Petroleum Geology.”
Born in Phillipsburg, Kan., in 1885, Pratt joined Hunble Oil and Refining Co. in 1918 as its first geologist. Prior to his being hired, the company had treated the search for oil as largely a hit-and-miss operation without scientific exploration.
Pratt and other geologists proved that geology was an important factor in finding oil. Pratt rose to the position of vice president with the company. He played a pivotal role in discovering huge oil fields in Texas. Pratt joined Standard Oil Company in 1937 and soon became vice president, a position he held until his retirement in 1945.
During his retirement years, Pratt had a long career as a consultant geologist and author.
He wrote “Oil in the Earth,” one of the most widely read books in his profession. A quote often attributed to Pratt is, “Oil is found in the minds of men.” He donated 5,632 acres, which included McKittrick Canyon, to the National Park Service, forming the core of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas.
Pratt, pioneer U.S. exploration geologist, died Dec. 25, 1981, in his Tucson, Ariz. home. He was 96.
Charlotta Hamilton read the NSDAR President General’s message about the 90th Anniversary of Veteran’s Day.
DAR is very supportive of veterans, providing many hours of volunteer service to assist the men and woman who served in our nation’s armed forces.
Silas Morton Chapter Chaplain Alwana Vaughan ended the meeting with a prayer. Hostesses were Patricia Clerihew and Melinda Perkins.
