89R10318 JRI-D
By: Craddick H.C.R. No. 42
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, W. E. Connell, a banker and pioneering figure in the
early development of the Permian Basin's oil and gas business, is
being posthumously inducted into the Petroleum Hall of Fame on
April 10, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Based at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in
Midland, the Petroleum Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have
made outstanding contributions to the development of the petroleum
industry in the region; and
WHEREAS, Born in Bell County in 1858, Wilson Edward Connell
distinguished himself as a banker, cattleman, and property owner;
he recognized the need for financial infrastructure in West Texas
and in 1888 cofounded what would become the First National Bank of
Midland; his efforts later expanded to Fort Worth, where he led the
First National Bank of Fort Worth through critical periods such as
the Great Depression; and
WHEREAS, Often called the "Father of West Texas," Mr. Connell
supported many early oil ventures, including the first well drilled
in Ector County in 1926; he also served as vice president and a
stockholder of the Dublin Oil Mills, treasurer of the Texas and
Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, director of the Texas and
Pacific Railway, and vice president of the Cicero Smith Lumber
Company; when he passed away on May 5, 1936, he left his heirs more
than 90,000 acres of undivided mineral ownership, further
supporting the region's petroleum industry development; and
WHEREAS, Admired for his vision, energy, and business acumen,
W. E. Connell was a pioneering figure in the early development of
the Permian Basin's oil and gas industry, and he is indeed a worthy
addition to the Petroleum Hall of Fame; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby honor the memory of W. E. Connell on the occasion of his
posthumous induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame and pay
tribute to his life and legacy.