William Rufus Boyd, Jr.
Teague, Freestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(January 7, 1885 - November 6, 1959) Licensed to practice law at age 19; became Teague's first mayor at 21. Regional manager of U. S. Chamber of Commerce during World War I. Joined the American Petroleum Institute in 1920, rising to positions of executive vice president, 1928-1941, and president, 1841-1949. In World War II, as chairman of War Council of petroleum industry, he aided Allied victory. Married Gertrude Watson and had one son, William Rufus, III.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
William Rufus Boyd, Jr. was admitted to the bar at 19 and became Teague's first mayor at 21. He managed a region for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during World War I, then joined the American Petroleum Institute in 1920, rising to executive vice president and president. During World War II, as chairman of the petroleum industry's War Council, he helped marshal the oil that fueled Allied victory.
Why it matters
Boyd's career shows how the American oil industry and its leaders became instruments of national power, turning petroleum into a decisive weapon of the Second World War.
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Related people
- · William Rufus Boyd, Jr.
- · Gertrude Watson
Themes & tags
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