William Skelly

William Skelly, an American entrepreneur, was a true pioneer of the oil and aviation industries. Born on September 21, 1878, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Skelly was a true son of the American West. He is remembered today for his contributions to the world of business and his impact on the state of Oklahoma.

Skelly grew up in a family of modest means. His parents, William and Mary Jane Sweatman Skelly, instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. These values would serve him well throughout his career. Skelly attended Ponca City High School and later studied at the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (now known as Oklahoma State University).

Early in his career, Skelly worked a variety of jobs, including selling newspapers in grammar school. However, it was his work in the burgeoning oil industry that would make him a household name. In 1915, Skelly founded the Skelly Oil Company, which would go on to become one of the most successful oil companies in the world.

Skelly quickly established himself as a trailblazer in the oil industry. He promoted new technologies and was always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of his business. Skelly's success in the oil industry allowed him to branch out into other areas, including aviation. Skelly was an early investor in the aviation industry, and his company became a major supplier of fuel to the airline industry.

Despite his success, Skelly never forgot his roots. He remained committed to his hometown of Ponca City and was a major supporter of local charities and community organizations. Skelly's philanthropy earned him widespread respect and admiration throughout the state of Oklahoma.

Skelly was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his willingness to take risks. He embodied the values of the American West and was always looking for new opportunities. Skelly's career was full of challenges and obstacles, but he always managed to overcome them with his grit and determination.

Skelly was a devoted family man. He was married to Mary Hocker Skelly, and they had three children together. Skelly's family was his priority, and he made sure to balance his career with his home life.

Skelly was a colleague and friend to many in the oil and aviation industries. He co-founded the first International Petroleum Exposition in Tulsa in 1923, and his efforts helped to establish Tulsa as a hub for the oil industry. Skelly was also the owner of the KVOO-AM radio station, which came to be known as the Voice of Oklahoma.

William Skelly was a true pioneer of the American West. He embodied the values of hard work, perseverance, and innovation that made this country great. Skelly's legacy lives on today through his contributions to the world of business and his impact on the state of Oklahoma.