William A. Smith
N 40° 46.104 W 079° 47.239
17T E 602345 N 4513755
State Historical Marker placed on PA 356 at Cooper Road in Jefferson Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, commemorating the William Smith who drilled the world’s first oil well for Edwin Drake.
Waymark Code: WMNTT
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 08/28/2006
Views: 22
MARKER TEXT: Known as "Uncle Billy" Smith. In 1859, he drilled the world's first successful oil well with tools that he made in his blacksmith shop near Tarentum. The well, 69 1/2 ft. deep, was drilled near Titusville for Col. Edwin Drake. "Uncle Billy" died in 1890. He lies buried about 120 ft. southeast of here.
Smith’s grave is marked by a tall narrow granite monument a short walk from the historical marker (coordinates N40º 46.102' W79º 47.214’). See photos.
For more information on Smith, see the Links below:
LINKS:
Drakes Well: “The Valley that Changed the World: Visiting the Drake Well Museum” by Jane Ockershausen, PHMC Website.
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visit link)
Uncle Billy:
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visit link)