Thomas Gilcrease got 160 acres at age 9; 18 years later, it had 32 oil wells

 In 1899, nine-year-old Thomas Gilcrease received a 160-acre land allotment in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered nearby, his property had 32 producing wells by 1917. The wealth from oil later supported his collecting passion and helped preserve a vast record of American Indian history, art and culture at the museum he founded in Tulsa. In 1899, nine-year-old Thomas Gilcrease received a 160-acre land allotment in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered nearby, his property had 32 producing wells by 1917. The wealth from oil later supported his collecting passion and helped preserve a vast record of American Indian history, art and culture at the museum he founded in Tulsa.