Lulu M. Hefner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lulu M. Hefner
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 9, 1874 |
| Died | July 19, 1954 |
| Alma mater | Cherokee Female Seminary |
| Occupation | Cherokee businessperson |
| Known for | First female oil operator in Oklahoma |
| Spouse(s) | John Emory Hefner |
| Children | Roy Emory, Edith Lena, Helen K., and Ruby L. |
| Parents |
|
Lulu M. Hefner (born August 9, 1874 – died July 19, 1954) was a smart Cherokee businesswoman from Nowata, Oklahoma. She became very successful in the oil industry. She is famous for being the first woman to drill for oil on her own land. She was also the first female oil operator in Oklahoma.
Contents
Lulu M. Hefner: Oklahoma's Oil Pioneer
Lulu M. Hefner, whose name was sometimes spelled Heffner, was a Cherokee businesswoman. She lived in Nowata, Oklahoma. She first opened a shop there that sold and made hats, called a millinery store.
Early Life and Big Dreams
Lulu learned about the exciting world of oil drilling in her home state. She decided to sell her hat shop. She used her own money to start drilling for oil on her own property. This was a very brave step for a woman at that time.
Striking Gold (Oil!)
Lulu struck oil on her land! This success earned her the title of "the first female oil operator in Oklahoma." In 1921, she called Oklahoma "A Happy Hunting Ground." This was because of its rich oil reserves. It was also a nod to her Native American background.
By 1921, Lulu had drilled 28 oil wells. Every single one of them produced oil. None were "dusters," which is what people called dry wells that had no oil. People often asked her about her amazing luck in finding oil every time.
Lulu explained, "I do not depend on luck." She added, "I use scientific knowledge about the earth. I also trust my own judgment and gut feeling." She always used her own money for her projects. This meant she could not waste time on dry wells. She had to find oil every time.
After her success in Oklahoma, Lulu moved to Texas. She wanted to find even more oil there.
Smart Business Moves
Lulu believed that "a woman's judgment beats a man's every time when applied to business." However, she also worked well with the men in the oil industry. She said she was "always willing to listen to good advice." She listened to older, experienced people in the oil fields. But in the end, she always made her own business decisions.
Lulu also managed other businesses. She owned a successful movie theater. She also owned the largest garage in Oklahoma. She earned a lot of money from all these ventures. She became known as the "largest lady property owner" in Nowata.
Family and Education
Lulu May Tittle was born to James Marion and Annie Henrietta Tittle. She grew up in Oklahoma. She went to the Cherokee Female Seminary for her education.
She married John Emory Hefner on December 29, 1892. They were married in Lenapah, Oklahoma. Lulu and John had four children together. Their children were Roy Emory, Edith Lena, Helen K., and Ruby L.
