Harry Ford Sinclair

Profession: Founder of Sinclair Oil

Nationality:

Biography: Harry Ford Sinclair was an American industrialist known for founding Sinclair Oil. His life was marked by controversy due to his involvement in the Teapot Dome scandal and subsequent imprisonment. He was also involved in organized sports, owning a baseball team in the Federal League and investing in horse racing.

Sinclair was born in West Virginia, but grew up in Kansas. He studied pharmacy at the University of Kansas before becoming a pharmacist. After his pharmacy business failed, he worked in the oil industry, where he quickly found success. By age thirty, Harry Sinclair was a millionaire.

In 1910, Sinclair and partners acquired a failed bank in Tulsa, transforming it into Exchange National Bank, which later became the Bank of Oklahoma. He formed Sinclair Oil in 1916 from several smaller companies and expanded his business into a leading oil firm. Sinclair Oil grew significantly under his leadership, integrating refineries and pipelines into its operations.

Sinclair financed the Federal League's Indianapolis baseball team and owned notable racehorses. His investments in sports were profitable, and his racing stable won prestigious championships. These achievements were overshadowed, however, by the Teapot Dome scandal. After being accused of corruption and convicted of contempt of Congress, Sinclair served six months in prison.

Following his prison term, Sinclair continued to lead his oil company until his retirement in 1949.

Born: July 6, 1876
Birthplace: Benwood, West Virginia, USA
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: November 10, 1956 (aged 80)