Lufkin in Angelina County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
W.C. Trout and the Counter-Balanced Pumping Unit
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, April 12, 2010
1. W.C. Trout and the Counter-Balanced Pumping Unit Marker
Inscription.
W.C. Trout and the Counter-Balanced Pumping Unit. . The son of an early industrial engineer, W.C. Trout (1874-1947) came to Lufkin in 1905 and joined Lufkin Foundry and Machine Co. as a shareholder and company secretary. Already a successful inventor, Trout led the diversification of the shop from equipment repair to production and sales. In 1926, he patented a design for a counter-balanced pumping unit that became a standard in the oil business worldwide and contributed significantly to the success of the Texas oil and gas industry. Eventually holding more than 30 patents for his innovative designs, Trout served as company president from 1931 until his death in 1947, a period of marked expansion for the business.
The son of an early industrial engineer, W.C. Trout (1874-1947) came to Lufkin in 1905 and joined Lufkin Foundry & Machine Co. as a shareholder and company secretary. Already a successful inventor, Trout led the diversification of the shop from equipment repair to production and sales. In 1926, he patented a design for a counter-balanced pumping unit that became a standard in the oil business worldwide and contributed significantly to the success of the Texas oil and gas industry. Eventually holding more than 30 patents for his innovative designs, Trout served as company president from 1931 until his death in 1947, a period of marked expansion for the business.
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12821.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 31° 19.938′ N, 94° 43.878′ W. Marker is in Lufkin, Texas, in Angelina County. Marker is on South Raguet Street south of Saint Angelina Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 South Raguet Street, Lufkin TX 75901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. W.C. Trout and the Counter-Balanced Pumping Unit Marker
Marker is located under the trees next to the Lufkin Foundry and Machine Company marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,441 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
