Emlenton's "Number One Citizen"

Emlenton's "Number One Citizen". . Harry Jennings Crawford (1867-1953) began working as a young man in the oil fields, becoming involved in the budding natural gas business by his early 20s. Although an adept financier on a national level of oil, gas, and other business enterprises, "H.J." remained in his beloved Emlenton and his modest personal life-style at 617 Hill Street belied his great financial success. , He served as President of Quaker State Oil Refining Corporation from 1931 to 1948, and Chairman of the Board from 1948 to 1953. He became director of the First National Bank of Emlenton in 1898, Vice-President in 1900, and President from 1909 until his death, at which time he was also President of the Oil City National Bank. In 1953 Harry J. Crawford was honored with the prestigious "Grand Old Man of Oil" award at the International Petroleum Exposition in Tulsa, Oklahoma. , Crawford was known throughout the area for his keen interest in education. His philanthropic endeavors still impact many today.