Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
James L. Collins
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
1. James L. Collins Marker
Born in Weston, West Virginia, James Lawrence Collins (1883-1953) began his career in the petroleum industry at age fourteen. New oil discoveries in Texas brought him to the Corsicana area about 1923. He soon formed a partnership with two brothers, John and Robert Wheelock, and founded the Wheelock & Collins Oil Co.
Collins' business was instrumental in the development of the Corsicana field, the East Texas field, and other oil fields around the country. His success and expertise were widely recognized throughout the industry and led him into positions of leadership in several national petroleum associations.
Never married, Collins provided upon his death that his $13 million estate be divided among four organizations. These included Dallas' Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children and St. Joseph's Orphanage. Part of the estate went to his local Roman Catholic parish, which used the money to build and operate the school at this site. The remainder of his estate went to create scholarships for graduates of Corsicana High School.
Collins' contributions as a businessman and civic leader played an important role in the development and history of the Corsicana area.
Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11602.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 32° 5.148′ N, 96° 29.937′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is on State Highway 22 0.1 miles west of N 38th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3000 TX-22, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Corsicana Hebrew Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); 15th Texas Infantry Companies E and G (approx. 0.6 miles away); Navarro Rifles (approx. 0.6 miles away); IOOF Home Memorial Bell Tower (approx. 0.6 miles away); Odd Fellow and Rebekah Children's Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); Holman Home (approx. Ύ mile away); Corsicana State Home (approx. 0.8 miles away); Meritt Drane (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
2. James L. Collins Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
