Near Alma in Allegany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

B.J. Thomas

(1843-1918)

Photographed By Jenn Wintermantel, May 26, 2013

1. B.J. Thomas Marker

Inscription. Driller & contractor from PA, who earned nickname of "Dry Hole Ben" by seldom promoting successful oil wells. His continued faith in paying quantities of oil in Allegany County let him drill many historical wells. Including the "Wildcat Well" on this hillside (arrow). Ben eventually sold his equipment and holdings to O.P. Taylor.

Erected by By Ben's Grandson, Charles D. White.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 42° 0.61′ N, 78° 3.958′ W. Marker is near Alma, New York, in Allegany County. Marker is on Petrolia Road, 0.1 miles east of Stony Lonesome Hollow Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alma NY 14708, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Triangle No. 1 (approx. 5.7 miles away); Bolivar Free Library (approx. 6½ miles away); This Is Oil Country! (approx. 6½ miles away); Early Cemetery (approx. 6.6 miles away); Lesuer House (approx. 6.6 miles away); One Mile East of this Spot (approx. 7 miles away); First Town Meeting (approx. 8.1 miles away); David A Howe (approx. 9.8 miles away).

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Photographed By Jenn Wintermantel, May 26, 2013

2. B.J. Thomas Marker

Alma Wild Cat Well monument & pipe image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jenn Wintermantel, May 26, 2013

3. Alma Wild Cat Well monument & pipe

First producing oil in Alma Township April 1878

Alma Wild Cat Well monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jenn Wintermantel, May 26, 2013

4. Alma Wild Cat Well monument

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 722 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 27, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.