Clarence Scharbauer

Clarence Scharbauer (1879–1942) was an American rancher, oilman, banker and hotelier. He was the owner of large ranches in Texas and New Mexico. By the time of his death, Scharbauer was "one of West Texas' most prominent and influential citizens."[1][2]

Clarence Scharbauer
BornAugust 18, 1879
Albany County, New York, U.S.
DiedOctober 2, 1942
Resting placeFairview Cemetery
Alma materBaylor University
OccupationRancher, oilman, banker, hotelier
Spouse(s)Ruth Cowden
Children2 sons
RelativesJohn Scharbauer (paternal uncle)

Early life

Clarence Scharbauer was born on August 18, 1879 in Albany County, New York.[3] He grew up in Midland, Texas.[3] His paternal uncle, John Scharbauer, was a Texas cattleman who owned ranches in Lea County, New Mexico.[4][5] His paternal great-grandfather was an immigrant from Germany.[5]

Scharbauer attended a business school in Waco, Texas, followed by Baylor University.[3]

Career

Scharbauer managed and eventually inherited the family ranches.[3] His ranches "spread into five West Texas and two New Mexico counties."[1] One ranch was in Pecos County, Texas.[6] In 1935, oil was discovered on his ranches.[3] When his uncle's ranches in Lea County, New Mexico were purchased by Millard Eidson of Lovington, New Mexico in 1942, Scharbauer succeeded his uncle as the president of the Scharbauer Cattle Company.[4]

Scharbauer joined the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Midland in 1923.[7] He served as its vice president from 1925 to 1927,[7] and as its president from 1927 until his death.[2]

Scharbauer built the Scharbauer Hotel, a 250-room hotel in Midland, Texas in 1928.[8][9][10] It opened in 1928, and it became the center of business and social life in Midland.[9] Additionally, he served as the president of the Midland Fair, which organized rodeos in Midland.[2] He was also the owner of a local radio station, KRLH.[2]

In the wake of World War II, Scharbauer donated 450 acres to expand the Midland International Air and Space Port.[8]

Personal life

Scharbauer married Ruth Cowden.[3] They had two sons,[3] including Clarence Scharbauer, Jr., a horsebreeder. They resided in a house at 602 South Main Street,[11] until they moved into a penthouse in the Scharbauer Hotel in Midland, Texas.[1]

Death and legacy

Scharbauer died of cancer on October 2, 1942.[3][12] His funeral, which took place at the First Baptist Church in Midland on October 4, was held by Dr. William R. White, the President of Hardin–Simmons University.[2] He was buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Midland, Texas.[13] By the time of his death, Scharbauer was "one of West Texas' most prominent and influential citizens."[1][2]

His will bequeathed US$25,000 to build the new First Baptist Church in Midland, Texas.[14] The rest of his estate went to his widow, his son, and a cousin, Arnold Scharbauer.[14] His son, Clarence Scharbauer, Jr., was a philanthropist and inductee into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and the Horse Racing Hall of Fame.[15]

The Scharbauer Hotel in Midland, Texas was demolished in 1973.[10]

References
  1. "Clarence Scharbauer, Ranch and Oil Man, Dies in Midland Home". Albuquerque Journal. Albuquerque, New Mexico. October 3, 1942. p. 2. Retrieved January 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "Funeral Today For Clarence Scharbauer". The Odessa American. Odessa, Texas. October 4, 1942. p. 3. Retrieved January 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Connor, Seymour V. (June 15, 2010). "SCHARBAUER, CLARENCE". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  4. "Loving Man Buys Ranch Holdings". El Paso Herald-Post. El Paso, Texas. January 2, 1942. p. 14. Retrieved January 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. Murrah, David J. (2001). Oil, Taxes, and Cats: A History of the Devitt Family and the Mallet Ranch. Lubbock, Texas: Texas Tech University Press. p. 7. ISBN 9780896723320. OCLC 29360732. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  6. Collett, James (2011). Fort Stockton. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. p. 93. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  7. Connor, Seymour V. (1959). Builders of the Southwest. Lubbock, Texas: Texas Technological College. p. 209. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  8. Collett, James (2010). Midland. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. p. 8. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  9. Horn, Bob (May 20, 1973). "It Once Was Center Of Activity: Future of Scharbauer Hotel In Doubt". The Odessa American. Odessa, Texas. p. 28. Retrieved January 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. "Scharbauer Hotel". Emporis. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  11. The Thorny Trail. Midland, Texas: Midland Genealogical Society. 2002. p. 69. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  12. "Clarence Scharbauer, Jr". Texas Monthly. August 1989. p. 134. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  13. "Scharbauer Funeral Held On Sunday". The Odessa American. Odessa, Texas. October 5, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved January 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. "Capitalist At Midland Left $25,000 For Church". Valley Morning Star. Harlingen, Texas. October 8, 1942. p. 8. Retrieved January 2, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. Todd, Ed (February 23, 2014). "Visionary Dies: Clarence Scharbauer Jr., legend dies at 88". Midland Reporter-Telegram. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
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