A Tenth Birthday and a Million-Dollar Offer

November 11th dawned, and as Michael stirred in his sleep, he felt a gentle presence around his bed. He opened his eyes to see his parents, their faces lit with warm smiles. "Happy birthday, Michael!" they chorused, their voices filled with affection. A genuine smile touched Michael's lips as he sat up, hugging each of them in turn.

Later, after breakfast, his parents presented him with their gifts. Knowing his interest booksand history, they had chosen a beautifully bound collection of biographies on Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. They also gifted him a costly fountain pen with a smooth, elegant design and a beautiful watch specifically designed to fit his smaller wrist.

After breakfast, the Kingston family, including Michael, attended the local church. Though Michael harbored no personal belief in God, his experiences in his dreams as Dean having solidified his atheism, he understood the importance of these rituals to his family. He sat quietly through the service, his mind often drifting to the complexities of the world, both real and dreamt.

After church, the Kingstons visited several orphanages in Beaumont. They brought with them new clothes, bags of candy, and an assortment of toys, much to the delight of the children. In addition to the gifts, they also made significant cash donations to each orphanage, ensuring they had further resources to care for the children. Michael, though never effusive, felt a quiet satisfaction in witnessing the joy his family's generosity brought to the less fortunate.

That evening, the Beaumont house was transformed for a birthday gathering. Garlands of flowers and strings of lights adorned the mantels and draped across the porch, casting a warm and festive glow over the celebration. While Michael found large parties somewhat tedious, recognizing their primary function as opportunities for connection and building influence, he politely greeted the stream of Beaumont dignitaries and acquaintances who came to offer their birthday wishes.

The guests included prominent figures in town, such as the mayor, the sheriff of the county, and a state senator, all offering their best wishes to Michael. However, the Kingstons' main focus, while politely engaging with other attendees, remained subtly drawn to two figures standing somewhat apart in a corner of the room: Anthony F. Lucas and Pattillo Higgins.

By 1899, Anthony F. Lucas had already established a solid reputation as a knowledgeable and experienced mining engineer. Born in 1855, his expertise in salt dome formations was well-recognized within the industry. Before his involvement with Pattillo Higgins, Lucas had a diverse career, applying his engineering skills to various mining projects. He held strong beliefs about America's rising global influence and the need for a robust military. His eventual move to the United States set the stage for his pivotal role in the Texas oil boom.

Pattillo Higgins, born in Texas in 1863, had spent years convinced of the presence of oil beneath Sour Spring Mound near Beaumont. Despite lacking formal geological training, his persistent studies and observations of gas seeps fueled his unwavering belief. By the late 1880s and early 1890s, Higgins and his associates had formed the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company and had made several attempts to drill for oil on the mound, all without success. These early failures led to financial difficulties for Higgins and his partners. 

Recognizing his limitations in the technical aspects of drilling, particularly in the complex salt dome geology, Higgins sought out someone with the necessary expertise. It was in the late 1890s that his advertisement, widely circulated in industry publications, caught the attention of Anthony F. Lucas, who was intrigued by the geological descriptions of Sour Spring Mound and the potential for a significant oil discovery. By 1899, Lucas had traveled to Beaumont and had begun working with Higgins and the other members of the Gladys City Oil Company, bringing his engineering knowledge to their persistent pursuit of black gold. However, their efforts continued to be hampered by insufficient funding and the technological limitations of the time in tackling the unique challenges presented by the salt dome.

Before he could finish his sentence, Michael approached them. "You should help them, Uncle John, Dad George," he said with his gaze fixed on Lucas. "The engineer, Lucas, he is going to succeed."

John and George exchanged a look. With Michael's words serving as their guide, they made their way towards Lucas and Higgins.

John and George greeted Higgins and Lucas with warm smiles. "Mr. Higgins, Mr. Lucas, it's good to see you again. We've heard whispers around town about the difficulties you've been facing with your drilling efforts. We were wondering if perhaps you might be open to some… assistance?" John offered, his tone genuinely concerned.

Higgins and Lucas visibly brightened, their enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. They launched into an explanation of their recent challenges – the frustrating dry wells, the unexpected gas pockets, the need for more advanced equipment that their limited funds couldn't cover.

John listened patiently for a few moments, then raised a hand gently to interject. "Gentlemen, I won't pry into the specifics of how much you might need. But would you be open to a more substantial proposition?"

Higgins and Lucas nodded eagerly, their eyes filled with anticipation.

"One million dollars," John stated, his voice clear and decisive. "For a fifty percent stake in the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company." George stood beside him, his expression mirroring John's serious intent.

A stunned silence hung in the air. Higgins's mouth gaped slightly, and Lucas's eyes widened in surprise. "One million dollars?" Lucas finally managed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "But… we haven't even struck oil yet."

John turned his gaze directly to Lucas, a knowing look in his eyes. "Mr. Lucas, the offer is because of you."

"Me?" Lucas asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

George stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Lucas's shoulder. "Let's just say, Mr. Lucas, we have a strong belief that you will succeed."

Higgins and Lucas, though still slightly bewildered by the Kingstons' unwavering faith in their yet-to-be-proven venture, simply nodded in agreement.

"So, gentlemen, what do you say?" George prompted, his gaze moving between the two men.

Higgins and Lucas exchanged a quick look. After a moment of consideration, Higgins spoke, his voice measured. "Mr. Kingston, Mr. George, this is a very significant offer. We appreciate your confidence. However, the Gladys City Oil, Gas & Manufacturing Company has other founders involved. We would need to present this to them and get their decision before we can give you a final answer."

John nodded, a hint of steel in his eyes. "We understand completely, Mr. Higgins. However, our offer of one million dollars for fifty percent stands for three days only. Please make your deliberations quickly."

With that, John and George left Lucas and Higgins to their deliberations and rejoined Michael by the fireplace.

"What do you think, Michael? Will they accept our offer?" John asked, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Michael looked up from his book, his gaze steady. "Definitely, Father. One million dollars is a considerable sum for a company that hasn't even tapped into oil yet. I doubt other investors would be that generous."

"But if they reject?" George questioned, ever the cautious one.

Michael looked at both of them, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "We won't lose anything even if they decline. We have enough land surrounding theirs, and as I've said, its potential is no less than theirs."

They both nodded, reassured by Michael's unwavering confidence, and rejoined the party.

True to Michael's prediction, two days later, a message arrived from Lucas: the founders of the Gladys City Oil, Gas & Manufacturing Company accepted their offer.

The contract was signed swiftly, and the funds were allocated to accelerate the drilling operations on Sour Spring Mound. With their newfound financial backing, Lucas and Higgins were able to procure the necessary equipment and manpower to expedite their efforts.This time, following Michael's guidance, John and George suggested specific drilling locations to Lucas. Lucas, upon reviewing the proposed sites, found them to be scientifically viable locations for oil exploration, so he didn't raise any objections.

Christmas and the New Year came and went, filled with warmth and celebration as the Kingston family enjoyed their time together in Beaumont, optimistic about the prospects of the coming year.

Then, on January 10, 1901, the news that would change everything arrived. After reaching a depth of 1,139 feet (347 meters), mud and water erupted from the well, followed by the sight they had all been waiting for: a powerful, gushing stream of crude oil.

The Kingstons had struck oil again, and this time, on a scale that would dwarf their previous successes.