Marland Tragedy

Book excerpt: Marland Tragedy: The Turbulent Story of a Forgotten Oklahoma Icon recounts the controversial true-life story of E.W. Marland and his family. Author Kim Brumley explores the unanswered questions surrounding his personal life, including his first wife's death, his second marriage to adopted daughter Lydie, the construction of their estate, the 'Palace on the Prairie, ' Lydie's plunge into isolation after E.W.'s death, and the drama that ensued. In addition, Marland Tragedy examines E.W. Marland's business and political career, most notably the hostile takeover of Marland Oil Company (now known as ConocoPhillips) by J.P. Morgan, and E.W.'s struggles as governor at the height of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. This fast paced biography takes an in-depth look at the life Marland lived, the family he loved, and the pioneer spirit he embodied, revealing the greatest triumphs and the most devastating tragedies that were experienced as one man worked to tame the Wild West.