Wollover Oil Refinery Smith’s Ferry PA

Wollover Oil Refinery, Smith’s Ferry, Pa. Photo caption: “County oil strike of importance occurred March 19, 1862 when the Emeline Oil Co., composed of P. M. Wallover, 1. M. Pennoch, and F. Darlington brought in a well at the lower edge of Glasgow. This well was bottomed at 585 feet and produced oil up through the 1880’s. With the completion of each successful well in the Smith’s Ferry Field, oil speculation and excitement became more intense. During the period from 1860-1875 it was generally established that the Smith’s Ferry oil reserves could be found 700-730 feet below feet below the Kittanning Coal or approximately 600 feet below the bed of the Ohio River. Although many wells were drilled in this area, none ever exceeded twenty five barrels per day until a fifty barrel well was completed in March of 1877 near Ohioville. One of the most shallow and short-lived wells drilled at Smith’s Ferry was the “Good Intent” which was completed in February of 1891 by the Excelsior Co. It was completed at a depth of only 72 feet and the total production of this well was a mere 400 barrels before it was abandoned.”