Fisher, Thomas Hart, 1896-1969.

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Fisher was a central figure in the controversial King Ranch (Texas) heir case. He was a Chicago attorney for heirs Alice B. Atwood and her brother Edwin K. When Alice died in 1965 she left her estate to a Chicago policeman, Michael Debella. Fisher claimed 45 percent of her holdings. He was later held in contempt of court for failing to produce documents in connection with the case. Fisher disappeared before sentencing. The Atwood estates were settled in April 1969, after Fisher agreed to return more than $5 million in estate assets and lower his claim to 25 percent.

The King Ranch in Texas was founded in 1853 by Capt. Richard King (d. 1885). It grew to be one of the world's largest oil and ranching operations. King's daughter, Alice G. married Robert Justus Kleberg (d. 1932). Kleberg became president of the ranch and members of the Kleberg family continued to operate it. King and Atwood family members continued to hold interests in the ranch, including Capt. King's grandchildren, Richard King, and Alice and Edwin Atwood. The ranch was incorporated in 1934 and Kleberg's brother, Richard was made board chair. Robert Kleberg's son, Robert Justus Jr. (1896-1974) also served as ranch president, and Richard Kleberg's son, Richard M. Jr. (1917-1979) also served as board chair. The ranch's extensive oil and gas fields were leased to Humble Oil and Refining Comapany, later part of Exxon Company.

From the description of Papers, 1918-1965. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 27765480

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Fisher, Thomas Hart, 1896-1969. Papers, 1918-1965. Univerisity of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Atwood, Alice B., d. 1965. person
associatedWith Atwood, Edwin K. person
associatedWith Atwood family. family
associatedWith Humble Oil and Refining Company (Incorporated in Tex.) corporateBody
associatedWith King family. family
associatedWith King Ranch, Inc. corporateBody
associatedWith King, Richard. person
associatedWith Kleberg, Alice G. person
associatedWith Kleberg family. family
associatedWith Kleberg, Richard. person
associatedWith Kleberg, Richard M., 1917-1979. person
associatedWith Kleberg, Robert Justus, 1896-1974. person
associatedWith Kleberg, Robert Justus, d. 1932. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Illinois--Chicago
Texas
King Ranch (Tex.)
Chicago (Ill.)
United States
Subject
Cattle trade
Claims against decedents' estates
Decedents' estates
Estates, (Law)
Inheritance and succession
Petroleum industry and trade
Practice of law
Probate law and practice
Ranches
Occupation
Lawyers
Ranchers
Activity

Person

Birth 1896

Death 1969

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