Background
Petten, Oliver William Van was born on August 25, 1891 in Cramer, Illinois, United States. Son of William Johnston and Margaret Elizabeth (Buchanan) Van Petten.
Petten, Oliver William Van was born on August 25, 1891 in Cramer, Illinois, United States. Son of William Johnston and Margaret Elizabeth (Buchanan) Van Petten.
Student, Illinois College Engineering, 1909-1913.
Construction work, Los Angeles Aqueduct railway and bridge construction work, Oregon Short Line R.R. construction work, East Side Levee and Sanitary District, East St. Louis, Illinois street paving, West Virginia and Kentucky vice president, Union Construction Company engaged in development of coal, oil and natural gas properties in Appalachian area and supervisor gas exploratory work, Petroquest Energy, 1914-1928; with, Columbian Carbon Company in oil and natural gas development, 1932-1959; vice-president, director, Columbian Carbon Company in oil and natural gas development. Consultant natural gas transportation and development.
West Virginia state chairman Crusade for Freedom, 1956, 57. Board directors Charleston Memorial Hospital With Field Artillery, United States Army, World War I. Member American Petroleum Institute, Kentucky Oil and Gas Association, Edgewood Country Club (president 1943, 44), Berry Hills Country Club (charter member), Army and Navy Club (Charleston), Rotary ( president 1946), Masons, Alpha Delta Phi.
Married Mary Faith Archer, May 18, 1921. Children: Oliver William, Albert Archer, Emilie Margaret.