From humble beginnings to West Texas pioneer, part 2

  • GENERAL MERCHANDISE The Connell Brothers’ General Store in Sweetwater was forced closed after an era of drought. | CONNELL MANAGEMENT LLC PHOTO
    GENERAL MERCHANDISE The Connell Brothers’ General Store in Sweetwater was forced closed after an era of drought. | CONNELL MANAGEMENT LLC PHOTO
  • FAMILY OF EIGHT W. E. and Hattie Connell’s family grew to a family of eight after their move to Midland in 1886. | CONNELL MANAGEMENT LLC PHOTO
    FAMILY OF EIGHT W. E. and Hattie Connell’s family grew to a family of eight after their move to Midland in 1886. | CONNELL MANAGEMENT LLC PHOTO

    W.E. CONNELL: FATHER OF WEST TEXAS – A THREE-PART SERIES

    Previously in Part 1 W.E. Connell rose from modest beginnings to become a pioneer rancher, banker, and oilman whose work helped shape Garza County and West Texas. In 2025, he was posthumously inducted into the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum’s Hall of Fame, with nearly 50 family members attending the ceremony.

    In Part 2, we explore Connell’s mo…