William Perry Herring McFaddin (1856-1935), known as Perry, was a rancher and early landowner in the early years of Beaumont, Texas. Under William McFaddin, the McFaddin Ranches of Beaumont reached their greatest extent. [1] The Spindletop oil gusher was located on land leased from McFaddin. The site of Port Arthur, Texas, was purchased from McFaddin by Arthur Edward Stilwell. [2][3] Former pieces of the McFaddin Ranches now make up Sea Rim State Park, the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, and the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area. The McFaddin-Ward House was erected on his homestead and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.[4] [5]
"Sister, don't give up the land. They are not making land anymore." W.P.H. McFaddin, quoted by Mamie McFaddin Ward in the Beaumont Enterprise (Feb. 1961)