Marker Inscription
The son of an early industrial engineer, W.C. Trout (1874-1947) came to Lufkin in 1905 and joined Lufkin Foundry & Machine Co. as a shareholder and company secretary. Already a successful inventor, Trout led the diversification of the shop from equipment repair to production and sales. In 1926, he patented a design for a counter-balanced pumping unit that became a standard in the oil business worldwide and contributed significantly to the success of the Texas oil and gas industry. Eventually holding more than 30 patents for his innovative designs, Trout served as company president from 1931 until his death in 1947, a period of marked expansion for the business. (2002)
About this site
W.C. Trout and the Counter-Balanced Pumping Unit is a historical marker in Lufkin, Angelina County, dedicated in 2002. It is one of 45 historical markers documented in Angelina County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 176 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.3324, -94.7312 near Lufkin. The nearest cataloged historic site is Lufkin Foundry and Machine Company (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Boynton--Kent House, Trout, Walter C.--White House, and Percy, Dr. Edward--Abney House.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5005012821. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
