Sarah Rector: The 12 Year Old Millionaire & Creek Freedwoman
- Vanessa
- Aug 23, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 24, 2019
Born March 3, 1902, to Rose and Joseph Rector near Twine, Oklahoma. Sarah Rector was born into formerly enslaved Creek ancestry. Her humble beginnings took place on an allotment of land by way of the Muskogee Creek Indians. Luck would have it that her legal status, wealth and change in race classification would have a massive effect on Sarah's future. Linda W. Reese. Sarah Rector (1902-1967)
Under the Dawes Allotment Act, Creek Indian land was divided between Creek's and their former slaves, Rector's family included. Her parents, sister Rebecca and brother Joe Jr. all received land. With an annual tax bill of $30 for the granted 160 acres, Rector's father needed a way to generate enough revenue to pay his bills. To accomplish this, Sarah's allotment of land was leased to the Devonian Oil Company in 1911. In 1913, oil driller B.B. Jones produced an astounding 2,500 barrels a day. This sudden influx in production created a daily profit of $300. Sensational at the time, the news of Rector's jackpot spread quickly.
Soon after, the Oklahoma Legislature declared Sarah to be a white person in status due to her wealth. Goran Blazeski. 12-year old oil Baron: The story of Sarah Rector, America's youngest African-American millionaire.
Had this Act not taken place, the life of Rector may have been very different. Her newfound fortune allowed her to not only live better but thrive. Thrive during a time when so many like her were struggling to survive. There were many others like Sarah, whose land brought them oil money. Many were scammed out of their money, others murdered. But Sarah was the youngest, quickly making her a target for anyone looking for an easy come up.
At this point in time, laws did not automatically grant black parents guardianship of their own children. Guardianship had to be petitioned in court, or a white guardian could be requested. This, of course, led to various people attempting to take advantage of Rector. They did so by attempting to make themselves her legal guardian. All in effort to control her money. Her first guardian, Thomas Jefferson Porter lived in the lap of luxury, while Rector and her family continued to live in poverty. He became wealthy off her oil, succumbing to his own greed. It was at this time that W.E.B Du Bois along with the assistance of a judge, saw to it that Porter would receive less than 2% of Rectors' total income moving forward. It was apparent that people were willing to fight for Rector's well-being on a local and national scale. Still many attempted to swindle the young oil baron. Thankfully many of these nefarious activities were halted by the court. As Rector came of age, the courts sided with Rector, allowing her to manage her own property just as she had successfully done before. Gina Dimuro. How A Poor Black 10-Year-Old Girl Became A Millionaire Oil Baron
Having graduated from high school and studied at Tuskegee University, Sarah's future was looking quite bright. By the time Rector had turned 18, she was a millionaire. Now living in Missouri, Rector now had an advance portfolio containing: stocks and bonds, a boarding house, bakery, Cafe in Muskogee, Oklahoma as well as over two thousand acres of prime river real estate. Linda W. Reese, Sarah Rector (1902-1967)
Some two years later Sarah would marry Kennith Campbell and have three sons, Kenneth Jr., Leonard, and Clarence. The family lived in what is now called Rector Mansion. By 1930 Rector had divorced, only to marry a new love, William Crawford, in 1934. Linda W. Reese, Sarah Rector (1902-1967)
The Rector Mansion is still standing today.
Photo Credits: Missouri Valley Special Collections Globetrotting Grandpa, Dilemma-x, and TPPA=CRISIS
By 1967 much of Sarah's wealth had been depleted due to an improper guardianship, mismanagement, and a lavish lifestyle. On July 22, 1967, Sarah passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of love, determination, and perseverance. Not much is known about the remains of her land holdings, businesses or estate. Having accomplished something many could only dream of, I hope shes resting easy. She was laid to rest at the Black Jack Cemetery in Taft, Oklahoma. Megan Dennis, University of Kansas. Sarah Rector
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With much of her story left untold, I hope this post will spark your interest. For this was nothing short of a snapshot, a glimpse into her vivid and triumphant life. May you find something interesting and inspirational when you read more about Sarah Rector. Her story is our story, and it must not be forgotten.
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