by Bruce Wells | Mar 15, 2026 | Petroleum Pioneers
Thomas R. Bard, California petroleum industry pioneer.
Travers Newton of Carpinteria, California, is researching the history of the Ventura County oilfield discovered by his great-grandfather in 1867.
In 2020, Newton contacted the American Oil & Gas Historical Society (AOGHS). “Do you know anyone who is researching the history of the Ventura, California, oilfield? My great-grandfather, Thomas Bard, sank the first ‘gusher’ near Ojai, in Ventura County,” he noted
With subsequent emails — and the posting of his question on the AOGHS History Research Forum — Newton shared his already extensive research about Thomas Robert Bard (1841-1915). (more…)
by Bruce Wells | Jun 10, 2025 | Petroleum Pioneers
Thomas R. Bard, California petroleum industry pioneer.
Travers Newton of Carpinteria, California, is researching the history of the Ventura County oilfield discovered by his great-grandfather in 1867.
In 2020, Newton contacted the American Oil & Gas Historical Society (AOGHS). “Do you know anyone who is researching the history of the Ventura, California, oilfield? My great-grandfather, Thomas Bard, sank the first ‘gusher’ near Ojai, in Ventura County,” he noted
With subsequent emails — and the posting of his question on the AOGHS History Research Forum — Newton shared his already extensive research about Thomas Robert Bard (1841-1915). (more…)
