Claytie: The Roller-Coaster Life of a Texas Wildcatter (review)

2oo8 Book Reviews85 Claytie: The Roller-Coaster Life ofa Texas Wildcatter. By Mike Cochran. (College Station : Texas A&M University Press, 2007. Pp. 446. Illustrations, index. ISBN 9781585446346. $24.95, dodi.) Mike Cochran's biography of the often controversial—but never boring— Clayton W. WilliamsJr. attempts to offer some insight into the public and private life of die West Texas icon. It is not Cochran's purpose to interpret "Claytie's" place in the political and economic history of Texas, but he seeks instead to reveal more about the man than most of the public knows. Sure, most of us remember Williams's failed bid to become governor in 1990, along widi his numerous political gaffes that may have cost him that election, but Cochran believes there is much more to the man than those unfortunate episodes. A talented businessman, devoted fadier and husband, philanthropist, and even a part-time educator, Williams has enjoyed a life full of varied experiences diat have led him, according to Cochran, to "the heights of glory or the depths of hell" (p. 32). Based largely on interviews with Williams and with those who have been close to him over the years, Cochran's work follows the life and career of die Texas oil and gas tycoon from his boyhood in Ft. Stockton, through the years of the boom-and-bust petroleum industry, and finally as a semi-retired grandfatiier enjoying his family in West Texas. Cochran's Williams is one who is not quite larger-than-life—a man whose values and work ethic have helped him succeed in a variety of business ventures, but whose connection widi ordinary people has kept him grounded and appreciative, if not always humble. Williams made his fortune in the oil and gas industry, "wildcatting" his way from one deal to die next, always husding and often staying just one step ahead of his creditors. Williams branched into caule ranching in the ig7os and eventually owned and operated a number of Brangus ranches in Texas and Wyoming before expanding his interests into telecommunications and a variety of other fields. Eventually becoming financially overextended due to the freefall of oil and gas prices in the 1 980s, as well as from questionable business deals and bank financing, he found himself nearly half-a-billion dollars in debt and made the distasteful decision to sell off his beloved Clayton Gas Company to help cover his debts. Cochran considers Williams to be a paradox. Though a loving husband and father, he was also a devoted honky-tonk-frequenting, heavy-drinking, hell-raising Texan. A dignified and honest entrepreneur, Williams often resorted to mild buffoonery to catch others off their guard and to get from diem what he wanted. A man who deeply respected all women, especially his beloved wife Modesta, Williams was undone politically in the 1990 gubernatorial campaign by his insensitive offhand remarks regarding women. According to Cochran, Williams is a devout Christian, but his wild lifestyle often led him away from die teachings of his faith. Although he was very fond and protective of his employees who remained loyal to him diroughout the years, he was often incredibly demanding and was very difficult to work for. It stands to reason for Cochran that Williams, whose personality ran to extremes, would be so deeply involved in die volatile petroleum industry with its infamous highs and lows. 86Southwestern Historical QuarterlyJuly Cochran's telling of the Clayton Williams story is entertaining, and he clearly shows that there is a natural, easy charm about Williams that draws people to him. It should be noted, however, that this "authorized" biography is essentially Williams telling his story dirough the author, complete with self-serving explanations of the more untoward aspects of Williams's life. Cochran's view of Williams is rarely critical, and diis book should not be mistaken for a balanced historical work that can significantly add to the literature of the history of the Texas petroleum industry or of Texas politics. Since that is not the author's purpose, however, read Claytie, chuckle, and enjoy it. Texas AùfM UniversityKelly E. Crager Espíritu Santo de Zuñiga: A Frontier Mission in South Texas. By...