Thomas Hart Fisher papers, 1918-1965

Fisher was a central figure in the controversial King Ranch (Texas) heir case. He was a Chicago attorney for heirs Alice B. Atwood and her brother Edwin K. When Alice died in 1965 she left her estate to a Chicago policeman, Michael Debella. Fisher claimed 45 percent of her holdings. He was later held in contempt of court for failing to produce documents in connection with the case. Fisher disappeared before sentencing. The Atwood estates were settled in April 1969, after Fisher agreed to return more than $5 million in estate assets and lower his claim to 25 percent.

The King Ranch in Texas was founded in 1853 by Capt. Richard King (d. 1885). It grew to be one of the world's largest oil and ranching operations. King's daughter, Alice G. married Robert Justus Kleberg (d. 1932). Kleberg became president of the ranch and members of the Kleberg family continued to operate it. King and Atwood family members continued to hold interests in the ranch, including Capt. King's grandchildren, Richard King, and Alice and Edwin Atwood. The ranch was incorporated in 1934 and Kleberg's brother, Richard was made board chair. Robert Kleberg's son, Robert Justus Jr. (1896-1974) also served as ranch president, and Richard Kleberg's son, Richard M. Jr. (1917-1979) also served as board chair. The ranch's extensive oil and gas fields were leased to Humble Oil and Refining Comapany, later part of Exxon Company.