Bad Medicine

Full Title:

 Bad Medicine

Playboy. Gambler. Pioneer. Oilman. Politician. Eccentric. Philanthropist.

These titles and many more have been used to describe E.W. Marland, oil tycoon and tenth governor of Oklahoma. But in the midst of all the rumors and controversy, who was he really?

Bad Medicine: The Story of the Marland Family recounts the controversial true-life story of E.W. Marland and his family. Author Kim Brumley explores the unanswered questions surrounding his personal life, including his first wife’s death, his second marriage to adopted daughter Lydie, the construction of their estate, the “Palace on the Prairie,” Lydie’s plunge into isolation after E.W.’s death, and the drama that ensued.

In addition, Bad Medicine examines E.W. Marland’s business and political career, most notable the hostile takeover of Marland Oil Company (now known as ConocoPhillips) by J.P. Morgan, and E.W.’s struggles as governor at the height of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.

This fast paced biography takes an in-depth look at the life Marland lived, the family he loved, and the pioneer spirit he embodied, revealing the greatest triumphs and the most devastating tragedies that were experienced as one man worked to tame the Wild West. 

The Wisest Men ............................................................................. 1

Bad Medicine .................................................................................. 7

Strange Gods ................................................................................ 13

Adopted State .............................................................................. 17

They Flourished Like the Rose................................................... 21

No Fight to Make ......................................................................... 35

Pale-Faced Men ........................................................................... 41

Deep Bible Belt of Oklahoma ...................................................... 49

A Man’s Home is His Castle ........................................................ 55

A Lonely Soul ............................................................................... 63

He Had Fallen Hard ..................................................................... 73

Heroic Figure ............................................................................... 77

Not of Rugged Constitution ........................................................ 87

THE American Novel .................................................................. 95

Merged Out of Existence ........................................................... 101

A Beautiful Thing ...................................................................... 111

Marland Staked Him .................................................................. 119

Go to Hell .................................................................................... 123

...and more, to include a bibliography

Kim Brumley, lifelong Oklahoma resident, grew up hearing the unforgettable stories about the iconic figures and exciting events of the state history. Today, she shares these tales of the past with others in such a way that even those not usually interested in bygone days will become captivated with this twisting and true account.

In addition to authoring the book Chilocco: Memories of a Native American Boarding School, Kim is the editorial coordinator and writer for The Mobility Forum an Air Force, Air Mobility Command quarterly magazine, Veteran Centered Living, Veterans’ Health Today, Veterans’ Healthy Living, and Veterans Health, all Bureau of Veterans Affairs quarterly publications. She has also been an integral part of writing, editorial, or other publication services for the Center of Army Profession and Ethic/West Point, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Education, Army National Guard, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.