Pridemore was elected Sheriff of Lincoln County, West Virginia in 1907 and championed the fight against bootlegging, at the time prevalent throughout the region.
The formation of Pridemore Oil was the result of the acquisition of mineral rights from farmers throughout West Virginia starting in 1905.
When oil and gas were discovered in Lincoln County, Pridemore found himself in control of the second-largest fossil fuel conglomerate in oil-rich West Virginia.
This diversification left Pridemore mostly unaffected by the economic climate of the depression, making him a major player in West Virginia politics.
It was at one time believed that Pridemore was involved in Teapot Dome due to business dealings with Sinclair Oil Corporation, but was cleared of any connection during congressional hearings.