Michael attended school until age 16, when he quit to take his first job at the Davison Flour Mill where he worked 12 hours a day and was paid $16 a month.

[2] His wife Sarah "Sadie" Nancy Lantz Benedum, often overshadowed by her husband Michael's fame, was a crucial figure in his life.

Sadie offered invaluable advice and support as Michael built his oil empire, and they were a team both in business and philanthropy.

Though the tragic loss of their son, Claude, deeply affected them, Sadie remained a pillar of strength for Michael and continued her impactful work.

Claude Worthington Benedum, was born in 1898 in Cameron, West Virginia, but died at the age of 20 during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic while working with the United States Army on chemical warfare.

[3] Benedum's career got a lucky start after a chance encounter on a train with a superintendent of the South Penn Oil Company.

[8] Benedum made a particular effort to convince African Americans, who at that time largely identified with the Republican party, to vote Democratic.

While I am conscious that my love for the land that gave me birth has been an influence in guiding the disposition of my estate, there are other practical reasons why I have favored my native state of West Virginia.

I cannot close my eyes to the realistic consideration that Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania abound in riches, having a citizenship in which men of great wealth are more common than rare.

He bequeathed a significant portion of his vast fortune, exceeding $100 million, to both his family and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

True to his wishes, this Pittsburgh-based charity remains a pillar of support for West Virginia, channeling much of its philanthropic efforts towards the region.