Oklahoman Archives 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
Apro; 11, 1938. p 13

JOHN TOBIN

John Tobin—better known as Uncle John—who had the first gasoline pump in Oklahoma City, is dead, relatives here learned Sunday. He died Thursday at St. Mary’s. Kan and services will be there at 9 a. m. Monday. He was 87 years old.

In 1906 Tobin set up the first gas pump at 229 Harrison avenue. It was in the days when gasoline was sold at grocery stores. He paid S470 for the antioue gas dispenser, which he set up in front of his grocery. Joe Huckins jr. bought the first gas sold by Tobin.

Fifty gallons were sold the first day he went into the gas business. Tobin continued to operate the station until after the death of his wife in 1932. Then he leased the station, and in 1934 went to live with a daughter. Mrs. Fred Riley, at St. Mary's. Kan.

At the age of 16 Tobin came to Boston harbor from his birthplace In Waterford county Ireland. That same year —1867— he went west to Missouri. In 1906 he came from Indian Grove. Mo, to Oklahoma City to go into the grocery and gasoline business.

He was a member of the Corpus Christi Catholic church here.

Survivors Include four grandchildren here. John W. Tobin. 1732 Northwest Forty-first street: E. S. Tobin. Y. M. C. A.: Mrs. C. M Martin. 30 Southeast Thirty-first street, and Mr*. E. J. DenHaerynck. 624 Northeast Twenty-fourth street.