Independent oil producer, published author, ordained Rabbi, philosopher, and philanthropist, Isador Molk was born March 5, 1893 in Lithuania.

Seeking freedom from persecution, he left his home at age 13 to immigrate to the U.S. He succeeded in attaining a formal education in spite of hardships and privation, working his way through college.

After graduating from Valparaiso University in Indiana, Molk came to El Dorado, Kansas in 1917 to learn the oil business.

From meager beginnings in the junk business, engaging in dealing used pipe and supplies, he formed the Cosmic Oil & Gas Co., and later formed the Molk Petroleum Co. Persistence and shrewdness in seeking out areas that would respond favorably to his drilling methods – areas often given up on by other drillers – brought him great success and wealth over time.

In 1970, the Molk endowment was established at Butler County College, a fund that still today provides many students with scholastic scholarships.