WorldWide Drilling Resource

Family Celebrates 100 Years of Well Drilling in New York State by Pamela Yorton Smith A.W. Kincaid is celebrating 100 years of water well drilling in 2016! Currently owned and operated by the fourth generation, the business has continued to provide their customers with ability, honesty, and reliability. The intriguing art of finding water started when William Kincaid needed a well on his farm in Canastota, New York. William and his two sons, Albert and Eben, built their first well drilling rig in 1916 using a steam engine. Learning through experience, Albert (A.W.) began drilling for other farmers, friends, and neighbors. The hand-built rig was drawn from site to site by a team of horses. A.W. Kincaid continued to grow, adding manpower and seven well drilling rigs. Numerous commercial jobs have been contracted throughout New York State over the years. A.W. Kincaid passed away in 1960. At that time, his wife Grace continued the management of the business until daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and William Yorton, acquired ownership. Bill started in the company after his discharge from the Air Force in 1960. He became certified through the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and was president of the Empire State Well Drillers Association from 1978-1979. Before the age of 17, their son Bruce Yorton started working in the business, and in 1990 obtained ownership. He became a certified well driller and pump installer through NGWA in 1991. Also in 1990, the water systems division was formed into a separate company andA.W. Kincaid’s grandaughter, Pamela Yorton Smith acquired ownership. She is also the office manager for both businesses. Pamela became a certified pump installer through NGWA in 2002. With average wells in the area being 100 feet deep, the company primarily uses cable tool rigs - a SpeedStar 71 and a Bucyrus Erie 20W, but also has a TH60 rotary rig when needed. Bruce and Pam continue on, confident the legacy of honesty and integrity started by their ancestors will overcome obstacles and let them continue to furnish water, a product more precious than gold. The company slogan is “Our reputation is your guarantee of satisfaction.” Editorial Note: This article original ly appeared in the Empire State Water Wel l Associat ion’s Winter 2015 issue of Hole Talk . It was reprinted with permission. WWDR caught up with William “Bill” and Barbara Yorton at the Empire State Water Well Drillers Association 2016 annual meeting. 40 MAY 2016 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®