The president of West Fertilizer is Ted Uptmore, whose family is prominent in West and operates a livestock auction business near the plant called West Auctions.

FORBES: Plant In Texas Blast Had 2006 Safety Investigation

Mr. Caro explained: "When Ted Sorenson lived at 62nd and Central Park West, " referring to JFK's speechwriter and close confidante, Mr. Caro, who was at work on his multi-volume LBJ biography and lived a few blocks north, would drop by to pick Sorenson's brain.

WSJ: The Historian's Stories

His early rival and late friend, Ted Kennedy, used to joke about campaigning in West Virginia.

WHITEHOUSE: Remembering Senator Robert Byrd