H. L. Hunt

Haroldson Lafayette Hunt, Jr. (February 17, 1889 — November 29, 1974), known throughout his life as "H. L. Hunt," was a Texas oil tycoon and conservative activist. He built one of the world's largest fortunes by trading poker winnings for oil rights, ultimately securing title to much of the East Texas Oil Field, one of the world's very largest. Reputedly the wealthiest person in the world at the time of his death, his many children by three wives inspired the television series Dallas. Hunt was born near Ramsey, in Carson Township, Fayette County, Illinois, the youngest of eight children. He was named after his father, Haroldson Lafayette Hunt, who was a prosperous farmer-entrepreneur; his mother was Ella Rose (Myers) Hunt. Hunt was...