Conrad Hilton

Conrad Nicholson Hilton (December 25, 1887 - January 3, 1979) noted hotelier, was born in San Antonio, New Mexico Territory, and died in Santa Monica, California. He is buried at Calvary Hills Cemetery, Dallas, Texas; He was the son of Augustus Holver Hilton and Mary Laufersweiler.

He married Mary Barron in 1925: they had three children: Conrad Nicholson Hilton, Jr.; Eric Michael Hilton; and William Barron Hilton. In 1942 he married Zsa Zsa Gabor: they had one daughter Francesca (the only child any of the three Gabor sisters bore). In 1976 Conrad Hilton married Mary Frances.

His eldest son Conrad Hilton Jr., married Elizabeth Taylor and Patricia McClintock.

Hilton bought his first hotel in Cisco, Texas, and acquired others to form the Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1946. The company expanded into credit cards, car rentals, and other travel services.

His autobiography, "Be My Guest," is excellent reading for American History and Hospitality Management students alike. It should be noted that in his early twenties, he was a representative in the first state legislature of the newly-formed State of New Mexico. (submitted by jdheim)