High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! 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.