The Hilton name is synonymous with hotels. Conrad Hilton (1887-1979) bought his first hotel at the age of 31 and acquired or built dozens more in his lifetime. Through shrewd financing and bargaining, Hilton created one of the largest hotel chains in the world.

The son of a hard-working Norwegian immigrant father and a devout Catholic mother, Conrad Nicholson Hilton grew up in the small mining town of San Antonio, in the New Mexico Territory. Hilton, known as Connie, was born December 25, 1887 to August and Mary Laufersweller Hilton. He was the second oldest of eight children and the oldest son. August Hilton was a trader and a prominent citizen of San Antonio. He owned a general store and, at various times, he also owned or operated the town's post office, bank, telegraph office and a small hotel. Hilton grew up among these businesses. Later in life, he said he...