William G. Helis, Sr.
| William George Helis, Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born |
October 17, 1886 Tropaia, Greece |
| Died |
July 25, 1950 (aged 63) Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Resting place | Metairie Cemetery |
| Residence | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Occupation | Oilman, Racehorse owner/breeder, Racetrack owner |
| Known for | Helis Stock Farm |
| Spouse(s) | Bessie Felch |
| Children |
Son: William George Jr., Daughters: Virginia, Marie, Esther |
| Awards | Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame (1991) |
William George Helis, Sr. (October 17, 1886 – July 25, 1950) was an impoverished Greek emigrant to the United States who made a fortune in the oil business and who became a major owner/breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses and racetrack owner. In his obituary, the Pittsburg Press called William Helis "one of the amazing figures of the American oilfields." [1]
A resident and legal domicile of New Orleans, Louisiana,[2] William Helis died in Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. His remains were brought home to New Orleans where he was interred in the Metairie Cemetery.[3] His mausoleum was built by American architect and sculptor, Albert Weiblen.[4]
In 1991, William Helis was posthumously inducted into the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame.[5]
William George Jr. became managing partner of his father's various oil properties and was also heavily involved in Thoroughbred horse racing.