Weld County, History of Colorado, BIOS: GILL, William H. (published 1918) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 September 30, 1999 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 259-260 WILLIAM H. GILL. Mercantile interests ever reflect the progressive spirit of a community, in fact, they largely make up this progressive spirit, for the growth and advancement of a city is due to a large extent to the modern ideas employed in its commercial establishments. Among the modern day merchants of Greeley, Colorado, is William H. Gill, secretary and manager of the Park Merchandise Company, a reliable, conservative and thoroughly up-to-date institution, enjoying an extensive trade, covering a large part of Weld county. To the success of the enterprise Mr. Gill has largely contributed and its continued growth and expansion must be ascribed to his indefatigable spirit, his new ideas, his executive ability and that foremost principle of every successful merchant to always please his patrons. Mr. Gill was born in Jefferson county, New York. May 18, 1860, a son of William H. and Almira H. (Otis) Gill, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. The Gill family is an old and prominent one in the east, tracing their ancestry in America back to the year 1636. When yet a boy the father accompanied his parents from Vermont to New York and there he subsequently became a successful farmer and stockman, following that occupation in that state throughout his life. He and his brothers were noted throughout New York state as importers and raisers of thoroughbred Durham cattle, enjoying a very large business in this particular line. The father died in 1869, when comparatively young, and was survived by his widow for thirty-eight years, her death occurring in 1906. William H. Gill was reared in New York, completing his education in that state. Taking fate in his own hands, he then set out to make a living, making his way westward to Illinois, where he learned the butter and cheese business. The lure of the great west, however, was upon him and in 1879 he came to Colorado, locating in Greeley, Weld county, being employed by his brother-in-law, Bruce Johnson, who was engaged in the milling business. Mr. Gill continued as secretary and office man for Mr. Johnson for eight years and at the end of that time, in 1887, engaged in the mercantile business, becoming thoroughly familiar with this line. In 1892, in partnership with Bruce Johnson, he established the Park Merchandise Company, which he has directed ever since. Thorough experience, noted executive ability, pleasant and affable ways and a thorough understanding of merchandise have been the salient factors in his success. The business policy which he has instituted is well tried and has made his firm one of the most reliable in his part of the state. Full value for money received and obliging treatment of customers are the watchwords of the house. Moreover, Mr. Gill has other interests, being senior member of the firm of Gill & Decker. which is engaged largely in ranching and stock feeding. He is also president of the Gill & Decker Improvement Company, which was formed to lay out a new townsite at Gill, Colorado, the name being given to the place in honor of our subject. Through this proposition Mr. Gill is not only furthering his own interests but is contributing toward the development of his community, creating a new residential section which will prove of lasting value to his city. In their stock farm Gill & Decker operate eleven hundred acres and in that connection they have attained a position among the leading stockmen of the state. The Park Merchandise Company may be said to be not only "a" store of Greeley but "the" store, for it is the largest mercantile establishment north of Denver, and their patronage is not only drawn from the city but from a wide territory, extending far over Weld county. They carry well selected lines of goods, renowned for quality and reliability, and the firm name stands practically as a guarantee for the merchandise which they handle. In October, 1885, Mr. Gill was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. McQuiston, a daughter of John and Mary (White) McQuiston, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Illinois. The father came to Colorado in 1867, becoming one of the pioneer farmers of his section, where he passed most of his life, his labors being ended in death in 1903. Mrs. McQuiston is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Gill were born three children, Gladys, Bruce and Alice, all of whom passed away when quite young. The interests mentioned, however, do not exhaust the activities of Mr. Gill, for he is also prominently connected with ditch and irrigation projects and in that way has greatly contributed to the agricultural upbuilding of his section. To get a conception of the importance of his activities along this line it may be mentioned that he and Mr. Decker are the largest water right owners in Colorado. Mr. Gill is president of the Cache La Poudre Reservoir Company and holds the office of vice president in relation to the New Cache La Poudre Company. His political belief is that of the republican party, but while he is much interested in all matters which affect the nation, state and his community, he is not an active politician, his many interests forbidding political activity. However, he is ever ready to lend a helping hand in promoting projects of a public nature and in connection with water right companies has done much toward promoting general prosperity. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and both he and his wife take a helpful part in the work of the church. They reside at No. 1029 Eighth avenue. Greeley, and the hospitality of their home is renowned among their many friends. Fraternally Mr. Gill is a very prominent Mason, having attained the thirty second degree in this organization, and for thirty-three years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the honorable and helpful principles underlying these organizations guiding him in his conduct toward his fellowmen.