20223. The Arizona Republican, Phoenix, Arizona, February 1st, 1909. Death of William Gilson, A Builder of Arizona (article)

The Arizona Republican Phoenix, Arizona February 1st, 1909 DEATH OF WILLIAM GILSON A BUILDER OF ARIZONA. He Had Been a Resident of the Territory Almost a Half Century. William Gilson, a resident of the territory for forty six years died yesterday morning at eight o’clock at his home on the Tempe road. Mr. Gilson had been in ill health a long time and his death had been expected. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been announceth Mr. Gilson was a native of Ireland and was seventy—seven years of age. He came to the territory in 1863 and engaged in mining at Walnut Grove with W.H. Kirkland and others. After that he settled on Date Creek. At that time that was an Indian country and Indians were at their worst. Mr. Gilson took his part in the struggle of these settlers against their depredations and their murdero us raids. Mr. Gilson came to the valley in 1880 and bought the old Roberts ranch. He built the St. John’s canal and the Gilson block at the corner of Second and Washington streets, now known as the Dennis block. In fact few men have done so much for the building of Phoenix and the Salt River Valley as Mr. Gilson -