William G. Black San Juan County, New Mexico

William G. Black, who built the first grist mill in the San Juan valley in 1897, and in connection with its operation is engaged in horticultural pursuits and general farming at Fruitland, was born in Utah in 1857. In 1879 he removed to St. Johns. Arizona, and in 1896 arrived in Fruitland, where the following year he built the first grist mill in this section of the Territory. He has since developed a ranch which is devoted to general farming purposes and to the raising of fruit. In community affairs he has been somewhat active and influential and served as County treasurer in 1893-4.

He belongs to the Mormon Church and is first counselor to Bishop Nielson, of the Fruitland ward. His father has always been an elder in the Church, and about six years ago was ordained a patriarch.

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Source: History of New Mexico, Its Resources and People, Volume II, Pacific States Publishing Co., 1907.