William Spencer Gilliam Doña Ana County, New Mexico

William Spencer Gilliam was reared to the occupation of farming, spending his youth largely in Arkansas. In 1888 he came to New Mexico and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land at Berino, and further added to his property until he had a total of 209.5 acres. In September, 1899, he came to Mesilla Park, where he has since resided. In 1905 he started a fruit orchard, making a specialty of peaches and small fruits, which are especially adapted to the soil and climate, and his orchards give every evidence of healthful growth and a promise of good crops for the future.

In 1878 Mr. Gilliam was married to Miss Delia Davis, a native of Texas, who died in 1890, leaving three children: Rexie E. and Carmen, who are attending the Agricultural College, and Rodney, who is a student in Las Cruces. Since losing his first wife Mr. Gilliam has married Josephine Newton, a native of Texas.

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